Flights to Downpatrick, Northern Ireland from NT$2,404

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Downpatrick. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Downpatrick a breeze. Below are some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Have your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.