Cheap Flights to Santa Maria from HK$253

If you're not prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Santa Maria. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Maria in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.