Flights to Portela, Vila Nova de Famalicao from NT$2,900

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Portela escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Portela, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.