Flights to Minami-Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture from NT$4,379

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Minami-Alps could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Here are some handy hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop 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 or pointed objects lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a cardigan just in case you get chilly. Pick a pair of flat, slightly roomy shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There's plenty you can do to lessen your risk. Wear compression socks or tights, stay hydrated and get your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Minami-Alps in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.