Flights to Soka, Saitama Prefecture from NT$5,212

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Soka vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Soka before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.