Cheap Flights to Chapada dos Guimarães from HK$686

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Chapada dos Guimarães could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Chapada dos Guimarães, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.