The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Recovering from Motion Sickness

I have been sea sick twice and vown to NEVER experience it again! Motion sickness, of any variety, can turn exciting travel plans into an uncomfortable, even unbearable experience. Whether you're flying, cruising, or on a road trip, we have tips to help you prevent, or manage, it. We'll dive into the best tips for avoiding motion sickness, remedies that work, and how to pack a motion-sickness kit for your next adventure.

Causes of Motion Sickness?

What is motion sickness? It happens when there’s a disconnect between what your eyes see and how your body perceives movement. Many people can experience car sickness, sea sickness, and other forms of motion sickness. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. Fortunately, with the right preparation and techniques, you can prevent or treat motion sickness.

Top Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

1. Choose the Right Seat

The key to preventing motion sickness often starts with where you sit, as minimizing motion can reduce symptoms.

• On Planes: Opt for a seat over the wings, as this is the most stable part of the aircraft. A window seat allows you to focus on the horizon, which can help stabilize your senses.

• In Cars: To avoid getting carsick, sit in the front passenger seat to experience less motion. If you're driving, you're less likely to get sick because your body can anticipate the movement.

• On Cruises: Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship, as close to water level as possible. This is where you'll feel the least amount of movement and less likely to get seasick.

• On Trains: Forward-facing seats close to the middle of the car tend to be the best option for reducing motion discomfort.

2. Watch What You Eat and Drink

What you consume before and during your journey can have a big impact on whether you experience motion sickness:

• Eat light meals: Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy food before traveling. These can upset your stomach. Check out our post on healthy snacks for travel.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you and worsen nausea. Learn more about the importance of trip hydration.

• Snack wisely: Plain crackers or ginger-flavored snacks can help settle your stomach.

3. Use Natural Remedies

Many travelers swear by natural remedies to prevent or alleviate motion sickness symptoms.

• Ginger: Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea. You can consume it as ginger tea, ginger candy, or in capsule form before your trip.

• Peppermint: Peppermint oil or tea can also calm your stomach and reduce nausea.

• Acupressure Wristbands: These wristbands stimulate pressure points in the wrist to reduce nausea. They’re widely available and can be a good non-medicinal option.

4. Medications for Motion Sickness

If you’re prone to severe motion sickness, consider bringing along some over-the-counter medications. Be sure to consult your doctor for advice.

• Antihistamines: Medications like Dramamine or Bonine can be taken before your journey to prevent nausea. They’re most effective when taken 30-60 minutes before traveling.

• Scopolamine Patches: These patches, worn behind the ear, are commonly prescribed for preventing motion sickness during long journeys, especially on cruises.

How to Pack a Motion-Sickness Kit

Being prepared can make all the difference if you start to feel ill while traveling. Pack a compact motion-sickness kit to ensure you have everything you need:

• Ginger chews or tea: Keep these on hand for natural nausea relief.

• Acupressure wristbands: Lightweight and easy to wear, these can help reduce symptoms.

• Antihistamines: Bring motion-sickness tablets like Dramamine or Bonine.

• Plastic bags: In case of vomiting, keep sealable bags nearby.

• Cool wipes or towels: Use these to cool down and feel refreshed.

• Water and light snacks: Staying hydrated and nibbling on crackers can help you recover.

• Essential oils: Peppermint oil or a rollerball of lavender oil can help calm your senses.

What to Do If You Get Motion Sick

Even if you take every precaution, you may still experience symptoms. Here’s how to quickly manage motion sickness:

1. Look at the Horizon: Focusing on a stable point, like the horizon, can help your brain reconcile the motion.

2. Take Deep Breaths: Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth to calm your nervous system.

3. Close Your Eyes: Shutting your eyes can help reduce visual stimuli that worsen nausea.

4. Avoid Screens and Books: Reading or looking at screens can exacerbate symptoms, so keep your focus outside.

5. Move Fresh Air: Crack open a window, use a fan, or step outside to get some fresh air. This can ease symptoms.

Additional Tips for Specific Types of Travel

For Air Travel

• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before the flight.

• If turbulence worsens your symptoms, ask your flight attendant for ice chips to chew on, which can soothe your stomach.

For Car Travel

• Sit in the front seat and keep your eyes on the road.

• Take frequent breaks to stretch and get some fresh air.

For Cruises

• Stay on deck as much as possible and focus on the horizon.

• Consider wearing a scopolamine patch for multi-day cruises.

For Train Travel

• Choose forward-facing seats, and if you start to feel sick, try walking through the train cars to help your body adjust to the motion.

Final Thoughts

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. By following these tips—selecting the best seats, using natural remedies, and packing a motion-sickness kit—you can prevent or manage symptoms. Next time you travel, you’ll be prepared to enjoy the journey rather than dreading it!

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