Flights to Matosinhos, Porto from NT$2,415

If you're not prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your time in Matosinhos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

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 in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Matosinhos in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.