Cheap Flights to Batam from HK$574

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Batam. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Batam a pleasure. We've rounded up some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favourite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.