Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$1,064

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and discovering Santa Cruz in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, important documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are always good options. If you intend 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 hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be well organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Cruz in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.