The anticipation of a thrilling adventure can quickly become overshadowed by the dread of nausea and discomfort. If you get motion sickness when traveling, you’re going to want to stick around for these tips.
The wheels begin to turn and the moving vehicle gains momentum. Quickly, an unwelcome sensation creeps up from the depths of your stomach. It’s motion sickness—the bane of every passenger’s existence.
Thankfully, you can find peace knowing motion sickness does not have to define you as a traveler.
It is merely a temporary obstacle—one that I, too, strive to overcome in pursuit of the adventures that await.
What is Motion Sickness
Motion sickness, or car sickness, is a condition that occurs when there is a disconnect between the sensory inputs your body receives, such as from your eyes, inner ear, and proprioceptive system.
It often happens during travel, especially when the motion perceived by these different sensory systems is conflicting or inconsistent.
Symptoms of Motion sickness
The symptoms of motion sickness can vary from person to person but generally include:
- Nausea: This is one of the most common symptoms of motion sickness. You may feel a queasy sensation in your stomach and have the urge to vomit.
- Vomiting: In severe cases, motion sickness can lead to actual vomiting, which can provide temporary relief but doesn’t always eliminate the discomfort entirely.
- Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, as if the world around you is spinning or moving.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, or cold sweats, is a common response to motion sickness and can be accompanied by clamminess.
- Fatigue: Motion sickness can make you feel tired and weak, contributing to an overall sense of discomfort.
- Salivation: Some people experience increased salivation or excessive production of saliva. However, some have claimed to have dry mouth when experiencing motion sickness.
- Pale skin: Your skin may appear paler than usual due to reduced blood flow to the skin’s surface.
- Rapid breathing: Breathing may become shallow or more rapid than normal.
- Headache: Motion sickness can sometimes lead to headaches or migraines.
- General discomfort: You may feel generally uneasy, restless, or anxious.
Just know the rewards of exploration far outweigh the discomfort that may happen while traveling.
Tips to prevent motion sickness
If you are prone to motion sickness, there are some steps you can take to alleviate or prevent its onset.
Below are some natural ways to help reduce your chances of feeling sick when traveling.
1. Choose the Right Seat
When traveling by car, opt for a seat in the front, preferably next to the driver.
Sitting in the front seat of a car offers a more stable view of the road and reduces the sensation of motion. If you cannot be the one to drive, riding in the front passenger seat is the next best option.
If you’re on a plane or a train, select a seat near the wings or close to the center, as these areas tend to experience less turbulence.
2. Focus on the Horizon
Fixating on a stationary point in the distance can help alleviate motion sickness. Whether you’re in a car, train, or boat, keep your eyes locked on the horizon or a distant landmark.
Avoid excessive reading, playing video games, and using electronic devices, as they can exacerbate symptoms.
3. Keep Fresh Air Circulating
Poor ventilation and stagnant air can contribute to your sickness. If possible, open a window or adjust the air vents to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the vehicle or cabin.
Breathing in fresh air can help stabilize your senses and reduce feelings of nausea.
4. Avoid Heavy Meals and Strong Odors
Eating heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before or during travel can increase the likelihood of sickness when in motion.
Instead of a heavy meal, opt for light, bland snacks like crackers or dry fruits. Similarly, strong odors, such as perfume or food aromas, can trigger nausea.
Keep the environment well-ventilated and avoid sitting near sources of strong smells.
5. Try Natural Remedies
Several natural remedies can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
Ginger, in the form of ginger candies, ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger capsules, has been known to provide relief.
Peppermint and chamomile teas are also soothing for an unsettled stomach. Additionally, acupressure wristbands or patches (shown below) may help reduce nausea.
Top 5 Motion Sickness Bands and Remedies
Thankfully, there are preventative medicine and bracelet bands that help tremendously.
Here are are our top 5 favorite over the counter medications and remedies to keep on hand:
1. Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Wristband
This tight fitting acupuncture band are clinically proven to relieve symptoms using pressure points.
A plastic knob sewn into the inside of this wristband exerts pressure and stimulates the P6, or Nei-Kuan, acupressure point, proven to relieve nausea and vomiting.
These are the acupressure bands we have used to prevent travel sickness. These are great for all years of age.
2. Bonine
Bonine chewable motion sickness tablets are a perfect addition to your travel kit – no water needed!
Quick, long-lasting relief for adults and children 12 yrs old & up.
For the best results & protection from motion sickness, take a tablet one hour before travel or anticipated symptoms for continual 24 hours of relief.
3. Dramamine
This popular motion sickness medicine works by blocking histamine receptors in the body.
You will want to take Dramamine about 30 minutes to an hour before travel or any activity that might trigger motion sickness. The medication’s effects can last for several hours, providing relief during the journey.
4. Motion Sickness Patches
Put the motion sickness patches behind your ear or on your navel 10 minutes before traveling. The anti-nausea effects last for 72 hrs and are highly effective!
The sea sickness patch can be used behind the ear and on the navel at the same time if serious.
5. EmeTerm Explore Anti-Nausea Wristband
This EmeTerm wristband device provides nausea relief from traveling. It is adjustable, comes with a USB charger, is waterproof, and has 5 levels of intensity.
Conclusion
Feeling nauseous can be overwhelming and frustrating. Thankfully, there are natural remedies, wristbands, and medicine you can take to prevent motion sickness. Visit the amazon links above or travel to your local drug stores to help with the prevention of motion sickness.
If your sickness persists or becomes severe, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can offer guidance and potential medications that can help manage the symptoms. Furthermore, a healthcare provider will be able to rule out other medical conditions and risk factors.
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