Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$310

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will get your Santa Cruz escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Santa Cruz a pleasure. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will 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, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often 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 single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.