Flights to O Castro, O Barco de Valdeorras from NT$5,166

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to O Castro could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to O Castro a piece of cake. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.