Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$4,461

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Santa Cruz could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've put together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Santa Cruz quick and painless. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.