Cheap Flights to Waterford from HK$1,080

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your holiday in Waterford. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Look out Waterford, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required 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 moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.