Cheap Flights to Santa Maria from HK$473

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

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Santa Maria, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.