What is better for a traveler who has exceeded the distance for shortening prayers and has combined and shortened prayers, if he knows that he will catch the time of the other prayer being combined? And does a traveler shorten prayers if he stays for eight days at a station or with a friend before completing his journey?

The duration that permits concessions (qasr) during travel is four days. Therefore, whoever stays longer than that must pray in full and not shorten the prayers. As for combining prayers, it is permissible for the traveler where shortening prayers is legislated for him. However, it is better not to combine prayers, as this was the predominant practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Nevertheless, there is no harm in combining them, and his prayer is valid.