Flights to Hillsborough, Northern Ireland from NT$31,166

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Hillsborough vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Hillsborough in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.