Flights to Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture from NT$2,685

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Suzaka escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Suzaka, here you come:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.