Flights to Machico, Madeira Island from NT$20,488

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and having a blast in Machico in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Machico in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.