Flights to Ilha da Madeira, Rio de Janeiro from NT$16,874

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Ilha da Madeira could be simple and straightforward or it could go on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ilha da Madeira before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.