Flights to Takayama, Gifu Prefecture from NT$5,285

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Takayama. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Takayama in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner 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-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.