Motion sickness can turn a pleasant journey into a miserable experience for many travelers. Whether you’re on a plane, train, or automobile, motion sickness can strike at any time.
It’s important to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, and dealing with motion sickness is crucial to starting your voyage on the right foot. While there is no miracle cure, there are several precautions and remedies you can try to alleviate some of the discomfort.
In this article, we will provide you with our best tips for preventing and managing motion sickness, whether you’re traveling on the open road, in the sky, or at sea.
Understanding Motion Sickness
Before we delve into the tips for conquering motion sickness, let’s take a moment to understand what it is and why it happens. Motion sickness is a result of an inner-ear disturbance caused by movement. It occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your senses.
For example, if you’re in a car and looking down at a book, your eyes don’t register the movement, but the fluids in your inner ear tell your brain otherwise. This sensory mismatch can lead to nausea and discomfort.
Top Tips for Conquering Motion Sickness
Now that we have a better understanding of motion sickness, let’s explore some effective strategies for preventing and managing it:
1. Eat before traveling
It may seem a little counter-intuitive, but having a light meal before your journey can help keep motion sickness at bay. Avoid overeating, but aim to have a comfortably full stomach. If you do end up vomiting, it’s better to expel food rather than stomach bile.
Stick to simple and familiar foods, and avoid anything that you know triggers queasiness, such as seafood. Check out our post on flying-friendly foods for more tips on what to eat and what to avoid.
2. Choose the least sickening seat
Whenever possible, select a seat that minimizes motion. In a car, opt for a front seat, as it experiences the least amount of movement. On a plane, choose a seat over the wings or in the middle cabin section to reduce the effects of turbulence.
On a cruise ship, book a room on the lowest level near the center of the boat, where you’ll feel the least motion. By reducing the amount of bouncing and swaying, you can help prevent motion sickness.
3. Be conscious of your eyes
Pay attention to what your eyes are doing during your travels. Reading, staring at screens, or focusing on nearby objects can accelerate and worsen motion sickness symptoms.
Instead, try to focus on a fixed point on the horizon. This will help align your vision with the movements detected by your inner ear and reduce the sensory disconnect that causes discomfort.
4. Stay hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is essential while traveling. Drink plenty of water throughout your journey. Ginger ale, club soda, and sports drinks can also help settle your stomach.
Even if you vomit, it’s important to continue hydrating. Although you might not keep everything down, replenishing fluids is key to maintaining your well-being.
5. Focus on breathing
Taking deep and steady breaths can help you relax and alleviate motion sickness symptoms. If possible, open a vent or window for fresh air to further aid in relaxation.
6. Consider medication
If motion sickness becomes a serious issue for you, over-the-counter Meclizine (such as Dramamine) can help prevent symptoms.
For extended trips or severe cases, it’s advisable to consult your physician for prescription options that are suitable for your condition.
7. Avoid proximity to others with motion sickness
Although it’s natural to want to comfort fellow travelers who are experiencing motion sickness, it’s best to maintain your distance. Motion sickness can be psychologically contagious, meaning that being around someone who is feeling unwell increases your chances of feeling sick as well. So, try to avoid close contact with those who are experiencing motion sickness.
8. Try wristbands for acupuncture pressure
Believe it or not, applying pressure to a specific part of your wrist can help prevent nausea associated with motion sickness. Acupuncture wristbands or acupressure bands are commonly used for this purpose and can be easily purchased at pharmacies or online.
9. Be prepared with an emergency plan
If you are prone to motion sickness, it’s always a good idea to have an emergency plan in place.
Keep a bag or bucket within reach in case you need to vomit. This way, you can manage any unexpected episodes more efficiently and with minimal discomfort.
Also make sure to check out: How to Build Your Own First Aid Kit for Travel
Conclusion
Motion sickness may be an unwanted companion on your travel adventures, but with the right strategies, you can minimize its impact. By following these tips, you can make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable. Bon voyage!