Flights to Aasleagh, County Mayo from NT$8,500

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. Check out these handy hints that will get your Aasleagh vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by dressing in layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Aasleagh a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.