Cheap Flights to Menlo Park from HK$379

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Menlo Park could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We've pulled 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:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

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 in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Menlo Park easy and painless. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• 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 liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.