Flights to Porto da Cruz, Machico from NT$32,322

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Porto da Cruz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Porto da Cruz in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.