Flights to Murakami, Niigata Prefecture from NT$9,247

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Murakami could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight will make your getaway to Murakami easy and painless. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.