Flights to Sekikawa, Niigata Prefecture from NT$8,426

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Sekikawa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare 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 one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Sekikawa before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.