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The Best Motion Sickness Remedies for Every Type of Travel

We've collected the best ways to prevent and cure motion sickness.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

When searching for the best motion sickness remedies of all types, we consulted several medical professionals across the country, including naturopathic and western medicine practitioners. Our best overall pick is the tried-and-true over-the-counter pill Bonine. We also recommend natural remedies including tea, candy, and essential oil, plus acupressure bracelets and patches.

Best Overall

Bonine motion sickness relief chewable tablets.

This widely accessible over-the-counter drug can be highly effective, especially when taken preventatively.

Side effects can include drowsiness.

This dependable remedy is available without a prescription and can be very effective against nausea, according to Dr. Frank Contacessa, internist at MDVIP in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “They can help with nausea; the most common side effect is drowsiness,” he advises.

And he issues this pro tip: “It is best to try to take something before the motion sickness happens; it’s much harder to treat once the nausea sets in,” Contacessa says. So start your Bonine regimine even before you board.

The Details: Adults and children 12 years of age and over, take one to two tablets once daily or as directed by a doctor. Dosage should be taken one hour before travel starts.

Benadryl Allergy Liquid Gels

Benadryl doubles as a sleep aid, which can make it useful for long flights or rides in which some shut-eye is desired in addition to motion sickness prevention.

“As some people will have a paradoxical reaction to Benadryl, make sure you try it out at home before taking it on the plane,” explains Dr. Gene Delaune, senior medical consultant for Allianz Travel Insurance .

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine known by the brand name Benadryl, helps with nausea, Delaune explains, adding, “It can also make you sleepy, so on longer flights , taking 50 milligrams of Benadryl will help with the nausea and getting sleep.” This version comes in 25 milligram liquid-gel caps.

Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe is a pediatrician from WMP Boutique Pediatric Care in New York City. For children, she suggests a small dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) “as a last resort,” given 30 to 60 minutes prior to travel. And she notes the sleepy side effect isn’t always desirable. The potential for drowsiness “means that when you get to your destination your child might be too tired to enjoy it,” she says.

The Details: For adults (and kids 12 and up), take one to two capsules every four to six hours. For children aged 6 to under 12, take one capsule every four to six hours.

Best Bracelet

Sea band acupressure wristband.

This is a reusable, doctor-recommended solution with no drugs or side effects.

The product comes in various colors, but you can’t select your preferred choice (they ship at random).

Sea Bands are a non-pharmaceutical motion sickness remedy in the form of acupressure wristbands. “They seem to work reasonably well, with no side effects at all,” Contacessa says. A plastic knob sewn into the inside of this knitted elastic wristband exerts pressure and stimulates the P6 acupressure point to relieve nausea and vomiting. The bands are all-natural and reusable, which means it's a travel product that can save you money .

The Details: Locate the acupressure point inside your wrists, and apply wristbands to both wrists, preventatively or as a treatment.

Best Ginger-based

Prince of peace ginger chews.

These drug-free ginger candies help ease nausea and double as a tasty, vegan, and natural snack.

The effect is subtle and gentle, not radically transformative in acute situations.

Sweet and spicy, these natural ginger candies can help ease nausea and stomach discomfort, with an appealing taste and no drugs or additives. These chewy candies are individually wrapped and safe for adults and kids (age 6 and up, according to the product packaging). They’re also vegan and gluten-free. Dr. Clement Lee is a naturopathic doctor, medical expert with Flowly, and founder of Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, California. He recommends this brand, which he says it tastes good and “can be quite helpful.”

The Details: Unwrap and chew as desired to manage nausea.

Best for Kids

Dramamine motion sickness relief.

This formulation of Dramamine is labeled for kids as young as 2 years old; the compact and convenient travel case is a bonus.

Drowsiness can be a side effect, and that can potentially knock kids out of the adventure even as it reduces their motion sickness.

Motion sickness is widespread among kids . The condition is “most common in children ages two to nine years and then tends to improve over time,” Knipe explains. Most children “outgrow it.”

Billed as the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2 to 12, this version of Dramamine comes in a chewable tablet with a grape flavor. The active ingredient is dimenhydrinate. Eight 25-milligram tablets come within a compact plastic travel case, so it’s easy to stash them in a pocket and have them at the ready.

The Details: For children 6 to under 12 years, give one to two chewable tablets every six to eight hours. For children 2 to under 6 years, give half to one chewable tablet every six to eight hours. To prevent motion sickness, give the first dose 30 minutes to one hour before starting activity.

Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea

This ginger-chamomile tea is an all-natural, caffeine-free stomach-settling solution and a pleasant ritual, too.

You’ll need a solution to brew (or at least carry) tea, so it’s not ideal for every on-the-go circumstance.

Lee explains that natural agents that can be helpful as anti-nausea tools “come with minimal side effects and can be quite effective for certain people.” Tea is among the forms these natural agents may take. This customer-favorite version uses high-quality herbs from ethical trading partnerships and has a mildly spicy flavor with floral and honey notes. It’s non-GMO, organic, kosher, and caffeine-free.

The Details: Brew and drink as needed to settle the stomach and calm the body.

Best Essential Oil

Upnature essential oil roll-on.

This all-natural method also works for stress and headaches.

The drug-free remedy produces subtle results and may be more useful as a treatment than a prevention.

“Aromatherapy with essential oil rollers or necklaces, particularly with peppermint and lemon notes, can help alleviate motion sickness,” explains registered nurse and paramedic Krista Elkins of HealthCanal. To that end, this peppermint essential oil comes with a roller-ball applicator so it goes on neatly, even in rocky conditions.

The Details: Place on your neck or behind your ears to breathe in the aromatherapeutic oil. Use as often as needed.

Best for Cruises

Scopolamine patch.

This medicated anti-nausea patch is highly effective for many users.

You will need a prescription; these aren’t available over the counter. And you might experience side effects.

“Scopolamine patches are familiar to cruise-goers —you can see them behind the ear on a lot of passengers,” Contacessa explains. “It works well, with the most common side effects being dry mouth and dizziness. This is only available by prescription, so you have to ask your doctor to prescribe it.

The Details: Apply patch four hours before triggering event. Apply to an area behind the ear that is clean, dry, hairless, and free from cuts or irritation. Use only one patch at a time; if you need to use a second patch after you remove the first, place it behind the other ear.

Best for Flying

Dramamine motion sickness chewables.

It works for up to 24 hours.

They may take up to one hour to take effect.

When flying, the last thing you want to worry about is motion sickness medication wearing off. These chewable Dramamine tablets last for up to 24 hours, so you shouldn't have to worry about re-dosing. They also make users less drowsy than other options — perfect for when you want to stay alert during your travels. Dramamine helps prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, and these chewables are suitable for anyone over the age of 12.

The Details: Adults and children 12 years and older should take one or two tablets once per day.

Tips for Buying Motion Sickness Remedies

Use motion sickness products in conjunction with behavioral remedies.

Motion sickness remedies are most effective when used in combination with strategic behavioral adaptations. For instance, when in motion, try to focus your vision into the distance. “Pick a spot on the horizon, and try to keep focusing on that spot,” Contacessa advises.

Further, don’t eat big meals before a potentially triggering journey. And remember to stay well hydrated. “Stick to water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you,” Delaune advises.

Avoid looking down, reading, or doing activities on a screen, as these can exacerbate motion sickness. And if possible, try to close your eyes and even sleep. With eyes closed, you are “not taking in the visual information that can contribute to the problem,” Knipe says.

Sit strategically

To minimize motion sickness, face your body in the direction you’re moving during travel. In cars, sit in the front seat if possible. And you might volunteer to be the driver instead of a passenger. “Driving can reduce motion sickness because having control of a moving car can realign your senses and prepare you for the twists and turns,” Elkins says.

Knipe advises, “Select seats where motion is the least.” On ships, try to get a cabin in the center of the ship on a middle deck, which experiences the least motion as the ship rolls in the sea. In a plane, a seat over the front edge of the wing is recommended. If traveling by train or bus, pick a forward facing seat.

When the body, eyes, and inner ear send conflicting signals to the brain — such as on a choppy boat or turbulent flight — the uncomfortable feeling of motion sickness can result.

“Motion sickness is a syndrome that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the inner ears, the eyes, and nerves in the extremities,” Knipe explains. “When the signals received [from] sensory cues are inconsistent [it]... then triggers a response” that can make you feel sick.

Motion sickness can begin with a generally dizzy or queasy feeling, escalate to cold sweat, and more extreme nausea, and cause vomiting. Other symptoms may include fatigue or loss of appetite, or tearfulness and irritability among kids too young to verbalize the discomfort. “It is the result of the brain getting confused by what your eyes are seeing compared to what your inner ears are sensing,” Dr. Contacessa explains.

Motion sickness can last for up to four hours or so after the motion stops. “The length of time [of] the symptoms can vary,” Lee explains. “Some people may only have symptoms part of the time while traveling, some may have it the entire length of motion.”

Light and bland foods help with motion sickness, so you may want to bring some plain crackers, cereal, or even bread with you when traveling to avoid feeling nauseated. Ginger ale is also a go-to remedy as the ginger and carbonation will both settle the stomach. While it may feel counterintuitive, it's better not to have an empty stomach when you're feeling motion sick, so be sure to have a light (non greasy) meal before your travels.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Alesandra Dubin is a career travel and lifestyle writer and a frequent traveler. She’s also prone to motion sickness and swears by Bonine since it saved her on an all-day dive outing on a rainy winter day. For this article, she spoke to Dr. Frank Contacessa , internist at MDVIP in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe , a pediatrician from WMP Boutique Pediatric Care in New York City, Dr. Clement Lee , a naturopathic doctor, medical expert with Flowly , and founder of Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, California, and registered nurse and paramedic Krista Elkins of HealthCanal.

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Motion Sickness

Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You can get motion sick in a car, or on a train, airplane, boat, or amusement park ride. Motion sickness can make traveling unpleasant, but there are strategies to prevent and treat it.

Preventing motion sickness without medicine

Avoiding situations that cause motion sickness is the best way to prevent it, but that is not always possible when you are traveling. The following strategies can help you avoid or lessen motion sickness.

Sit in the front of a car or bus.
Choose a window seat on flights and trains.
If possible, try lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon.
Stay hydrated by drinking water. Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Eat small amounts of food frequently.
Avoid smoking. Even stopping for a short period of time helps.
Try and distract yourself with activities, such as listening to music.
Use flavored lozenges, such as ginger candy.

Using medicines for motion sickness

Medicines can be used to prevent or treat motion sickness, although many of them cause drowsiness. Talk to a healthcare professional to decide if you should take medicines for motion sickness. Commonly used medicines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine.

Special Consideration for Children

Motion sickness is more common in children ages 2 to 12 years old.

Some medicines used to prevent or treat motion sickness are not recommended for children. Talk to your healthcare professional about medicines and correct dosing of medicines for motion sickness for children. Only give the recommended dosage.

Although motion sickness medicines can make people sleepy, it can have the opposite effect for some children, causing them to be very active. Ask your doctor if you should give your child a test dose before traveling.

More Information

Motion Sickness in CDC Yellow Book

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Travel Sickness – 36 Tried and Tested Tips to Help You

22 February 2024

I’ve suffered from travel sickness all my life and get sick in cars, on coaches, on planes and on boats.

Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of treatments with varying impacts. Here are all the things that I have found that help.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Private Tour Operator Shore Excursions from Inverness Private Half-Day Car Tour to Loch Ness for Up to 3 People More Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

Travel Sickness

Table of Contents

What is travel sickness?

Travel sickness, sometimes described as motion sickness, is a feeling of nausea and dizziness. It is caused when the brain becomes confused by receiving differing information from your eyes and your inner ear.

1. Travel Sickness – What Is It Like?

It’s pretty grim and it does take the fun out of travelling because all your attention is on trying not to be ill.

Travel sickness symptoms include;

Nausea (feeling sick) which can lead to being sick
Mouth watering
Feeling hot and sweaty
Having a headache
Burping (often feeling like you are going to be sick)
Feeling tired

It can come on quite quickly and be difficult to shift.

Read on for my tips on how to prevent travel sickness in the first place!

2. Can You Cure Travel Sickness?

In my experience, you can’t cure travel sickness. Children may grow out of travel experience but for adults, it is a case of managing the symptoms.

Good prevention techniques and a bit of planning will significantly reduce travel sickness symptoms.

3. How Long Does Travel Sickness Last?

Travel sickness can last longer than the time you are travelling. The fluid in your inner ear can be disturbed and this can take quite a while to settle down.

After journeys that have been long, or perhaps difficult because they have been bumpy or undulating you can feel like you are still moving even when you have stopped.

However, for most people travel sickness will stop soon after you have stopped moving.

4. How Do You Stop Travel Sickness?

You can’t stop travel sickness but you can take steps to reduce the chances of getting it and minimise any potential symptoms.

Here are my tried and tested tips and techniques for preventing and managing various types of travel sickness.

5. Reducing Car Sickness

Here are how I avoid travel sickness when travelling in a car;

Offering to drive – this is an easy way to never get travel sick in a car but it’s not always that practical if you are travelling with others.
Avoid getting too hot by turning the air conditioning down, pointing the air vents towards you so there is a breeze on your face, and reducing the sun on your face and head.
Use a handheld fan to ensure you don’t get too hot.
Opening the window to get some fresh air in the car.
Looking out the front window and looking straight ahead as much as possible.
Avoiding reading whether that be books, online documents or even reading messages.
Keeping hydrated with regular sips of water – too much water can make you feel a bit sick so be careful.
Sucking on ginger sweets keeps any early feelings of nausea at bay.

6. Reducing Sea Sickness

Here are the ways I avoid seasickness when travelling by boat/ship;

Finding a seat that is near the centre of the boat to avoid the extremes of movement.
Focussing on the view at the front of the boat, but avoiding looking at the front of the boat itself as seeing this going up and down against the horizon can cause sickness.
Keeping cool by staying out of the sun and finding somewhere to sit with a cooler temperature.
Sucking on ginger sweets to keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
Staying outside if the boat is moving around a lot – staying in the cold open air can often prevent nausea, but a coat and hat may be needed if the weather is rough.
Avoid moving around the boat when it is rough or bumpy.
Check if there are likely to be any bumpy patches during your journey and planning. For example one of the Scottish ferries crosses a water channel which is always rough and bumpy. To avoid feeling ill I always go outside ahead of arriving at this water channel and come back inside once we have passed through it.
Avoiding excessive drinking and eating. Eating and drinking too much can make any potential seasickness worse, although not eating enough can also increase feelings of seasickness. If the journey is relatively short then consider your eating plans for the day and make sure you don’t end up being hungry on the boat.
Drinking excessive alcohol can make travel sickness worse. Ginger beer and tonic water can help minimise feelings of sickness so perhaps consider them instead of alcohol?
Keeping a handheld fan available to help you stay cool.
If you are travelling overnight on a ferry then I would recommend a cabin. Being able to lie down is one of the best ways to deal with seasickness.
Consider taking ginger tablets before you travel by boat/ship. These can help manage feelings of sickness.

7. Reducing Coach Sickness

Here are my tried and tested ways to deal with coach sickness;

Sit at the front of the coach if possible or sit towards the front of the coach, ideally ahead of the axle on the coach.
If there is a toilet and door in the middle of the coach then the seat behind the toilet has a better view out of the window. This seat can have less legroom sometimes so beware. If the toilet is being used on the coach then this may not be a good option because over time the toilet can smell which can increase the chances of sickness.
Sit in the middle of the back seat on the coach. This seat has a view right down the aisle of the coach and this can often help with coach sickness. However, if the coach is travelling along a twisty or bumpy route then sitting at the rear of the coach can be extremely bumpy so is likely to make you feel worse. Also, beware that sometimes the engine is at the back of the coach and this can make it warmer or noisier.
Sit in an aisle seat as it is easier to see out towards the front of the coach rather than looking out of the side windows.
Keep cool by using the air vents which should be located overhead. If the temperature is too hot then tell the guide/driver so they can adjust this. If air is not circulating around the coach very well it can help if everyone has their air vents open and they can point them at the window if they don’t want air blowing on them directly.
Have a handheld fan so that you can keep yourself cooler.
Avoid sitting in the sun on the coach.
Have layers so you can adjust between the temperatures inside and outside of the coach.
Sucking on ginger sweets can help keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
Consider taking ginger tablets, especially if travelling on twisty or bumpy roads, as these can help. If you are unsure about road conditions check with your driver or guide – they will be happy to help.
Keep some headphones with you. Having headphones in can help reduce feelings of sickness.
Avoid reading if it is likely to make you feel sick – this includes books and being online.
Watching something on a tablet like a TV show or a film can often help with travel sickness by helping you to avoid the moving horizon or the view out of the side window.
Avoid alcohol and eating too much as this can make feelings of travel sickness much worse.

8. Things That Have Helped Me

Ginger sweets.

These ginger sweets are the best I have found. They are travel sweets so they won’t all stick together and they are not too strong. If ginger sweets are too strong they can make you feel quite sick which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

Ideal for helping minimise low-level travel sickness symptoms. A pleasant ginger taste that isn’t overpowering.

Rechargeable Travel Fan

This fan might look tiny but it certainly puts out a pleasant breeze and it can operate for quite a long time on one charge. It’s very small and compact. It can easily be tucked into the seat back in front of you or easily held in your hand. It charges using a USB cable.

Super quiet, tiny, powerful and rechargeable. This travel fan will help keep you cool and you can easily take it anywhere.

This is on my list for my next trip to somewhere that is likely to be a bit warmer and sunnier. It’s a rechargeable fan that blows air into your face and also around your neck. It’s £23.99 but if it is as good as it looks then it is well worth it! It’s got great reviews and it also seems to help well with hot flushes too.

Ginger Tablets

These ginger tablets are strong, but not so strong that you leave you getting ginger flavoured indigestion all day long. They are Vegan society approved and £5.99 for 90 tablets. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

These ginger tablets are great at preventing travel sickness. They don’t have any side effects either.

Travel Sickness Patches

I haven’t tried these yet but have just ordered some. They have good reviews and look to give relief from travel sickness without any side effects.

There are very reasonably priced wireless earbuds. They help me with travel sickness.

Silicone Ear Plugs

These silicone ear plugs fit over the ear rather than in the ear. They are much better for all night use and there is no risk of damage to the ear canal. I take them every time I stay in a hotel!

Travel Sickness FAQs

How do you stop travel sickness?

Medication can stop travel sickness. Some medications can cause drowsiness. There are various other options including ginger tablets, sweets, fans, wristbands, patches and headphones.

How long does travel sickness last?

You can experience travel sickness symptoms for up to 4 hours after you have stopped moving.

Travel Sickness Tablets

Many people I have travelled with over the years have tried travel sickness tablets. However, the vast majority have advised that they often feel as bad or sometimes worse when taking these tablets.

They have given my guests a low level of nausea which has affected their enjoyment of their day and this nausea has often continued after we stopped travelling.

Travel Sickness Bands

Often people will wear travel bands. These wristbands use acupressure and are worn around the wrists. Some people swear by these and some people report no effect at all.

At £3 for 2 pairs, they are probably worth a try if you haven’t done so already.

These travel bands come with full instructions to help you position them correctly on your wrist. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

Travel Sickness – NHS Help and Information

If you want to know more about travel sickness (motion sickness) then check out the NHS website. This gives more information on symptoms and treatment, plus medicines available for severe sickness.

6 ways to cope with motion sickness during your next trip

I've always loved flying, roller coasters and even reading in the car. But at the beginning of June, I developed terrible symptoms of motion sickness while trying to relax on a recreational boat. This was new for me, but I'm hardly alone. One in three people are considered highly susceptible to motion sickness, according to the National Institute of Health , which can be especially uncomfortable for travelers whether you're driving, cruising, flying or taking the train .

I've quickly learned the best ways — from TPG readers, medical professionals and personal experience — to mitigate the symptoms of motion sickness, so you can get back to enjoying the view.

New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our TPG daily newsletter for tips and tricks to make the most of your travel rewards.

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is frequently marked by dizziness, nausea or lightheadedness, a result of your body's sensory organs sending mixed messages to your brain, according to Healthline Media , which is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures .

Our sensory receptors include our eyes, inner ears, legs and feet and they work together to maintain our balance and sense of direction and movement. When these sensory receptors are disrupted from certain outside factors, like sitting backward while a train moves forward or feeling turbulence in a plane but not being able to see it, it causes the symptoms we know as motion sickness.

Motion sickness might also cause cold sweats, headaches, vomiting or a loss of balance.

Related: How to tell when you're too sick to fly

How can I prevent motion sickness?

Choose the right seat.

By choosing a specific seat, you might feel less movement, according to the Mayo Clinic . Pick a window seat over the wing and, once onboard, direct airflow to your face. Some TPG readers even said they even bring their own small electric fan to keep themselves cool. (Is there anything worse than being nauseous and hot? No.) The rush of air can be a huge relief to travelers with motion sickness.

On a boat or cruise ship, request a cabin in the middle of the vessel and one that is closer to the water level. Some readers said being outside on the deck and fixating on the horizon helps mitigate symptoms. I got the worst motion sickness on a small recreational boat, but once I moved to the middle and took deep breaths, it helped a lot.

Related: Will this new ship design make seasickness a thing of the past?

When it comes to traveling by train, sit by the window facing the direction the train is going. Sitting near the front of the train can help, too.

Automobiles can be tough unless you're driving or sitting in the front passenger seat. If you're feeling queasy in the backseat during a road trip, put down your electronic devices and close your book, as these can both exacerbate motion sickness. Some parents I spoke with said they simply have a plastic bag on hand when traveling with little ones who are prone to motion sickness.

Related: Two magic words that make family travel easier

Avoid certain foods

Some foods can make motion sickness worse. Spicy and greasy foods, for example, take longer to digest, so eat light snacks that won't sit too heavy in your stomach. If you're prone to motion sickness, pack snacks such as saltine crackers, cereal, bread and other grains, bananas and apples.

Related: TPG staff picks: Our favorite snacks to bring on board

It's also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dr. Lindsay Slowiczek, Healthline's pharmacist and Drug Content Integrity Manager, says to avoid alcohol and drink coffee in moderation, as both might make dehydration (and, as a result, your symptoms) worse. There's a lot of debate about whether carbonated drinks, especially cola, help, but some say it actually makes symptoms worse. Slowiczek says that, theoretically, carbonated drinks can help release gasses building in your stomach, but there isn't much research on the topic. I've always found that ginger ale helps with nausea (especially on planes) but doesn't everything seem to taste better at 30,000 feet?

On that note, you might want to specifically seek out one ingredient: Ginger. You can also try ginger gum or ginger chews, as ginger has anti-nausea properties, according to Slowiczek. "It's better to start low with something like ginger," she said.

Take select medications

Slowiczek says if other techniques (like the ginger candies ), it might be time to take over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. Some OTC medications will stop symptoms from the onset, including those containing dimenhydrinate ( Dramamine ) and meclizine ( Bonine ). Some other antihistamines can work as well, like diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ).

"It's important to make sure that these are taken to prevent [motion sickness]," Slowiczek told TPG, so it's important to take them at least 30 minutes before you expect to be in a situation that might cause motion sickness. These are also safe for children and pregnant women. Always refer to a medical professional before dosing yourself or children to see which mediation might work best for you, especially if you're pregnant.

One downside is they make most people feel drowsy, so if you're operating a vehicle (or simply trying to enjoy the view), this is something to be aware of. These medications can also have a more intense effect on older travelers, so Slowiczek says you can even take half a dose if a full dose is too much.

Related: 10 lessons from 10 years of traveling with kids

Slowiczek says if OTC medications don't work, you can also get prescription drugs to treat motion sickness, such as a scopolamine patch, which is a prescription antihistamine medication.

How to treat motion sickness symptoms after they start

Listen to music.

Distracting yourself, or your queasy traveling companion, is a great way to combat motion sickness. Listening to music always calms and relaxes me, and when it comes to distraction, it can help take your attention away from annoying symptoms.

Related: American Airlines launches free inflight Apple Music streaming

(Photo by Adam Vradenburg/EyeEm/Getty Images)

Simply chatting with someone who has motion sickness can help take the attention off the nausea. And travelers with young children can play games to keep them occupied. Yes, this might be the ninth time you've played "I Spy" in an hour, but you'll thank us later when you aren't cleaning up after them.

Related: How to boost your immune system so you don't get sick while traveling

Wear pressure bands

Acupressure is a treatment that puts pressure on certain areas of the body to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. One of these acupressure points is the Nei-Kuan point on your wrist. There are wristbands you can wear, called Sea-Bands, that activate this pressure point with a little plastic disk, which is said to alleviate nausea. These are also safe for pregnant women and can help with morning sickness, too.

Slowiczek says this could be a placebo effect, but, "If it works, it works."

Related: What to expect when traveling in each trimester of pregnancy

My cousin (who has always struggled with motion sickness) uses pressure bands during travel and says they help. Many TPG readers also said this is one of the best ways to alleviate motion sickness; for some, it's the only preventative measure they take. One even called them a "game-changer."

There are also child-sized bands, so this is a great option for parents traveling with young children who might not be able to communicate their needs as well. They can also be worn before or during the onset of symptoms.

Related: TPG beginner's guide: everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards

Try aromatherapy

I've completely bought into aromatherapy. I have a lavender vaporizer in my room, and it's the best Amazon purchase I've made to date. Though Slowiczek says there isn't much scientific evidence to prove the medicinal properties of aromatherapy, many travelers (including myself) find the essential oils soothing, calming and therapeutic. Just remember, essential oils should never be ingested — they are generally for topical use only.

Related: Travel accessories that will save you money

I have a miniature roll-on lavender essential oil stick, and I love it for travel. It's easy, TSA-compliant and, best of all, smells great and keeps me calm. Peppermint- and ginger-scented essential oils are known to help mitigate nausea, so you can try those, too. One reader puts peppermint oil on her temples and says it eases her symptoms.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

Motion sickness: First aid

Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.

You might avoid motion sickness by planning ahead. When traveling, avoid sitting in the rear of the vehicle or in seats that face backward. Pick seats where you'll feel motion least:

By ship, request a cabin in the front or middle of the ship near the water level.
By plane, ask for a seat over the front edge of a wing. Once aboard, direct the air vent flow to your face.
By train, take a forward-facing seat near the front and next to a window.
By automobile, drive or sit in the front passenger's seat. Children should be in age-appropriate seats and restraints.

If you're susceptible to motion sickness:

Focus on the horizon or on a distant, stationary object. Don't read or use electronic devices while traveling.
Keep your head still, while resting against a seat back.
Don't smoke and don't sit near smokers.
Avoid strong odors, spicy and greasy foods, and alcohol.
Take an antihistamine, which you can buy without a prescription. Medicines include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Driminate, others) and meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Travel-Ease, others). Dimenhydrinate is safe for children older than age 2. Take these medicines at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Expect drowsiness as a side effect.
Consider scopolamine, available in a prescription adhesive patch called Transderm Scop. Several hours before you plan to travel, apply the patch behind your ear for 72-hour protection. Talk to your health care provider before using the medicine if you have health problems such as glaucoma or urine retention.
Try ginger. A ginger supplement combined with ginger snaps, ginger ale or candied ginger might help curb nausea.
Eat lightly. Some people find that nibbling on plain crackers and sipping cold water or a carbonated drink without caffeine help.
Ferri FF. Motion sickness. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
Bennett JE, et al. Protection of travelers. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
Motion sickness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/motion-sickness. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
Kc Leung A, et al. Motion sickness: An overview. Drugs in Context. 2019; doi:10.7573/dic.2019-9-4.
Dimenhydrinate oral. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. https://fco.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.

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Shaky view from the interior of a car in London, England

What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?

Traveling by boat, car, or even through virtual reality can make some people queasy. Experts weigh in on what to do about it.

For some travelers, a catamaran sail off Oahu, Hawaii , or a camel ride through the desert in Morocco isn’t an enviable vacation experience. It’s an encounter with nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats.

Motion sickness like this can happen to almost anyone, including children and dogs. Studies suggest that more than half of all people who ride in automobiles experience carsickness . Recent surveys of members of the Indian Navy , Icelandic fishermen , and South Carolina marine biologists indicate that up to 80 percent of individuals who work on boats get seasick sometimes.

“We’re even seeing cybersickness now, with people looking at their phones when riding in the car or wearing glasses for a 3D movie,” says Andrea Bubka , a professor of psychology at Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey, who has extensively studied motion sickness.

Here’s why motion sickness happens and what travelers can do to prevent it.

What causes it

Scientists aren’t sure why some people feel nauseated the second they step on a boat, while others can blithely read long novels while riding in the backseat of a car. But they have a few theories.

Many scholars believe motion sickness is caused by sensory conflict, a discrepancy between what people see and what their bodies are experiencing. “Human beings did not evolve to travel in space shuttles and use virtual-reality video games,” says Marcello Cherchi, a neurologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

Sensory conflict happens when your body feels the heaving of an ocean ferry or the jolting motion of a bus winding through the mountains and your eyes, ears, and other senses can’t catch up. This results in symptoms like a dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach, or a pounding headache.

However, other scientists believe that people get motion sick because they don’t instinctively change how they sit, stand, or walk in a moving mode of transport. That disconnect causes you to feel ill.

Dr. Pat Cowings in Motion Sickness Laboratory of the Human Environmental Test Facility S.13 with test subject Leah Schafer

One of the biggest proponents of this “postural stability theory” is Tom Stoffregen , a professor of kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. “On a boat or plane, you have to learn to move differently—like sailors who get their ‘sea legs’ after a few days,” he says. “The key is physical control of your body, and some individuals adapt more quickly than others.”

Genetics might play a part, too. A 2015 study of 480,000 customers of DNA-testing company 23andme identified 413 genetic markers—many related to balance or eye, ear, and cranial development—that could make an individual predisposed to motion sickness.

Preventing motion sickness

The easiest way to combat motion sickness is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Hydrate and keep fresh air flowing while traveling, either by opening a window in the car, turning on the air vent above you on the plane, or heading to the deck on a cruise ship.

“And be careful what you eat when you travel,” says Bubka. Anything that upsets your stomach on dry land—eating too much (or too little), drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine—could be amplified by motion.

“Do everything you can to be sure your view isn’t obstructed,” says Natascha Tuznik , a doctor who specializes in travel medicine at the University of California Davis. “Look at the horizon if you’re out to sea and sit in the front seat of the car where you can see the road and what’s coming.” Closely watching what’s coming helps your eyes and inner ears sync more quickly with other bodily functions.

Avoiding triggers and anti-nausea training

Some research suggests that doing physical or mental exercises could help humans train themselves to be less motion sick. The Puma Method , developed by a flight surgeon to serve airsick pilots, uses yoga-like stretches and angular movements to build up anti-nausea conditioning. A 2020 study at England’s University of Warwick found that, after doing 15-minute visuospatial training exercises (finding hidden objects in puzzles, folding paper), many subjects didn’t get sick when taken for car rides.

Commuters at the 14 Street Union Square station on the L platform during rush hour in Manhattan, New Yor

“The advantage is that these approaches don’t require medication,” says Cherchi. “The disadvantage is that they can entail considerable discomfort, at least initially.”

People prone to motion sickness can also practice “trigger avoidance,” steering clear of activities that make them bilious. If long bus rides make you turn green, rent a car instead, then sit up front or drive yourself. Those prone to seasickness should take flat-water river cruises or choose larger oceangoing ships with smoother rides.

Medication—or gadgets—might help

Another way to combat travel-related nausea? Use an over-the-counter motion sickness drug (like Dramamine) or a doctor-prescribed Scopolamine patch (usually worn behind the ear). Both are anticholinergics, which block and inhibit the central nervous system to create a calming effect on the muscles in the stomach and bowels.

However, these medicines only work if used a short time before you set sail or board that flight. Such drugs can also make you groggy, and many people have health conditions that preclude their use. Stoffregen advises travelers who don’t want to take pills to try ginger chews or gingersnaps instead. “There’s well-documented evidence that a little bit of ginger can significantly reduce nausea,” he says.

Multiple gadgets promise to help with motion sickness. Pressure-point wristbands , which rely on acupressure principles, come in models from inexpensive and basic to high-tech and high-priced . Wacky-looking anti-nausea glasses also came to market about two years ago, sporting liquid-filled frames and four round, glass-free lenses. The idea is that the liquid in the specs shifts as you move, creating an artificial horizon.

While many users report feeling better when using these devices on planes, trains, and automobiles, studies have yet to support their efficacy. “Still, if there’s a placebo effect, and you don’t get sick, then I don’t care about the science,” says Stoffregen. “It’s money well spent.”

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Motion sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

feeling sick (nausea)
feeling cold and going pale

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea don’t.

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023 Next review due: 19 June 2026

Protect Your Trip »

Simple Ways to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

Tips for staying hydrated, boosting your immunity and maintaining your health while on the road.

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If the blanket offered to you by the airline isn't wrapped in plastic that means it was used by someone on the previous flight. Always pack your own to be safe.

Getting sick while traveling is a real bummer. And not just because you have to miss out on a vacation you meticulously planned months in advance. Falling ill while on the road can also cost you thousands of dollars if severe symptoms force you to seek medical care outside of your insurance network.

To ensure a healthy travel experience, first be sure that you're not showing any symptoms of illness before you depart. If you are, do not board your flight. The stress, lack of sleep and physical stress you'll encounter while on the road will only amplify any pre-existing ailments you may or may not be battling. Assuming you're starting your travels feeling healthy, here are some simple tips to ensure that you do not get sick on vacation .

Boost your immunity

Nasal mists and vitamin C tablets are your carry-on essentials. The airplane cabin is dry and microorganisms are free to circulate, so before you even step on the plane, take a couple of vitamin C tablets to give your body the ability to fight off airborne germs. Should the passenger sitting next to you start sneezing or coughing, you can easily take a few more vitamins. Saline solution and nasal mists are also effective in fighting germs, as they keep your nasal passages moist, which enhances your body's own germ-flushing activity. Some naturopaths also suggest applying a small amount of Neosporin or petroleum jelly just inside the nostrils (if your hands aren't freshly washed, use a Q-tip) to create a barrier between you and the airborne germs.

Stay hydrated

Even if you consistently drink water at home, it's easy to fall out of your normal routine on the road. But staying hydrated while traveling can be your biggest defense against germs. On top of the new climate conditions, you'll likely be more active than you are at home. So before you leave for excursions, kayak trips and tours, drink a bottle of water, pack two bottles with you for the day, consume a full bottle at lunch, and when you return... drink some more.

Only drink filtered water

You've likely heard scary tales of travelers getting sick from drinking tap water while overseas, but what you may not know is that it's not necessarily because the water is contaminated. The primary reason is that there are local bacteria that your body is not used to. (For this reason, foreigners who travel to the U.S. and consume the tap water often get sick as well.) Stay healthy by only drinking from sealed bottles or cans, which are sufficiently filtered. The local tap water is fine to shower with, but keep a bottle by the sink to brush your teeth. And if you can, avoid getting ice in your drinks.

If you don't want to use a sufficient amount of your vacation budget on water bottles, consider buying a reusuable water bottle that's equipped with a filter, such as the water bobble or ZeroWater . And if you're a frequent traveler, you may want to invest in a SteriPEN , an ultraviolet water purifier that works on almost every kind of water in about two minutes.

For more information about food and beverage safety while traveling, consider downloading the free Can I Eat This? smartphone app from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Always pack motion sickness pills

If you get lightheaded as a car passenger, there's a good chance that you'll feel a little woozy on a long-haul flight. To avoid sitting on the bench when there's an opportunity to take a boating or ziplining excursion, always have a supply of motion sickness pills. Just as important: be strategic about when you take them. Taking the pills too soon will make you drowsy, while taking them too late will make it harder for your body to recover. Pop them just a few moments before you fly, ride on a winding road or hop on a boat.

Become a germaphobe

When traveling, you'll share a lot of public spaces and possibly shake many hands, so be conscious about touching your eyes, nose and mouth. There's no substitute for hand-washing, but that's not always an option when on the road. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for those times when you can't get to the bathroom.

And since you went to the trouble of packing disinfecting wipes or sprays, don't hold back in using them. Feel free to wipe down the airplane seat, armrest, touch screen or table; it's your space for the next few hours.

You'll also want to bring your own blanket. Some airlines may offer you one, especially on long-haul flights, but if the blanket isn't wrapped in plastic that means it was used by someone on the previous flight. Your imagination can take it from there as to what the person before you could have done with it.

Tags: Travel , health , Airlines , Travel Tips

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

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Motion Sickness Travel Sickness

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Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

Motion Sickness

Travel sickness, in this article, what causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness.

What should I do if I'm actually sick?

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).
Sweating and cold sweats.
Increase in saliva.
Headaches .
Feeling cold and going pale.
Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.
On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.
On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.
Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.
Don't try to read.
Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.
Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.
Do not read or watch a film.
It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.
If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.
Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.
Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

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Make sure you get your immunisations ahead of travelling abroad. Speak to a local pharmacist today

All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.
Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

What should I do if I'm actually sick?

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.
Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.
After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.
Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Altitude Sickness

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Related Information

Hyoscine for travel sickness (Joy Rides, Kwells, Scopoderm)
Scopolamine skin patch for nausea (Transderm Scop)
Nausea Medicine
Cyclizine for sickness (nausea)
Promethazine (Avomine, Phenergan, Sominex)

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For about the past 2 years I have suffered from a sudden feeling of visual imbalance or cross-eyed sensation (although not actually cross-eyed)! This in turn causes a type of vertigo involving loss... katewarn39

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions .

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How to Prevent Motion Sickness

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References

This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD . Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. This article has been viewed 42,816 times.

Motion sickness can happen when you are in any vehicle involving movement, including a car, bus, boat, or plane. It occurs when your brain gets conflicting signals about whether or not you are moving. Often your body (specifically your vestibular system, which helps with balance and orientation) may signal that you are stationary while sitting in a car. This may contrast with the signals eyes are getting, seeing the landscape going by out the window. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source People with motion sickness usually have nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, salivation, shallow breathing, headaches, and/or sleepiness. There are a few things you can do to try to prevent or reduce motion sickness. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [3] X Research source

Using Self-Care Techniques

If you are in a car, focusing on an object that is too close for you to clearly see, like trees by the side of the road, may make you feel worse. If you can't see the horizon (you are on a winding road, etc.), then close your eyes instead.
Don't read or play games — these things may actually worsen your symptoms. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Sitting in the front seat when you are riding in car.
Choosing a seat towards the front of the plane and over the wings.
Selecting a cabin on a boat that is level with the water and in the middle of the boat. This will help reduce the amount of swaying you experience.

Step 3 Avoid heavy foods while traveling.

Spicy foods
Greasy, fatty foods. This may mean avoiding heavy fatty meals at rest stops, airport cafes, or at the ship's bar.
Alcohol and caffeine. If you are offered a complimentary drink on the plane or boat, you may want to consider turning it down. Ask for water instead.

Step 4 Eat lightly to settle your stomach.

Munching on dry crackers or other carb-heavy snacks
Sucking on hard candies. Mint is a popular flavor which will also freshen your breath.
Slowly drinking carbonated soda

Open a window if you are in a car. Chances are the air blowing into your face will give you instant relief. If it is raining and you can't open the window all the way, try cracking it slightly.
Go up on deck if you are on a boat. On deck you will get fresh air and be able to see the horizon. Even if the boat is rocking, the wind and cool air should help.
Open an air vent if you are on a plane. Each passenger usually has access to an air vent overhead. Reach up, open yours, and aim the air flow at you. You should feel a cool breeze and reduction in your nausea.
Smoking, or being exposed to smoke, or other strong scents from air fresheners or perfumes may also aggravate motion sickness.

Listening to music
Deep breathing
Progressively tensing and relaxing each muscle group in your body
Visualizing a calming landscape
Closing your eyes and taking a brief nap. Even if you are only asleep for 10 or 20 minutes, you may find that you wake up feeling much better.

They should not be so tight that they hurt. If your fingers tingle or the blood flow is reduced, they are too tight.
Acupressure bands have not been demonstrated to be clearly successful in clinical trials treating motion sickness; however, some people feel they help.

Using Home Remedies and Medications

Ginger chews, lozenges, or candy, now widely available.
A warm cup of fresh decaffeinated ginger tea. This will both help settle your stomach and keep you hydrated. You can sip it slowly over the course of your travels. You can bring it with you if you are traveling by car or by boat. If you are traveling by plane, you may need to bring freshly sliced ginger and then ask for a cup of hot water on the plane. Airports generally do not permit you to carry liquids on board.
Ginger soda. You can bring ginger soda or ginger ale with you on a boat or in the car. If you are traveling by plane, check to see if you can purchase it in the airport cafes where drinks are often sold after people have gone through security.
Ginger cookies or breads. These are always tasty snacks.
Ginger supplements. Contact your doctor or the manufacturer's instructions to determine the dosage that would be right for you.

Step 2 Use over-the-counter antihistamine medications.

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol)
Meclizine (Antivert)

Step 3 Ask your doctor for a prescription medications.

Your doctor may prescribe a scopolamine or hyoscine adhesive patch (Transderm Scop). This treatment may not be possible for people with asthma, glaucoma, urine retention, epilepsy, heart, kidney, or liver problems.
However, scopolamine has no effect on people under the age of 12.
If this medication is available over-the-counter, consult a doctor before treating a child or an elderly person.
The patch is generally worn behind the ear. It is usually effective for about 72 hours. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Expert Q&A

People with migraines are more prone to motion sickness. If you get migraines, you may want to take proactive measures prior to extended travel. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motion-sickness/pages/introduction.aspx
↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/motionsickness.html
↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-motion-sickness/basics/art-20056697
↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368?pg=2
↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/car-sickness-in-children/faq-20057876

About this article

To prevent motion sickness, try opening the car window or plane air vent to get some fresh air and combat your nausea. At the same time, try looking at something stable, like the horizon, since this will enable your brain to match the small movements to the feeling of being in a swaying vehicle and reduce your symptoms. If you usually read or play games when travelling, avoid these activities as they can worsen your symptoms and instead just sit with your eyes closed. When your eyes are closed, try to relax by breathing deeply or taking a 10 minute nap, since worrying about feeling ill may make your symptoms worse. For more advice from our Medical co-author, including how to settle your stomach before travelling, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Staying Ahead of Seasickness on Open Waters

You may not be able to avoid it, but you can help the symptoms of seasickness

What to Avoid
How to Prepare

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that some people experience while traveling on open water. It can cause distressing symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Seasickness often fades as people adjust to the sensations of being on the water, but there are ways to try to get relief more quickly.

This article will discuss the causes and symptoms of seasickness and give tips for handling or avoiding seasickness.

rudi_suardi / Getty Images

Why Does Seasickness Happen?

The exact cause of seasickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by mixed sensory messages between what you see and what your body senses when you are on the water.

If you try to read a book on a boat, the page looks still, but your body is feeling the boat's rolling motion. You may step forward, but the boat may tilt you back. That confuses the systems that maintain our sense of balance, which are coordinated by the central nervous system. They include:

The inner ear, sometimes called the labyrinth, which detects and monitors the direction and position of your head
The eyes, which tell you where you are in relationship to your environment
Receptors in the skin, muscles, and joints called proprioceptors monitor movement and position by sensing pressure

A mismatch between the signals can throw off parts of the brain that handle involuntary processes such as digestion and lead to nausea and vomiting.

Telltale Seasickness Symptoms

Seasickness has very distinct symptoms. If you are on a boat or ship and begin to feel the following, you are very likely seasick:

Cold sweats

Are Seasickness and Motion Sickness Different?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. Other activities that may cause similar symptoms include traveling in a car, flying on an airplane, or going on amusement park rides like a roller coaster. Video games can also cause motion sickness.

How to Get Over Seasickness

You can take different approaches that may help you get over seasickness more quickly. They include:

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for seasickness are available for purchase without a prescription. They include:

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) antihistamine : Take one hour before travel, then about every six hours while on open water.
Phenergan (promethazine) antihistamine: Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding. Can repeat in eight to 12 hours if needed.
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) antihistamine : Take recommended dose about 30 minutes before boarding, then one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed. If you take the less drowsy formula, take it only once a day.
Bonine (meclizine) anti-nausea medication : Should be taken about an hour before boat travel, then every four to six hours as needed.
Marezine (cyclizine) anti-nausea medication : Should be taken at least 30 minutes before travel, then every 24 hours as needed.

The recommended dose of these medications may be smaller for children or older adults; follow the directions on the package carefully or talk to your healthcare provider. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines are less helpful for seasickness.

Prescription medications available through a healthcare provider include:

Transderm Scop (scopolamine) : An antimuscarinic, it blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is linked to vomiting. The medication is in a patch you put on your skin six to eight hours before your trip, which can be effective for up to three days.
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) : This stimulant is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can also help nausea. Do not take more than as directed, as it can be habit-forming. Can be particularly effective in combination with scopolamine.
Reglan (metoclopramide) : This dopamine receptor antagonist helps speed digestion, which can relieve nausea. Take as directed by your healthcare provider.

Motion Sickness Wristbands

The use of wristbands is based on acupuncture and acupressure points on the wrist. Some believe stimulating these points can control or alleviate nausea. Wristbands for motion sickness usually come with a button that, when pressed, is said to reset the inner ear's balance system. They are available OTC but have not been proven to be effective.

Actions You Can Take

There are ways you can help avoid or reduce seasickness without medication . These include:

Stay still as much as possible.
Sit facing forward (in the direction the vessel is traveling).
Look at the horizon.
Tilt your head in the direction of any turns the boat takes.
Take slow, mindful breaths.
Listen to music.
Try food or drink containing ginger .
Stay hydrated.
Get fresh air.
Go out on deck rather than staying in a cabin.

The good news is that seasickness, even if you do have it, tends to resolve within a day or two as your body gets acclimated to being at sea.

Side Effects of Seasickness Medications

Seasickness medications can help alleviate nausea, but may make you feel drowsy or sleepy, disoriented, have dry mouth, or blurred vision. Always take them as directed.

What to Avoid With Seasickness

If you do feel yourself getting seasick, avoid the following:

Eating heavy, greasy meals
Drinking alcohol
Facing backward (away from the direction of motion) while sitting

Preparing for Seasickness Before Travel

If you are planning on taking medication for seasickness, follow the directions carefully and talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when and how to take it. It can help to eat lightly and avoid alcohol before traveling.

If you can, take some short boat rides before you take a longer trip, which may help your body become more accustomed to the sensations of being on the water.

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness, thought to be caused by sensory confusion, that leads to nausea and vomiting when traveling on water.

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help. Some of these medications can make you drowsy, give you a dry mouth, or have other side effects. Take them as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider.

You may also be able to reduce or avoid getting seasick by eating lightly, staying hydrated, focusing on the horizon, facing forward, and finding a distraction like listening to music. Food or drink containing ginger may also help. Reading is not advisable while on open water. Seasickness usually passes in a day or two in most people.

Ärzteblatt DÄG Redaktion Deutsches. The neurophysiology and treatment of motion sickness . Deutsches Ärzteblatt . doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0687

American Physical Therapy Association. How does the balance system work?

Chang E, Kim HT, Yoo B. Virtual reality sickness: a review of causes and measurements . International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction . 2020;36(17):1658-1682. doi:10.1080/10447318.2020.1778351.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Yellow Book. Motion sickness.

MedlinePlus. Scopolamine transdermal patch.

Zhang LL, Liu HQ, Yu XH, et al. The combination of scopolamine and psychostimulants for the prevention of severe motion sickness . CNS Neurosci Ther . 2016;22(8):715-722. doi:10.1111/cns.12566.

MedlinePlus. Metroclopramide .

McGill Office for Science and Society. Can you turn nausea off at the wrist?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motion sickness .

National Ocean Service. What causes seasickness?

Karrim N, Magula N, Saman Y. Antihistamines for motion sickness . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012715

By Nancy LeBrun LeBrun is a Maryland-based freelance writer and award-winning documentary producer with a bachelor's degree in communications.

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.cls-1{fill:#2e64ab;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;} CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog

8 expert tips to avoid getting sick when you travel.

Jun 06, 2018 Cedars-Sinai Staff

There's a popular expression about travel that says it's the only thing we buy that makes us richer. While that might be true, it can also make us sick.

Whether you're packing up the family for a road trip or flying around the world, vacations often come with unexpected surprises that can compromise your immune system.

"When we travel our bodies endure a lot of stress," says Gretchen Genato, a nurse practitioner at Cedars-Sinai 's Playa Vista Urgent Care . "Stress can decrease your immune system, making you susceptible to illness."

We asked Gretchen to give us some tips on staying healthy while traveling.

Tips to avoid getting sick during or after vacation

Prepare your body early.

Make sure that you start preparing at least 48 hours before your travel. This prep includes getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night before your trip and drinking lots of fluids. Be sure to get any recommended vaccinations before you leave.

Stay hydrated

Drink lots water! You should divide your weight (in pounds) in half and aim to drink that many ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should try to drink 60 ounces of water.

If you're traveling abroad, check to be sure the tap water is safe to drink. If it's not or you're unsure, stick to bottled water.

Read: How to Prepare for Flu Season: A Family Guide

Get enough sleep during your trip

Our white blood cells increase in number while we sleep, especially at night. When you are sleep deprived , the body's defense mechanism weakens.

Packed itineraries leave little room for self-care and rest, so it's important to pace yourself.

Eat a balanced diet

Lots of us think, "I'm on vacation and can eat or drink as much as my body can handle," but that can disrupt our digestive system and our overall health. Eat healthy, balanced meals with lots of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system healthy and strong.

Read: Eating Healthy: 8 Diet Questions Answered

Give yourself time to recover

Vacationers often have little to no rest between getting home and returning to work. Try to give yourself a day or two to recover.

Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to help keep the germs at bay.

Have fun and laugh a lot!

Laughter is good for your immune system.

Have more questions on staying healthy on vacation? You can learn more by visiting with the Cedars-Sinai Travel Medicine and Immunization Services .

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How to prevent motion sickness before your next trip

Motion sickness can take an otherwise perfect road trip, train ride or weekend cruise and turn it upside down. It’s impossible to have fun on vacation if you’re experiencing unrelenting nausea, headaches and dizziness.

It’s also notoriously difficult to treat once symptoms have set in. Knowing how to prevent motion sickness before it starts can be the difference between a great trip and one that is, at best, uncomfortable, and, at worst, ruined by stubborn pain or an upset stomach.

According to the most current travel health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several groups are more at risk of being affected. These include children between 2 and 12, pregnant people, menstruating people and anyone taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.

Anyone with a history of vertigo and vestibular disorders is also more prone. So are people who experience migraines, said Steven Rauch, a professor of otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, as that condition “confers lifelong sensitivity to motion processing.” Research has also shown that genetics may play a role in motion sickness vulnerability. The entry on motion sickness in MedlinePlus , an online information resource by the National Library of Medicine, also says that motion sickness tends to “cluster in families.”

Here’s what to know about motion sickness if you’ll be traveling soon, including how it happens and how to treat it.

What causes motion sickness?

The leading hypothesis explaining why we may get carsick or seasick is called the “sensory conflict” theory. Its proponents argue that the part of the brain responsible for integrating input from different sensory channels — like our ears, eyes and nerve endings — receives conflicting information.

Rauch, a vestibular specialist with a focus on hearing and balance disorders, gives the following example: If someone is sitting below the deck of a ship, their eyes might tell them that they’re not moving and that the cabin is perfectly still. At the same time, their inner ears and body are sensing the movement of the boat. That disconnect between sensory inputs can lead to symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headaches.

This sensory conflict can be especially likely to cause motion sickness symptoms if someone has increased sensitivity of their inner ear.

Another, secondary theory for motion sickness relies on what Tom Stoffregen, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, calls “postural instability.” The idea is that there is a difference between moving in a stable manner versus moving in an unstable manner, and that motion sickness is caused by the latter.

On a cruise, for example, “when you first get on the ship, you’re going to be walking around in your normal way and you’ll find the results of your stepping are not the same as what you want and want you’re used to,” Stoffregen said. “And that’s going to lead you physically to be a little bit unsteady.”

That unsteadiness, he argues, can lead to motion sickness symptoms.

How can I prevent motion sickness?

When it comes to motion sickness, “it is much easier to prevent than treat,” Rauch said. This is because some of the responses that motion sickness triggers, such as nausea and vomiting, are difficult to calm down once they’ve begun.

Nausea, Rauch said, “is an all-consuming sensation. You can’t think about anything else when you’re nauseous. You can’t concentrate. You can’t read. It is really a disabling symptom.”

The best prevention for motion sickness is avoiding triggers in the first place, whether that means limiting time spent on a car or plane, forgoing the week-long cruise in the Caribbean or choosing the front-facing seat on a train.

“If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, going whale-watching is not a good decision. Going to the amusement park and getting on a roller coaster is not a good decision. Booking a cruise, especially on a small ship, is not a good decision,” Rauch said.

One possibility is starting with smaller steps before embarking on a riskier journey. “Before you commit to hours or days at sea,” Rauch said, “you may want to go out for a boat ride and test it.”

Still, being prone to motion sickness doesn’t mean you have to forgo all travel. Some small changes can make a big difference:

Choose a train or bus seat where you can look out at the horizon.
Make it a point to spend time above deck while on a boat.
Open a window when in the car to get some fresh air.
Do not read or look at your phone or laptop while you’re moving. Sensory conflict can be minimized when your body is better able to reconcile what you’re seeing with what you’re feeling.

Rauch recommends looking out at the horizon whenever possible. Stoffregen also recommends looking at the horizon, but for different reasons. Under the postural instability theory for motion sickness, doing so helps stabilize the body and thus helps prevent motion sickness symptoms.

Stoffregen also recommends travelers avoid eating too much food before travel, especially greasy or otherwise heavy foods, and reduce their alcohol and caffeine intake, as this can lead to more instability.

“If you’re afraid of seasickness I just say, no alcohol at all, no coffee,” he said.

What medicine should I take for motion sickness?

There are a variety of medications that treat motion sickness, including over-the-counter options and those that require a prescription.

Most medications have to be taken before motion sickness symptoms start to be effective. Depending on the medication, this can mean 30 minutes or up to six hours before travel. And some, like dimenhydrinate, need to be taken every four to eight hours. Oral medication won’t help if you’re already vomiting, as it would be difficult to keep a pill down.

Without a prescription, travelers who know they experience motion sickness can use dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine). Both help to reduce nausea, specifically, and are often used to treat seasickness.

According to Rauch, prescription drugs like scopolamine can help by acting in “the balance centers of the brain to reduce the signaling and make the balance part of the brain a little less fragile.”. Small amounts of drugs in the benzodiazepine family, like diazepam or lorazepam, can help for the same reason, Rauch said. That said, this latter category of drugs is highly addictive .

Can I treat motion sickness without medicine?

Acupuncture wristbands like Sea-Band, which work by pressing a small marble on a part of the wrist that supposedly helps relieve nausea, are a medication-free option, as are the pricier Reliefbands, which work via an electric pulse.

“Some patients find that effective,” Rauch said, adding that it’s important to keep in mind that “those things are treating nausea, not your brain’s ability to process motion.”

There are also glasses on the market that supposedly prevent motion sickness by making an artificial horizon made of colored liquid, but Stoffregen is doubtful that they work.

For those looking to better manage their motion sickness, Rauch instead recommends mind-body interventions, like meditation and breathing exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback.

“There are some fantastic mind-over-body interventions to help with anxiety and to cope with nausea and motion sickness,” he said. “Somebody has to teach you how to do that — it’s a training thing — but if you’re super sensitive to motion and you don’t want to just spend your whole life sitting at home, certainly those would be strategies worth exploring.”

How do I cure motion sickness if I’m already feeling ill?

There is no silver bullet for motion sickness. Rauch, for example, recommends travelers do whatever feels best to them in the moment.

“When we have people who are having any kind of balance symptom, we leave it to the patient to do whatever helps them feel best,” he said. “Lie down. Sit up. Open your eyes. Close your eyes. We don’t make recommendations. People do what they need to do.”

That being said, there are some tried-and-true fixes that can help ease a bout of motion sickness:

Remove yourself from the offending situation : If you’re dizzy from a long, winding car ride, stop the car and get out, if possible. If the problem is a large boat in choppy waters, try to go up to the deck and wait until the boat can come ashore, if that’s an option.
Look out at the horizon , or something that can work as a horizon. That can also help fight off the worst of the motion sickness symptoms.
Eating ginger can help , as there is “quite solid evidence that if you eat a little bit … that in fact reduces the chances that you’ll get sick,” Stoffregen said. Like most treatments for motion sickness, ginger works best as a preventive method but can also help ease mild symptoms. “If you notice that you’re getting a little bit queasy, anything with ginger in it is the most effective sort of nausea suppressant we have that anybody could access,” Rauch said. Options include ginger hard candy, gingersnaps, ginger tea or even ginger ale, as long as it’s made with real ginger.
Find a way to stabilize yourself , whether that means sitting down or resting your head against the back of your chair. That can also help minimize symptoms, according to Stoffregen and the Mayo Clinic’s first aid guidance for motion sickness.

How to prevent motion sickness before your next trip

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First Aid and Emergency Health Care

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD . Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 16 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 726,853 times.

As you travel to higher altitudes, such as the areas around mountains, many changes are observed in the environment that can affect you. These include cold, low humidity, increased UV radiation from the sun, decreased air pressure, and reduced oxygen saturation. Altitude sickness is our body's response to the low air pressure and oxygen typically occurring at altitudes over 8,000 ft. [1] X Research source If you know that you are going to be traveling to high altitudes, follow a few simple steps to prevent altitude sickness.

Preventing Altitude Sickness

There are some other behaviors you should avoid. Do not go over 9,000 feet in altitude in 1 day. Do not sleep 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the altitude you slept at the previous night. You should always spend an extra day acclimating for every 3,300 ft. [2] X Research source

In addition, during your three to five day acclimation to your new altitude, take the first day or two to rest before exploring the area.

This is an FDA approved drug for the prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness. Acetazolamide is a diuretic, which increases urine production, and is known to cause an increase in respiratory ventilation that allows more oxygen exchange in our body.
Take 125 mg as prescribed twice daily starting one day before your trip and take for two days at your highest altitude.. [3] X Research source Ellsworth A.J., Meyer E.F., Larson E. B. Acetazolamide or dexamethasone use versus placebo to prevent acute mountain sickness on Mount Rainier. Western Journal of Medicine. 1991 Mar; 154(3): 289–293.

Take this medication as prescribed, which is usually 4 mg every 6 to 12 hours starting the day before your trip and continue until you are fully acclimated at your highest altitude.
600mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours may also help prevent acute mountain sickness.
Ginkgo biloba has been studied for treatment and prevention of altitude sickness, but the results are varied and not recommended for use. [4] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

There are many reasons for low RBC, the most common is iron deficiency. B vitamin deficiency can also lead to low red blood cells. If low, your doctor may advise you to take iron or vitamin B supplements to correct your RBC. [5] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Do not drink any alcohol and avoid it for the first 48 hours of your trip. Alcohol is a depressant and can slow down your breathing rate and cause dehydration.
You should also avoid caffeinated products, such as energy drinks and sodas. Caffeine can lead to the dehydration of your muscles.

This can include pastas, breads, fruits, and potato based meals.
In addition, excess salt should be avoided. Too much salt will cause the dehydration of your body’s tissues. Look for food and meals labeled with low salt or no salt added at the supermarket.
Physical endurance and conditioning may appear to be a good idea before mountain climbing. However, studies have shown there is no evidence that physical fitness protects against altitude sickness. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source Honigman B. et al. Sea-level physical activity and acute mountain sickness at moderate altitude. Western Journal Medicine. 1995 Aug;163(2):117-21.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Acute mountain sickness is due to reduced air pressure and oxygen.
High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe progression of acute mountain sickness caused by brain swelling and the leaking of dilated brain vessels.
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur with HACE, on its own after acute mountain sickness, or develop one to four days after traveling above 8,000 ft. This is caused by swelling in the lungs due to fluid leakage into the lungs caused by high pressure and constriction of blood vessels in the lungs. [10] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Step 2 Recognize acute mountain sickness.

These include a headache within two to 12 hours of new altitude, trouble falling or staying asleep, dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath during movement, and nausea or vomiting. [11] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Step 3 Notice high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

You may also lose consciousness or go into a coma.
Unlike acute mountain sickness, HACE is rather rare. It only affects from .1% to 4% of people. [12] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Step 4 Watch out for high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

You may also notice a physical change as well, such as cyanosis, which is a condition where your mouth and fingers turn darker or bluish in color.
Like with HACE, HAPE is relatively rare, with incidences from .1% to 4%. [13] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

If you are dealing with signs or symptoms of HACE or HAPE, descend immediately with as little exertion as possible so as not to aggravate the symptoms. You should then reassess symptoms for improvement periodically.
If descent is not possible because of weather conditions or other reasons, administer oxygen to increase oxygen pressure. Place the mask on yourself and the tube of the mask in the tank nozzle. Release the oxygen. You can also be placed in a portable hyperbaric chamber. If these are available, then descent may not be needed if the symptoms are not severe and you respond to treatment. These are lightweight machines usually carried by rescue teams or at rescue stations. If radio or phone is available, report incidences to the rescue team and give them your location and wait for arrival. [14] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Your doctor may also prescribe you emergency drugs in case of HAPE, which are non-FDA approved drugs for prophylaxis and HAPE treatment. Small studies have shown some drugs reduce the incidence of HAPE if taken 24 hours before your trip. These include nifedipine (Procardia), salmeterol (Serevent), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (tadalafil, Cialis), and sildenafil (Viagra). [15] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Foods to Eat and Avoid

Expert Q&A

If you are feeling symptoms of altitude illness, don't continue to ascend, especially to sleep. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Descend if your symptoms are increasing or not going away while resting. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you have certain ailments, you may experience worsening of your condition at high altitudes. You may also need a pre-trip workup by your healthcare provider to assure safety. These include arrhythmias, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell disease. You are also at risk of getting sick if you are on narcotic pain medications, which cause the respiration rate to go down. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Pregnant women should not sleep at altitudes higher than 12,000 feet. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ Hackett P, Shlim D. Altitude Illness. Chapter 2 Pre-travel consultation. CDC. Aug 1st, 2013. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2014/chapter-2-the-pre-travel-consultation/altitude-illness
↑ Ellsworth A.J., Meyer E.F., Larson E. B. Acetazolamide or dexamethasone use versus placebo to prevent acute mountain sickness on Mount Rainier. Western Journal of Medicine. 1991 Mar; 154(3): 289–293.
↑ Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.
↑ Poos MI, Costello R, Carlson-Newberry SJ. Committee on Military Nutrition Research: Activity Report: National Academies Press (US). December 1, 1994 through May 31, 1999.
↑ Lawless NP. et al. Improvement in hypoxemia at 4600 meters of simulated altitude with carbohydrate ingestion. Aviation, Space, and Environmental medicine journal. 1999 Sep;70(9):874-8.
↑ http://www.theuiaa.org/faq-mountaineering.html
↑ Honigman B. et al. Sea-level physical activity and acute mountain sickness at moderate altitude. Western Journal Medicine. 1995 Aug;163(2):117-21.

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Stay healthy abroad: Why you should see a travel medicine specialist before your trip

Mayo Clinic Staff

Adding a consultation to your travel to-do list

A consultation with a travel medicine specialist includes discussing travel-related illnesses, risk factors for infectious and noninfectious diseases, required immunizations , health regulations and drug-resistant organisms you may encounter.

It's crucial to schedule a pretravel consultation at least two weeks — and preferably 4 to 8 weeks — before your trip to ensure you get complete protection from any needed vaccinations. When requesting a travel medicine consultation, be prepared to provide information about your trip, including:

All countries being visited
Any transportation, accommodation or other circumstances that are out of the usual
Dates and duration of travel

A travel medicine specialist will review your itinerary before your consultation to identify country-by-country health risks, such as exotic infectious agents, the potential for altitude sickness or heat exhaustion, as well as appropriate vaccinations and possible need for malaria-prevention medications.

Your opportunity to learn about staying healthy abroad

A consultation gives you the opportunity to learn about health risks you may face while you're traveling and once you reach your destinations. Based on your itinerary, the travel medicine specialist may:

Explain the risks of infection from mosquito-borne illnesses and the steps for protecting yourself. This includes reviewing medications to prevent malaria, which is a potentially life-threatening illness.
Ensure you receive protection against vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as hepatitis A or typhoid fever , and verify that other routine vaccinations are current.
Evaluate your overall health for travel and discuss with you how to manage preexisting conditions.
Give tips for preventing jet lag, motion sickness, altitude illness and blood clots .
Go over how to prevent and treat traveler's diarrhea , the most common travel-related illness.
Help you reduce the chance of becoming ill during travel.
Provide a yellow fever vaccination and an International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as a yellow card, if you travel to a country where the vaccine is recommended or required.
Review food and water precautions. Contaminated food and water can pose disease risk for travelers, many of which are transmitted via by swallowing or coming in contact with impure water, such as fresh or sea water and swimming pools.

Be sure to ask the specialist any questions you may have about your personal health and raise any safety concerns about your travel itinerary.

Get sick on your trip? Check-in with a travel medicine specialist

Once you return home, a travel medicine specialist also can conduct a comprehensive post-travel evaluation of any illnesses you may have picked up while away, including parasitic infections and other tropical diseases that are rare in the U.S.

No matter the reason for travel — vacation, business, studying abroad, visiting friends or relatives or medical tourism — always be prepared and take steps to ensure your health and safety.

Raj Palraj, M.B.B.S., M.D. , specializes in infectious diseases in La Crosse, Wisconsin .

This article first appeared on the Mayo Clinic Health System blog .

Mayo Clinic Minute: Can aspirin make your breathing worse? Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips to safely watch the total solar eclipse

Health check: why do we get motion sickness and what’s the best way to treat it?

Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, UNSW Sydney

Head of School and Dean of Pharmacy, University of Sydney

Disclosure statement

Andrew McLachlan receives research funding from the NHMRC, research scholarship funding from GSK for a PhD student under his supervision and has previously received (and disclosed) in kind research support from Pfizer and GSK for investigator initiated research projects (in the last 5 years). Andrew serves as an expert on some TGA committees and has received payment for this role.

Ric Day does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney provide funding as members of The Conversation AU.

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Motion sickness can be mild, but in some people it’s debilitating, and takes the fun out of a holiday.

We think it’s caused by temporary dysfunction of our brain’s balance centres.

The perception of motion of any sort can bring on symptoms of travel sickness . These include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, excessive saliva, rapid breathing and cold sweats.

The good news is, there are strategies and medicines you can use to prevent motion sickness , or to help you ride it out.

Read more: Curious Kids: Do astronauts get space sick when they travel from Earth to the International Space Station?

Ears and eyes disconnect

As we move through space, multiple sensors in our middle ear, limbs and eyes feed information to our balance centre in our brains to orientate us. It’s when these sources of information are in apparent conflict that we may experience motion sickness.

For example, in those who are particularly susceptible, watching certain movies can induce motion sickness as our eyes indicate we are moving, although other sensors confirm we are stationary.

A boat trip in rocky seas or a car trip on winding roads means our head and body will be moving in unusual ways, in two or more axes at once, while sensing accelerations, decelerations and rotations. Together these are strong stimuli to bring on an attack of motion sickness.

Motion sickness is common

Around 25-30% of us travelling in boats, buses or planes will suffer – from feeling a bit off all the way to completely wretched; pale, sweaty, staggering, and vomiting.

Some people are extremely susceptible to motion sickness, and may feel unwell even with minor movements such as “head bobbing” while snorkelling, or even riding a camel .

Susceptibility seems to increase with age, while women are more prone to travel sickness than men. There is a genetic influence too, with the condition running in families. It often co-exists with a history of migraines.

Preventing motion sickness

Sufferers quickly work out what to avoid . Sitting in the back seat of the car, reading in a car or bus (trains and planes are better), facing backwards in a bus or train or going below deck on a boat in rough conditions are all best avoided if you’re prone to travel sickness.

Medicines that control vomiting (antiemetics) and nausea (anti-nauseants) are the mainstay of medicines used for motion sickness and are effective. But as there are unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, it’s reasonable to try behavioural techniques first, or alongside medicines.

Read more: Monday's medical myth: peanuts stop motion sickness

More time “on deck”, keeping an eye on the horizon if there’s a significant swell, and focusing on other things (for example looking out for whales) are good examples .

Desensitisation or habituation also work for some . For example, increasing experience on the water in relatively smooth conditions in preparation for longer and potentially rougher trips can help.

There tends to be a reduction in symptoms after a couple of days at sea. Medicines can then be reduced and even stopped. Symptoms often return when back on dry land, usually for just a day or two.

Chewing hard ginger has been claimed to work for naval cadets, but other studies have not confirmed its effectiveness.

Some people find wrist bands that provide acupressure to be effective, although when these have been studied in controlled trials, the proof is lacking .

Glasses with a built-in horizon to combat motion sickness were patented in 2018 , so watch this space.

How medications work

Travel sickness medications are more effective when taken pre-emptively, so before your journey begins.

Antiemetics and anti-nauseants act on the brain and nervous system. Medicines used to prevent and treat travel sickness most commonly are either sedating antihistamines or anticholinergics. They block the effects of neurotransmitters (molecules that transmit information) such as histamine, acetylcholine and dopamine in our balance control centres .

But these sorts of medicines are not very specific. That is, they block the effects of acetylcholine and histamine wherever these neurotransmitters act throughout the body. This explains unwanted side effects such as sedation, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and confusion (in older, vulnerable people).

Drowsiness is more likely to reach dangerous levels if other central nervous system depressants are taken at the same time . This includes opioids (morphine, oxycodone, codeine), alcohol, sleeping pills and some antidepressants.

So what’s the best option?

A comprehensive review of clinical trials in 2011 compared the medicine scopolamine as a preventative with other medicines, placebos, behavioural and complementary therapies.

Most of the 14 studies reviewed were in healthy men serving in the Navy with history of travel sickness. Women have rarely been subjects, and there are no studies in children .

Although scopolamine was found to be marginally more effective than the alternatives, there’s not much to go on to recommend one travel medicine over another.

Read more: Prepare for a healthy holiday with this A-to-E guide

If you’re somebody who experiences motion sickness, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Most medicines for motion sickness are available over the counter . You may need to try a few different medicines to find the one that works best for you, but always follow dosage instructions and professional advice.

Once motion sickness is established, the only option is to ride it out. Lying down where possible, getting fresh air and focusing on the horizon can all help alongside appropriate medications. Importantly, for prolonged episodes, try to keep your fluids up to avoid dehydration (especially if vomiting occurs).

If you experience motion sickness for the first time, and if it’s associated with a migraine-like headache, you should seek the advice of a doctor to rule out other neurological conditions.

Health Check
Motion sickness

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The science behind travel sickness, and how to avoid it

Gp offers advice on the best way to stay illness-free on long journeys.

For many families the summer holidays bring the opportunity to venture out on exciting road trips to far flung places.

But for some, long drives to holiday destinations or to visit family bring the unpleasant prospect of car sickness.

Ranging from a generally unwell feeling to nausea and vomiting, travel sickness can make holidays a misery for many but there are steps you can take to avoid it or at least reduce the symptoms.

What causes travel sickness?

According to GP and author, Dr Sarah Brewer, travel and motion sickness can be triggered by any form of transport and is caused when motion-detecting cells in the inner ears are excessively stimulated and send messages to the brain which don’t match the degree of movement detected by the eyes.

“Your eyes tell your brain that the environment is stationary but your balance organs say that it isn’t – this triggers travel sickness”, says Dr Brewer.

Read more: The 10 best traditional car games for the whole family

“Most people have experienced it at some point in their lives, however some people, particularly children, are especially sensitive as their nerve pathways involved are not fully developed. Before the age of ten, children are especially susceptible.”

According to research by Euro Car Parts, reading, watching a screen, travelling backwards and sitting in the back seat of a car are among the most common causes of feeling car sick. And small cars were the worst form of transport for instigating a bout of illness, to blame for 44 per cent of cases.

10 most common causes of travel sickness Reading (39%) Travelling backwards (38%) Sitting in the back seat (31%) Travelling while tired (17%) After drinking alcohol (16%) Watching a screen (15%) Dehydration (15%) Travelling while hungry (14.7%) Standing while travelling eg on public transport (11%) After eating (6%)

How to stop travel sickness

To help those who suffer from car sickness, Dr Brewer has come up with some tips to help avoid its onset or mimimise its effects

Watch what and when you eat and drink

When travelling, it can be tempting to buy quick and easy fast food from service stations en route. However, greasy, fatty and spicy food can cause nausea and trigger or worsen travel sickness. Likewise, alcohol can act as a diuretic and dehydrate you – further exacerbating your motion sickness.

You should however avoid travelling on an empty stomach – have a light meal instead 45 to 60 minutes before travelling, and top yourself up with light snacks which are bland and low in fat and acid.

Position is everything

If possible, offer to drive – drivers are less likely to suffer from travel sickness as they are concentrating on the outside. If driving isn’t an option, try to sit in the front seats and open the windows to get fresh air circulating.

Keep your attention focused on the distant horizon to reduce your sensory input. To help children, use car seats to ensure children can sit high enough to see out of the window.

To reduce nausea-inducing movement in other vehicles, try and sit between the wheels on buses or coaches where movement is less, or in the area above the wings on an aeroplane.

If all else fails, try medication

For travel sickness, prevention is easier than treating symptoms once they start. Try taking the antihistamine cinnarizine, which works on the vomiting centre in the brain, two hours before a journey, and it will reduce your susceptibility to motion sickness for at least eight hours.

If you are already feeling sick, however, you can suck a tablet rather than swallowing it for a more rapid effect. Just make sure you don’t take sedating travel sickness medication or drive if you feel drowsy.

If you prefer a more natural option, Dr Brewer recommends trying ginger tablets or wearing acupressure bands on your wrists.

Chris Barella, digital services director at Euro Car Parts said: “Unfortunately, motion sickness is something that most of us have dealt with at some point in our life and will probably have to continue to deal with.

“No one wants to experience that nauseous feeling while travelling. Hopefully the advice offered by Dr Brewer will help sufferers, particularly if you have no choice but to travel.”

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The Best Motion Sickness Remedies of 2024
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Motion sickness can make traveling unpleasant, but there are strategies to prevent and treat it. Preventing motion sickness without medicine. Avoiding situations that cause motion sickness is the best way to prevent it, but that is not always possible when you are traveling. The following strategies can help you avoid or lessen motion sickness.
Travel Sickness
Watching something on a tablet like a TV show or a film can often help with travel sickness by helping you to avoid the moving horizon or the view out of the side window. Avoid alcohol and eating too much as this can make feelings of travel sickness much worse. Travel Sickness. 8. Things That Have Helped Me.
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Medication. If you can't keep it at bay, there are two kinds of medicine you can take for motion sickness. The first is antihistamines, both prescription and over-the-counter.These are the most ...
Motion sickness (travel sickness): Causes, remedies, and symptoms
While home remedies are effective, medications are also a good way to prevent motion sickness and are best taken before travelling. Scopolamine - the most commonly prescribed medication for ...
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Motion sickness can make travel a miserable experience and take the fun out of playing a video game or an immersive virtual reality game. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent it or ease its symptoms. If you're prone to motion sickness, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to prevent getting sick and what to do if you get ...
Tips for avoiding motion sickness while traveling
Related: Two magic words that make family travel easier. Avoid certain foods. Some foods can make motion sickness worse. Spicy and greasy foods, for example, take longer to digest, so eat light snacks that won't sit too heavy in your stomach. ... Many TPG readers also said this is one of the best ways to alleviate motion sickness; for some, it ...
Motion sickness: First aid
Motion sickness: First aid. Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.
What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?
Preventing motion sickness. The easiest way to combat motion sickness is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Hydrate and keep fresh air flowing while traveling, either by opening a ...
Motion sickness
Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train. The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell. Find out more about motion sickness, an unpleasant combination of ...
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Assuming you're starting your travels feeling healthy, here are some simple tips to ensure that you do not get sick on vacation. Boost your immunity. Nasal mists and vitamin C tablets are your ...
Travel and motion sickness: An expert weighs in on Dramamine, ginger
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is a popular go-to remedy. It is somewhat effective at reducing motion sickness symptoms, but it is an antihistamine. Like all antihistamines, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness and decreased mental alertness. Some people may experience the exact opposite effects, including insomnia, excitability and restlessness.
Motion Sickness (Travel Sickness): Prevention and Treatment
Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness. It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain. There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
2. Reduce the feelings of movement. This lessens the conflict between the physical sensations of movement and the visual signals indicating that you are sitting still. Things to try include: [6] Sitting in the front seat when you are riding in car. Choosing a seat towards the front of the plane and over the wings.
How to Keep Seasickness at Bay: 3 Solutions
There are ways you can help avoid or reduce seasickness without medication. These include: Stay still as much as possible. Sit facing forward (in the direction the vessel is traveling). Look at the horizon. Tilt your head in the direction of any turns the boat takes. Take slow, mindful breaths. Listen to music.
How to Prevent Air Sickness on a Plane
Alcohol intake prior to traveling can be a trigger for airsickness in many people. Try to avoid consuming alcohol, and also be sure to drink plenty of water. 3. Choose your seat carefully. Most of the time, you can choose your seat as you purchase your plane ticket.
8 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick During Travel or Vacation
Stay hydrated. Drink lots water! You should divide your weight (in pounds) in half and aim to drink that many ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should try to drink 60 ounces of water. If you're traveling abroad, check to be sure the tap water is safe to drink. If it's not or you're unsure, stick to bottled water.
How to prevent motion sickness before your next trip
The best prevention for motion sickness is avoiding triggers in the first place, whether that means limiting time spent on a car or plane, forgoing the week-long cruise in the Caribbean or ...
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
7. Eat appropriately. There are certain kinds of foods that you should eat to get ready for your trip and prevent altitude sickness. High carbohydrate diets have shown in some studies to alleviate acute mountain sickness symptoms as well as improve mood and performance. [6]
Stay healthy abroad: Why you should see a travel medicine specialist
Evaluate your overall health for travel and discuss with you how to manage preexisting conditions. Give tips for preventing jet lag, motion sickness, altitude illness and blood clots. Go over how to prevent and treat traveler's diarrhea, the most common travel-related illness. Help you reduce the chance of becoming ill during travel.
Health check: why do we get motion sickness and what's the best way to
Once motion sickness is established, the only option is to ride it out. Lying down where possible, getting fresh air and focusing on the horizon can all help alongside appropriate medications ...
The science behind travel sickness, and how to avoid it
GP Dr Sarah Brewer offers some advice on the causes of travel sickness and how best to avoid or minimise the symptoms. GP offers advice on the best way to stay illness-free on long journeys.
5 Tips to Cope with Altitude Sickness
2. Drink twice as much water. One of the best ways to help your body adjust to high altitude is to drink more water. Advertisement. High-altitude areas have low humidity which keeps the air dry ...
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Use a dropper to place just a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your ear. Hold still for a few minutes and allow the hydrogen peroxide to move into your ear. You may notice a fizzing or popping ...

The Best Motion Sickness Remedies for Every Type of Travel

In This Article

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Best for Kids

Traditional Medicinals Organic Ginger Tea

Best Essential Oil

Best for Cruises

Best for Flying

Tips for Buying Motion Sickness Remedies

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Why Trust Travel + Leisure

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Preventing motion sickness without medicine

Using medicines for motion sickness

Special Consideration for Children

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Travel Sickness – 36 Tried and Tested Tips to Help You

What is travel sickness?

1. Travel Sickness – What Is It Like?

2. Can You Cure Travel Sickness?

3. How Long Does Travel Sickness Last?

4. How Do You Stop Travel Sickness?

5. Reducing Car Sickness

6. Reducing Sea Sickness

7. Reducing Coach Sickness

8. Things That Have Helped Me

Ginger Tablets

Silicone Ear Plugs

Travel Sickness FAQs

Travel Sickness Tablets

Travel Sickness Bands

6 ways to cope with motion sickness during your next trip

What causes motion sickness?

How can I prevent motion sickness?

Avoid certain foods

Take select medications

How to treat motion sickness symptoms after they start

Wear pressure bands

Try aromatherapy

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

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What causes motion sickness—and how can you prevent it?

What causes it

Preventing motion sickness

Avoiding triggers and anti-nausea training

Medication—or gadgets—might help

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