Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$298

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Santa Cruz escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Santa Cruz a breeze. We've compiled some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.