Flights to Swords, Dublin from NT$4,844

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Swords. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking 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 pocket knife) lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Watch out Swords, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.