Flights to Santo António, Ponta Delgada from NT$5,020

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Santo António could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santo António in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.