Flights to Kiso, Nagano Prefecture from NT$5,292

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your Kiso vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up in natural fibers and pack a cardigan in case it gets cool. Always opt for well-fitting, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your checked luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another easy way to help minimize this risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Kiso a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.