Cheap Flights to Ilha das Flores from HK$1,439

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Ilha das Flores. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Ilha das Flores before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.