Flights to Lapa dos Dinheiros, Seia from NT$2,164

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Lapa dos Dinheiros. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting 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 improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Lapa dos Dinheiros in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? No 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, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.