Flights to Yamagata, Nagano Prefecture from NT$11,922

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Yamagata. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Yamagata easy and painless. Below are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag 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 headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.