Newcastle in the North East part of England is a favorite location for people looking for a short break. There are lots of different things to do and see as you would expect in most cities with a good selection of shopping, evening entertainment and eating places.

Newcastle has very good nightlife with ample clubs as well as a converted ferry which is now a night club providing seven areas of different types of music. There is a good choice of dining options providing outstanding food of different types ranging from the usual Indian and Italian to excellent small bistros. If you do not want to go clubbing there is normally other options either a large music or show event in the Metro Radio Arena or one of the other favorite venues.

Shopping in Newcastle city center is acceptable however nearly all serious shoppers will go to nearby Gateshead to the Gateshead Metrocentre, which is by far the largest shopping area in the region. You will discover all the usual major brand stores as well as many other local ones so you will not be short of options.

Traveling to Newcastle is simple as there are a number of alternatives to get you there. Bus is usually the best priced choice and will take you to the bus station in Newcastle center. Traveling by rail is also a possible choice however it tends to be more expensive than the bus. Traveling by train is non-stop from London and any other main rail station on the East Coast train line. The other option for a visit to Newcastle from within the UK is to travel by car. Newcastle is only around a three hours drive from Manchester and you can get there from Leeds in about two hours.

Getting to Newcastle by air is normally the quickest alternative and in many cases if you get a low-cost airline ticket it could in reality work out similar to the rail fare. This is subject to when you reserve your flights and the days when you travel.

There are lots of different accommodation alternatives in Newcastle and it is simple to find a great deal for a hotel in the heart of Newcastle providing you with access to all that Newcastle has to offer. Make the most of your trip and plan ahead you will not only save cash but you will have a better stay.

Make the most of your stay in Newcastle and find the best Newcastle flights and accommodation with tips from travel expert Brian Bain of travel web site Travel Bites

Commercial air flights cause airline passengers blood to become thicker and slow down, especially in the lower extremities, which can increase the possibility of developing blood clots. The longer the flight, the greater the medical risk. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by a blood clot forming in one of a persons legs. This is a very serious medical emergency. If this dangerous clot breaks off, it may travel to the lungs which then could be fatal.

A common misconception is that younger, stronger, and physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Recent research shows that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, such as athletes, are in reality more at risk than the general population. People that have a history of swollen legs can also be at risk. Other people who are at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or on hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Obesity may also be a factor.

There are actually two sets of symptoms pertaining to deep vein thrombosis that you should be aware of. The first milder set of symptoms may appear during your flight or within the following couple of days. These symptoms are redness, swelling, tenderness, or cramps in one of your lower legs, or some swelling or bruising behind one of your knees. The second set of symptoms are more severe and usually appear within two or more days after a blood clot has formed. They are fainting, shortness of breath, rapid or painful breathing, chest pain which can be accompanied by pain in the shoulder, coughing up blood, and a fever.

What can contribute to these serious symptoms?

Deep vein thrombosis can occur in your lower legs at anytime when you are sitting in one position for a long period of time without moving. Some research shows that you are at three times the risk of developing this serious medical condition when flying. Driving and traveling by bus or train, or even sitting in your favorite easy chair can also cause it.

How can you, as an airline passenger, lessen or prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?

You can help prevent DVT from developing in your legs by increasing your circulation. If you are predisposed to any of the risks above, you may want to book an aisle seat to give you some more room to move and enable you to get up and walk around at anytime without disturbing other passengers.

A number of experts suggest that when flying you should wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tight fitting slacks and elastic support socks or stockings; moving and exercising your legs frequently when sitting; changing your sitting position often; not sitting with your legs crossed; walking up and down the aisle every half-hour or so, and drinking a sports drink like Gatorade so you dont become dehydrated.

It is very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which could be fatal. If you develop any of the above symptoms you must seek medical help immediately. Inform the doctor who is treating you that have just recently flown and you think that it could be a blood clot. If the physician doesnt believe it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing any chest problems, insist that he or she do a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger. It only takes a couple of minutes and will prevent a serious misdiagnosis of your condition.

AirHealth.org, is an excellent website. This professional, non-profit organization is dedicated to your health when you travel on commercial airline flights. There is a lot of valuable up-to-date information and research on their website about deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer that you can download and take with you when you fly. This flyer is available in English, French, and Spanish.