Cheap Flights to Barra de São Miguel from HK$1,439

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Barra de São Miguel. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, important documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Barra de São Miguel, here you come:

• Have your travel documents and passport close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.