Flights to Kutchan, Hokkaido Prefecture from NT$7,016

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will get your Kutchan escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are good options. If you intend to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Kutchan a pleasure. Read through our handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.