Flights to Omaki Onsen, Tonami from NT$11,932

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Omaki Onsen escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• 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 tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Omaki Onsen in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.