Flights to Agano, Niigata Prefecture from NT$5,003

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Agano escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Agano in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Have your ID and travel documents handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.