Flights to Portlaoise, County Laois from NT$5,685

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your time in Portlaoise. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, important documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Portlaoise a pleasure. Read through our useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.