Flights to Torisawa, Otsuki from NT$2,975

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Torisawa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Torisawa quick and painless. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt 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 tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.