Cheap Flights to Ponte da Barca from HK$208

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Ponte da Barca could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've put together some handy hints 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 pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your trip to Ponte da Barca a pleasure. Check out our handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.