Cheap Flights to Portbou from CA $483

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will help get your Portbou escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave 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 authorities. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Portbou in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.