Flights to Kita Karuizawa, Naganohara from NT$18,370

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy tips that will help get your Kita Karuizawa escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Kita Karuizawa, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.