Travel Carefully!

Road, journeys are very popular with Nigerians especially journeys to the east and north of the country, while these trips offer a great opportunity to see the people and sights that make up our country. Long distance travel can be unpleasant if not properly planned.

Here are some tips to help you travel cheerfully.

• Avoid drinks such as colas, tea and coffee that contain caffeine at least 24 hours before the trip.
• Reduce salt intake 24-48 hours before traveling, as sitting for long hours tends to slow circulation down. Swellings around the ankles and feet due to water retention can be very painful.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing made from lightweight fabrics.
• Take a book or some newspapers along to stave off boredom if you can't sleep during bus rides.
• Sleep a lot if you can. The trip offers you a great opportunity to relax.
• At each major stop get off the bus and stretch your limbs. Exercises can also be done while sitting in the bus. Rotate each ankle several times, first to the right and then the left. Next give toes a stretch by wriggling them up and down.
• Raise arms above head and reach upwards. First to right and then left, several times during the journey.
• Above all have a positive attitude and enjoy the scenery as the bus breezes past villages, cities, valleys and the forest and amazing stone formations. Notice the ever-changing vegetation and the different communities and their peculiar building etc. have fun.

What To Do When Your Bus Breaks Down

Vehicle breakdown can be irritating to both the passengers and the transporters. That is why at ABC Transport, a crew of trained mechanics maintain a scheduled preventive maintenance for all the buses to eradicate breakdowns.

However, since this cannot be completely avoided, the company has equipped its drivers with Rebate Forms. In the event of a breakdown, passengers who complete this form are entitled to a rebate (the value of the uncompleted trip) which is credited on purchase of a ticket on their next trip with the company.

So, whenever your bus breaks down on the road, (this does not happen often though), do not panic. Just ask your driver for the Rebate Form.

Security Tips For Women Traveling Alone

• Study a map before going out; once on the street, use a pocket size guidebook to avoid looking like a tourist. Your hotel assistant can mark any dangerous areas on your map.
• Dress responsibly.
• Avoid jewelry, even a neck chain can be ripped off your neck. Do consider wearing a wedding ring.
• Wear a money belt around your waist so that if someone cuts it, it won't fall from your waist.
• Be careful when alighting from a bus or train, or riding stairs and elevators, that's when pickpockets tend to strike.
• Carry just one credit card and photocopies of important documents. Divide money for small and larger purchases. You don't have to expose a wad of bills.
• Have all gratuities ready for Potters and Doormen.
• If you must ask for directions, approach families or women with children. To be extra safe, say,"where is the….? I'm meeting my husband there."
• On side walks, keep your hand bag and other valuables away from the street side.
• If you are attacked, shout as loud as possible.
• Use a clear name tag. Instead of your home address, write that of your office.
• Lock all suitcases. If you made a lot of purchases on your trip, secure the bag with a strong padlock and tape.
• On every sleeper or night trips and flights, keep an eye on your valuable. When you go to the toilet, take your purse with you.
• Don't exit a taxi until you're sure you've arrived at your destination. Pay while still in the car so that you can be sure you've gotten the proper change.
• Finally, if you're a victim of crime, contact the police and keep the report. Insurance Company requires this documentation.