Cheap Flights to Carvoeiro from HK$496

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've made a list of essential travel tips that will get your Carvoeiro holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Carvoeiro a breeze. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Travelling with a new perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.