Cheap Flights to Santa Clara from HK$1,228

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Santa Clara escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Santa Clara a piece of cake. Check out our handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.