Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz from CA $129

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Santa Cruz could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Santa Cruz before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.