Flights to Birr, County Offaly from NT$19,590

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Birr. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Birr in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.