Flights to Manza Onsen, Tsumagoi from NT$5,549

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and having a blast in Manza Onsen before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat 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 arrive at the airport will make your trip to Manza Onsen a breeze. Here are some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.