Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Santa Cruz could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Santa Cruz in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your coat, belt, 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 before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.