Flights to Fota, County Cork from NT$8,449

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Fota could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room 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:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of a plane are not the place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a sweater as it can get quite cool inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a good choice.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression tights or socks is also a wise idea.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Fota in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.