Flights to Kitami, Hokkaido Prefecture from NT$14,188

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your vacation in Kitami. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• 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 or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Kitami, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take 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), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.