Flights to Camara de Lobos, Madeira Island from NT$38,817

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Camara de Lobos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Camara de Lobos a pleasure. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.