Flights to Pititinga, Rio do Fogo from NT$52,811

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've made a list of handy hints that will get your Pititinga vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged 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.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Pititinga in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.