Flights to Sakura, Chiba Prefecture from NT$5,382

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

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight often lies in the clothes you wear. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. But the good news is there are proven ways to lower your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander through the cabin whenever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Sakura a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.