Flights to Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture from NT$5,134

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. We've compiled a list of handy hints that will help get your Nagatoro escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Nagatoro in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• 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. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.