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Hello to my fellow travelers!

I hope you are enjoying beautiful fall weather. I feel as if the transition from summer to fall happened in the blink of an eye but fortunately the weather in Detroit has been warmish and sunny! I spent most of my summer visiting family and finalizing the next Culinary Travels to Peru next year. I am happy to say that trip is sold out!

A Travel Health PSA + My Tips for Surviving 10-, 12- and 16-Hour Flights!

The recent reports about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) have sparked some serious conversations about athlete safety.

There are questions circulating online about who medically cleared him to play, whether his condition was fully understood at the time, and whether the pressure surrounding the NFL’s London game influenced any decisions. I have been taken back to one of my favorite movies "Any Given Sunday"!

What we do know medically is that DVT and pulmonary embolism are potentially life-threatening conditions. A blood clot can form in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and part of that clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism.

A significant pulmonary embolism can put tremendous strain on the right side of the heart, interfere with oxygenation and blood circulation, and, in severe cases, cause sudden death.

Jalen apparently developed the DVT after trauma to his leg and then a long flight to London with little mobility due to the injury. Thank goodness he’s alive.

So let us talk for a second about blood clots and long-distance travel.

A Travel Health PSA: Are You at Risk for Blood Clots?

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to develop a DVT.

Sitting for prolonged periods, particularly four hours or longer, during a flight, road trip, or train journey can increase your risk. That risk is especially important for people with a personal or family history of blood clots, inherited clotting disorders, recent surgery, limited mobility, pregnancy, or certain hormonal medications.

One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk is to MOVE!

Get up and walk periodically, stretch your legs, flex your ankles, and keep those calf muscles working.

And let’s talk about compression socks!

I wear mine on flights longer than six hours, and my husband wears them too. They’re great for compression and keeping your legs warm, especially on those freezing airplanes. These days, you can find them in so many cute colors and designs!

If you have increased risk factors, speak with your physician about properly fitted graduated compression stockings and whether additional preventive measures are appropriate.

Now, thanks to my tiny bladder, I have absolutely NO problem getting up during a long flight! LOL! I’m constantly making trips to the bathroom.

My husband, on the other hand, could probably sleep for 15 hours in the exact same position! I am forever reminding him to GET UP and walk around.

We both wear our compression socks, but movement is still important.

And remember, if you experience unexplained swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness in one leg, seek prompt medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood could indicate a pulmonary embolism and requires emergency care.

The goal isn’t to scare you away from traveling. It’s to help you travel safely and recognize when something isn’t right.

How Do I Survive Those 10-, 12- and 16-Hour Flights?

People ask me this ALL the time!

Between my personal travels and hosting international group trips with Culinary Travels by The Sophisticated Life, I’ve spent countless hours in the air.

I’ve traveled to Thailand, South Africa, Dubai, Australia, New Zealand, and most recently Japan with my Culinary Travels group earlier this year.

Some of those journeys involved long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights. I prefer nonstop long flights over connecting flights any day of the week!

And here’s something you may not know about me: I actually have a fear of flying!

Yes, the woman who travels around the world is afraid of flying. LOL!

So believe me, getting through a 14- or 16-hour flight is a major accomplishment.

If it’s an overnight flight and the ride is smooth, I’m usually fine. I can fall asleep, wake up, watch a movie or two, read for a while, and before I know it, we’re preparing to land.

But turbulence?

That’s another story!

If we’re experiencing significant turbulence, I am WIDE AWAKE, sitting upright, waiting for it to stop. And if my husband is sitting next to me, you can be sure I’m squeezing his hand!

Thankfully, I’ve developed a routine that makes these flights much more manageable.

One of the things I actually appreciate about long-haul flights is having uninterrupted time to watch movies, read, listen to music, and rest.

For someone who’s constantly juggling medicine, travel planning, and running a business, sometimes those hours in the air are a rare opportunity to do absolutely nothing! Below are some tips to help you get ready for long-haul flights.

Travel Is Wonderful. Protecting Your Health Is Essential.

I’ve visited incredible destinations across the world, and I have no intention of allowing my fear of flying—or the length of a flight—to keep me from exploring.

Now I want to hear from YOU!

What’s your best tip for surviving a long-haul flight? Do you have a favorite travel accessory, snack, or routine that makes those long hours more bearable?

Share your tips with me. I’m always looking for new ideas!

Meet Nadeen: Nadeen hosts small-group luxury food and wine tours around the world, designed for travelers who want to connect through culture, cuisine, and community. As a certified luxury travel advisor, she also curates custom itineraries—ranging from wine regions and foodie hotspots to unforgettable global adventures.

With 6 continents explored and a WSET Level 2 wine certification, she combines expertise, passion, and purpose to help travelers experience the world deeply—traveling well and eating even better.

nadeen@thesophisticatedlife.com

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