How to Prevent Motion Sickness on Road Trips and Boat Rides

Feeling nauseous while traveling can make any trip uncomfortable. Whether you’re on a long road trip or taking a boat ride, motion sickness can leave you dizzy, lightheaded, and uneasy.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when the brain gets confused by mixed signals from the eyes, inner ears, and body. If you’re inside a moving car or on a rocking boat, your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes might not see the motion. This mismatch can lead to dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness

Choose the Right Seat

• In a car, sit in the front seat and focus on the road ahead.
• On a bus, pick a seat near the front and avoid looking down at your phone.
• On a boat, stay in the middle where movement is less intense.
• On a plane, sit over the wings, where the ride is more stable.

Look at the Horizon
Keeping your eyes on a fixed point in the distance can help your brain and body stay in sync. Avoid reading or staring at screens, as they can worsen nausea.

Get Fresh Air
Open a window in a car or sit in an open area on a boat. Fresh air helps reduce dizziness and keeps nausea under control.

Eat Light Before Traveling
Heavy meals, spicy foods, and greasy snacks can make motion sickness worse. Eating a small meal with mild flavors can keep your stomach settled.

Try Natural Remedies
Ginger tea or ginger candy can help reduce nausea.
Peppermint tea or gum may also have a calming effect on the stomach.

Use Motion Sickness Bands
These wristbands apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist, which some people find helpful in preventing nausea.

Take Breaks
If you’re on a long road trip, stop every few hours to stretch and walk around. If you’re on a boat, stepping onto land during stopovers can help.

Stay Hydrated
Sip water throughout the trip to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can make nausea worse.

What to Do If You Feel Sick While Traveling

• Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
• Recline your seat and relax your head.
• Drink small sips of cold water.
• If needed, take motion sickness medicine before the trip.

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With the right preparation and simple adjustments, you can travel more comfortably and enjoy the journey. (ASC)