A few easy tips to help prevent the onset of DVT, a very real threat to frequent travellers

ONE of the most frequent concerns raised by air travellers is that of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal health condition that occurs when a blood clot is large enough to cause obstruction within major veins (usually in the leg) responsible for transporting blood to vital organs. Passengers on long-haul flights are most at risk, although it’s importantto be aware that the condition can occur on other modes of long-distance transport, too.

According to medical journals, people at a higher risk of being afflicted by DVT include those over the age of 40, those who smoke and those who are overweight. Women taking contraceptive pills may also have an elevated risk, as does anyone who has recently undergone major surgery.

The most common symptoms of DVT include very swollen ankles (especially if one is more swollen than the other), tender calf and/ or thigh muscles, increased redness/ warmth in one leg, rapid heart rate, excessive coughing and shortness of breath.

1 Seek advice from your doctor before travelling. Medical professionals are best placed to address your questions and proffer important advice based on your personal health profile. Consult your doctor about whether or not you should take aspirin (a blood thinner that can inhibit blood from clotting) prior to your flight.

2 Avoid crossing your legs. Health professionals advise passengers to wear compression stockings because of their ability to promote blood circulation. These stockings (usually knee-high) are available at pharmacies and other health outlets – ask your doctor and/ or check online.

3 Dehydration is a key trigger of DVT because it can lead to the thickening of blood (making it more prone to clotting). The air in planes is dry – which accelerates dehydration – making it very important to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated. Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks and coffee) before, during and after your journey.

4 Inactivity (leading to sluggish blood circulation) is a major contributing factor – indeed, DVT is commonly referred to as ‘economy class syndrome’ because the cramped seating inhibits leg movement. If you’re travelling in economy class, try to pre-book a seat that has the most leg room (like those near emergency exits) so you can stretch your legs. Aisle seats make it easier to take frequent walks.

5 Walk around the cabin as often as possible and make it a point to also stretch your arms during these times. When seated, frequently stretch your legs; rotate your ankles clockwise and anti-clockwise before stretching them up and down; wiggle your toes; and gently move your neck, shoulders and wrists.

6 It’s best to avoid taking sleeping pills as they can render you inactive for a prolonged period of time. Take short naps instead so you can walk and stretch in the interim.

FOR the vast majority of people, accommodation features as one of the most important components of the travel experience.

1 If possible, avoid toll-free reservation numbers, as many are outsourced, which makes employees less likely to be as au fait with a property’s finer details compared to on-site staff.

2 Be flexible with your reservation dates – tariffs can have significant off-season discounts. Additionally, business hotels often offer cheaper weekend deals, while tourist-oriented lodgings tend to give lower mid-week rates.

3 Better rooms are often routinely blocked off for VIPs (repeat customers; bookings made via preferred travel agents, etc). Joining a hotel’s loyalty programme is one way of garnering a superior deal, as is surfing a hotel’s website (which may offer promotional packages).

4 If it’s your honeymoon, wedding anniversary or birthday, say so when making a reservation. Hotels may offer attractive perks, from complimentary meals and champagne to room upgrades and spa treatments.

5 Haggle! You’d be surprised at how many hotels are prepared to offer a discount to those who ask politely. Some offer slashed rates to senior citizens or others (enquire directly). Before contacting a hotel, check sites like hotels.com and expedia.co.in to see if they offer cheaper rates (which the hotel may compete with). Some hotels offer better last-minute rates to fill empty rooms (if you don’t mind the risk of missing out on a room altogether).

6 Investigate package deals, especially if you’re travelling to a variety of destinations where a hotel chain has properties. Similarly, packages that include airfare/ accommodation/ sightseeing tours may also offer a better room category at a more competitive price. It pays to do your homework.

7 Get your reservation details (including any complimentary extras you negotiated) in writing. Make sure you’re clear about any cancellation or change-of-arrival penalty rates, just in case your plans unexpectedly change.

8 Don’t be shy to ask as many questions as you wish before making a reservation. Are there non-smoking floors? Is the room overlooking a busy road, or is it near a noisy elevator/ kitchen/ banquet hall? How large is the room? Is there an in-room safe? better tariffs. If they are, cancel your original reservation and book again but first be absolutely sure you won’t incur a cancellation fee.

10 Be aware that rooms can differ (despite being in the same category) within a hotel, especially at non-chain properties. It’s perfectly fine to ask to view a room before you check in and, if you don’t like it, to see others – depending on availability, most hotels are happy to reassign your room. Arriving slightly earlier than official check-in time (before rooms become occupied) is likely to increase your chances of surveying rooms.