Cheap Flights to Santa Barbara from HK$1,707

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of top travel tips that will get your Santa Barbara escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are good options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

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

Being organised before your flight will help make your getaway to Santa Barbara a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.