Flights to Sal, Cape Verde from NT$7,969

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Sal could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Here are some handy tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols 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 an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out Sal, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• 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 on board and will be confiscated.