Flights to São Tomé, Ponte da Barca from NT$2,164

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and discovering São Tomé in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave 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. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to São Tomé in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume or 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're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.