Cheap Flights to Rio de Janeiro from CA $48

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Rio de Janeiro could be a breeze or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Rio de Janeiro a pleasure. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.