Cheap Flights to San Mateo from HK$1,283

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to San Mateo could be completely painless or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare 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 to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to San Mateo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.