Flights to Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture from NT$22,195

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Yakushima. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Yakushima before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.