Cheap Flights to Monterey from HK$5,249

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your holiday in Monterey. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organised before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Monterey before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.