Cheap Flights to Heidelberg from HK$858

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Heidelberg holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Heidelberg, here you come:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• 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 items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.