How I prevent motion sickness while traveling: 7 simple tips that work for me

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between what your eyes perceive and what your inner ear detects. This disconnect can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. It can happen while traveling in a car, riding on a train or airplane, being on a boat, or enjoying an amusement park ride.

Motion sickness used to be my worst nightmare every time I traveled. Whether it was a short car ride or a long bus journey, I would feel nauseous, lightheaded, and miserable. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tricks that have worked wonders for me, and I’d love to share them with you. These tips are not just based on my personal experience but also backed by medical reasoning.

1. Avoid sitting at the back of the car

From my experience, sitting at the back of a car is the quickest way to feel sick. The movement at the back is more pronounced, and if the car isn’t well-ventilated, the exhaust fumes can easily seep in. Breathing in those fumes always made me feel nauseous. If you’re like me, aim for the front seat or a middle-row seat if you’re in a bus. These spots offer better stability and less exposure to exhaust fumes.

2. Keep your meals light before traveling

I learned this the hard way. Eating a heavy meal before traveling almost always made me throw up. When your stomach is full, the motion of the vehicle can upset it further, leading to nausea. Now, I make sure to eat something light—like a banana or crackers—at least an hour before my trip. It’s also a good idea to avoid greasy or spicy foods as they can make matters worse.

3. Avoid looking at your phone or gadgets

This tip changed everything for me. Every time I stared at my phone or tablet, especially on bumpy roads, I would feel dizzy. Focusing on a stationary object while your body is in motion confuses your brain and can trigger motion sickness. Instead, I try to look out of the window or focus on the road ahead. It keeps my mind engaged and reduces the chances of feeling unwell.

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4. Choose a seat with access to fresh Air

Fresh air is a lifesaver for me when I travel. Sitting by a window and keeping it slightly open ensures proper ventilation. The cool breeze helps me feel relaxed and keeps nausea at bay. If opening a window isn’t an option, I carry a small hand fan or use the vehicle’s air conditioning to keep the air around me fresh.

5. Travel more often

It may sound odd, but traveling frequently has helped me overcome motion sickness. When I was younger, I rarely traveled, and I believe this contributed to my sensitivity to motion. Over time, as I traveled more often, my body adapted. Gradually exposing yourself to travel may help desensitize your inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance.

6. Force yourself to sleep

If I find a comfortable position, I try to sleep during the journey. Sleeping not only distracts me from the motion but also helps my body relax. If sleeping comes naturally to you, make the most of it. If not, carrying a neck pillow or reclining your seat can help you settle in for a quick nap.

7. Use simple remedies like a small stone or lemon drinks

This is one of the most unusual but effective tricks I’ve tried. Putting a small stone in my mouth and chewing on it helps distract my brain and reduces the nausea. When a stone isn’t available, sipping on a lemony drink like Teem works wonders for me. Lemon is known for its ability to calm the stomach and ease nausea.

Additional Insights

While these tips have worked for me, I also discovered that certain habits can make a big difference:

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen motion sickness, so I always carry water and take small sips throughout the journey.
• Wear loose clothing: Tight clothes can make you uncomfortable and worsen nausea.
• Try ginger or peppermint: Ginger candies or peppermint gum can soothe your stomach during a rough ride.

Motion sickness can be challenging, but with the right tricks and consistency, it can become manageable. These tips may not completely eliminate your discomfort immediately, but they can certainly make traveling more bearable. If your motion sickness persists despite trying these strategies, consider consulting a doctor for additional remedies, such as motion sickness medication or acupressure wristbands.

For me, these methods have turned traveling from a dreaded experience into something I can now enjoy. Try them and see what works best for you.