Cheap Flights to Karuizawa from HK$558

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Karuizawa escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Karuizawa, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, 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.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.