Cheap Flights to São Paulo from CA $48

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Sao Paulo could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We've put together some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Sao Paulo, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.