Flights to Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture from NT$5,191

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Shodoshima. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Shodoshima in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.