Flights to Hiratsuka, from NT$5,241

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your time in Hiratsuka. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Hiratsuka before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.