Cheap Flights to Athlone from HK$996

If you're not prepared, travelling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Athlone. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Athlone, here you come:

• Keep your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.