Flights to Sakaki, Nagano Prefecture from NT$4,130

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in Sakaki. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Sakaki in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.