Cheap Flights to Stinson Beach from HK$389

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips that will get your Stinson Beach holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged 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.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Stinson Beach quick and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on 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-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.