Cheap Flights to Berlin

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Berlin could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Berlin, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.