Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from HK$5,286

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Santa Cruz could be a breeze or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Cruz in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.