Flights to Knockananna, County Wicklow from NT$4,154

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Knockananna. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Knockananna easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.