Flights to Kurosawa, Kiso from NT$4,845

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Kurosawa escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance 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 socks or tights.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Kurosawa before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.