Flights to Lisbon, Leesburg from NT$5,591

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Lisbon. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget 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 pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Lisbon, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass 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 bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.