If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to fly into. Praia has just one – Praia Intl. Airport (RAI).

If you’re basing yourself in central Praia, you’ll be there within moments after flying into Nelson Mandela International Airport. The terminal is only 5 kilometres from the downtown area.

People from all around the world go through Nelson Mandela International Airport each day. Get off the plane, collect your bags and you’ll find yourself 5 kilometres from the central Praia streets.

There are a total of 8 air carriers connecting Praia with 11 airports across the world.

TAP Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines are some of the most sought-after airlines that offer flights to Praia. Travelers often choose Lisbon District to take off from with TAP Portugal flying this route the most.

Organizing an exciting Praia vacation is a walk in the park when there are 74 nonstop flights each week to get you there.

A large number of flights to Praia take off from Lisbon District, Dakar and Mindelo airports.

If you’re flying to Praia from Lisbon District, you’re looking at a flight time of 4 hours and 18 minutes. Those departing from Mindelo can expect to be airborne for 55 minutes. From Espargos it’s approximately 45 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Praia until the very last minute. That’s one move frequent travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to pick up a fantastic deal by flying into a less busy terminal. Lastly, another simple way to save some cash is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you stumble on a fantastic deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Praia could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We’ve pulled together some useful travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you’ve got all the right things. Firstly, you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice in clothes. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. The great news is there are numerous ways to lower your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, get up and wander the aisles as often as you can and wear compression socks or tights.

It’s all about being prepared. We’ve rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Praia, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don’t hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.