Flights to Obuse, Nagano Prefecture from NT$14,202

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in Obuse. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Obuse in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.