Cheap Flights to Clare Island from HK$2,501

If you're not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Clare Island.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, breathable clothing and take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Always go with flat, slightly roomy shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your luggage.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There's plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression tights or socks, drink plenty of water and get your legs and feet moving. Walk the aisles of the cabin or try out some exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Clare Island a piece of cake. Below are some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport 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 close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take 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), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.