Cheap Flights to Portimão from HK$297

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Portimão could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Portimão in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.