Cheap Flights to Monterey from HK$1,287

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

• First things first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Monterey in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring 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.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.