Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$234

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and having a blast in Santa Cruz in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Santa Cruz, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.