Flights to Nilopolis, Rio de Janeiro from NT$2,248

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Nilopolis. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Nilopolis easy and painless. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.