Travel/Tourism
The Dangers of Long-distance Travel
Travelling far distances by car, bus, plane, or train is not always fun. Did you know it can even have a harmful impact on your health, too? Long-distance travel, especially by car, taxi, or bus, can increase the risk of blood clot formation, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In many instances, people sit still in cramped and confined conditions for hours when they’re travelling a far way. But warns Dr Helen Okoye, a medical expert and spokesperson for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign, prolonged periods of inactivity can be dangerous.
“When our bodies are in a static position for a lengthy period, our blood circulation slows down, leading to poor circulation and blood pooling in the lower extremities of your body. This can lead to a DVT, where a blood clot forms in your calves,” says Dr Okoye. If this clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
If the vehicle you’re travelling in is packed with passengers, there may be no room to stretch your legs out. The driver may also be on a tight schedule, meaning limited bathroom stops and opportunities to stretch your legs during the trip.
Dr Okoye cautions that constricted seating that leads to passengers sitting in one position for a long time reduces blood flow and increases the risk of clot formation. “When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles don’t contract, which normally helps the blood circulate,” she says.
Who is at risk?
Although prolonged immobility is bad for everyone, specific factors could raise the risk even more. Individuals with a history of blood clotting disorders, who are elderly or obese, who have recently had surgery, or who have a leg cast with limited mobility are at a higher risk. Pregnancy, or three months after giving birth, places women at a higher chance of getting a thrombosis, too.
“Going back home after giving birth or having had surgery so that loved ones can take care of you is understandable, but be aware of the thrombosis risk that comes with long-distance travelling,” says Dr Okoye.
If you have a history of blood clotting disorders, she advises that you consult with your healthcare provider before travelling. In some cases, you might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk. You could also consider wearing graduated compression stockings to help improve blood circulation.
Before your trip
Prior to your trip, engage in regular physical activity to improve overall circulation and strengthen your muscles. Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid excessive salt intake, as it can contribute to fluid retention. Smoking can also increase the risk of blood clot formation, so it’s best to avoid it before and during your travel.
During the trip
Having to cope with tight legroom and restricted movement is tricky, but there are preventive measures to take.
“Hot, dry weather and inadequate fluid intake during travel can lead to dehydration, which can thicken the blood and contribute to clot formation. Drink plenty of water during your trip to avoid dehydration and maintain proper blood viscosity. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as they can contribute to dehydration,” says Dr Okoye.
“Wear loose-fitting clothing and stay as active as possible. Move your legs frequently, flex your ankles and knees, and take short walks whenever possible. In a bus, consider standing up and stretching in the aisle. Adjust your seating position regularly to improve circulation, and use pillows or cushions to provide support and comfort,” she advises.
Remove your shoes and, if possible, elevate your legs periodically to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Avoid crossing your legs – this can impede blood flow, so keep your legs uncrossed while seated. When you do stop for a break, stretch your body, and walk around for a bit before you sit down again.
Warning signs
According to the WTD campaign, one in four people in the world is dying from conditions caused by thrombosis, but knowing blood clot signs and symptoms can help you spot or prevent blood clots. The most common symptoms of DVT in long-distance travel are usually swelling or pain in the leg or arm, skin that is warm and tender to touch, or redness of the skin.
Remember that these preventive measures are general recommendations and may not be suitable for everyone, says Dr Okoye. ”If you have specific health concerns or conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on a trip to find out if you are at risk of getting blood clots and if it is safe for you to travel a long distance.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled 30 airport electric shuttle which will be used to complement airside and landside logistics.
The shuttle, which comprises 10 vehicles and 20 saloon cars, will cost N10,000 per passenger from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the City Centre.
Speaking at the event, the governing board chairman of FAAN, Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, said: “Electric vehicles offer clear operational and environmental benefits. They are cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping FAAN minimise its ecological footprint. Their use will contribute to healthier airport environments and a more comfortable work and travel experience.
“From a logistics standpoint, electric vehicles also enhance monitoring, coordination and compliance. Their predictable performance and lower maintenance demands improve operational planning, accountability and service reliability. Ultimately, this translates into more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly services.
“This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”
Mr Ganduje pledged the commitment of the board to ensure that the initiative is utilised, maintained, and expanded to other airports in the country.
On her part, the managing director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku noted that the agency has secured approval to deploy 100 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles at Lagos and Abuja airports.
“We have secured approval to deploy 100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to operate as airport shuttles at both Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is a monumental step towards greening our operations and reducing our carbon footprint.”
“We proudly begin this journey with the first phase: the launch of these 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses. They represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation”.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would be replicated across all airports in the country.
The head of Fleet Operations of Possible EVS, Mrs Abimbola Gyer while stating that the transport fare would be subsidised for passengers, added that operations would commence from 7am to 7pm daily.
“We partner with NEV Electric, the manufacturer of the electric buses. We would be moving passengers from the airport to the city centre at the rate of N10,000 and as demand continues, we will expand our hub. The operations will start from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily,” she noted.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The travel and tourism service powered by Interswitch, Quickteller Travel, has been issued a certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is now fully equipped to connect African travellers to global destinations, support airlines and partners with reliable distribution and settlement, and set a new standard for trusted, digitally enabled travel across the continent.
The IATA accreditation reinforces Quickteller Travel’s operational credibility, compliance standards, and ability to deliver secure, efficient, and globally recognised travel services.
It also strengthens the platform’s positioning as a reliable partner for airline bookings, corporate travel management, and end-to-end travel solutions across Africa and beyond.
The certification is a milestone that places the brand among a global network of trusted and accredited travel service providers.
This achievement comes at a time when Africa’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing renewed growth, driven by increased business travel, regional connectivity, and digital adoption.
With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is poised to offer individuals, SMEs, corporate organisations, airlines, and other travel stakeholders a seamless digital experience, supported by Interswitch’s trusted payment infrastructure.
Integrated into the broader Quickteller and Interswitch ecosystem, Quickteller Travel combines global accreditation with local insight, offering African travellers and businesses a secure, seamless, and digitally empowered experience.
The Vice President for Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch, Ms Nnenna Ajanwachuku, said, “The IATA certification is a strong validation of Quickteller Travel’s operational standards, governance, and commitment to excellence. It enhances trust for travellers, corporate partners, and global airline stakeholders who rely on accredited platforms for secure and transparent travel transactions.
“For Interswitch, this milestone reinforces our mission to build technology-led solutions that unlock access, simplify commerce, and connect Africa to the global economy.”
Ms Ajanwachuku added that the approval would enable Quickteller Travel to deepen partnerships with airlines and travel service providers while offering customers greater confidence, choice, and value.
“Quickteller Travel is not just a booking platform; it is part of an ecosystem designed to make travel more accessible, reliable, and digitally enabled for Africans. Powered by Interswitch’s heritage of trust and innovation, we are building a platform that meets global standards while responding to local travel needs,” she said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Two key players in the Nigerian aviation industry, Emirates and Air Peace, have activated a bilateral interline agreement aimed to expand air connectivity between Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and London.
The two airline operators are building on their existing partnership to offer their passengers frictionless, single-ticket travel and with through-checked baggage, on select routes, resulting in greater travel comfort and convenience for customers.
Beyond the 13 cities in Nigeria already available for Emirates passengers on Air Peace’s network, the enhanced interline agreement now enables travellers to connect with Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal, both via Abidjan; and with Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia, both via Accra. The additional gateways allow more passengers in Africa to access Emirates world-class product and services, and vast global network.
The agreement allows Air Peace to connect its extensive West and Central African route system into Emirates’ hub in Dubai, and on key destinations including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Stansted, Abidjan, Accra and, of course, Lagos.
With huge demand for travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, providing Air Peace passengers with increased choice, flexibility, and global reach.
Emirates operates a Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai-Lagos route, providing travellers with one of the best experiences in the sky.
Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages, while tuning in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment – including Nollywood classics – on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
As one of only two airlines operating a First Class cabin into Nigeria, Emirates offers an unrivalled travel experience defined by comfort, privacy and luxurious touches.
With a fleet of over 50 aircraft including Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, Embraers, Air Peace operates an expanding network of domestic, regional, and international services, connecting major cities across Africa and beyond.
The airline remains committed to strengthening intra-African connectivity, supporting trade and tourism, and contributing meaningfully to economic development across the continent.
“Enhancing our interline partnership with Air Peace allows us to expand our footprint across more of Africa, creating new opportunities for people to fly better with Emirates, while helping international tourists explore more of the region, via Lagos.
“We remain committed to working with strategic partners such as Air Peace to further strengthen Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors,” the Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, said.
His counterpart at Air Peace, Nowel Ngala, while commenting, said, “This interline agreement with Emirates represents a major step in Air Peace’s strategic vision to connect Africa more efficiently to global markets.
“By combining our strong regional presence with Emirates’ extensive international network, we are delivering seamless connectivity, improved travel experience, and greater access to key global destinations for African travellers. This partnership further reinforces Air Peace’s role as a critical bridge between Africa and the global aviation ecosystem.”
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
Pingback: The Dangers of Long-distance Travel – African Budget Bureau