Flights to Porto Frade, Angra dos Reis from NT$7,010

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Porto Frade. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea 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, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is 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.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Porto Frade before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.