Flights to Callan, County Kilkenny from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Callan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Callan in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.