Flights to Noborikawa, Yubari from NT$2,635

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of essential travel tips that will get your Noborikawa escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Noborikawa in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.