Ever felt queasy on a boat, in the backseat of a car, or after a VR session? That queasy, sweaty, dizzy feeling is motion sickness. It happens when your inner ear, eyes, and body send mixed signals to your brain—your eyes say you’re still, your inner ear senses motion. That mismatch causes nausea, sweating, headache, and sometimes vomiting.
Motion sickness can ruin a trip, but the good news is there are simple fixes that work fast. You don’t need to suffer through every ride.
Start earlier than you think—prevention is easier than stopping a full-blown episode. Choose a good seat: the front of a car, over the wings on a plane, or the middle of a boat where motion is least. Keep your gaze fixed on the horizon or a stable distant object. Avoid reading or looking down at screens. Fresh air helps—open a window or use the vent. Eat a light, bland snack before travel and skip heavy, greasy meals or alcohol just before and during the trip. Strong smells make symptoms worse, so avoid perfumes and strong food odors.
For kids, choose the window seat and keep them engaged with looking outside instead of screens. For VR, take short breaks, reduce motion intensity, and increase frame rate if possible—those steps cut symptoms for many people.
Over-the-counter antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine can prevent and reduce symptoms. They work best if taken 30–60 minutes before travel. Side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth, so don’t drive after taking them. A prescription option is the scopolamine patch—placed behind the ear a few hours before travel—which works well for long trips but can cause dry mouth and blurred vision. Ask a provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
Natural remedies can help too. Ginger (chews, capsules, or tea) reduces nausea for many people. Acupressure wristbands that press on the P6 point on the inner wrist show benefit for some travelers. Peppermint or ginger candies and sipping small amounts of water can calm the stomach once nausea starts.
If motion sickness is frequent or very severe, talk to a doctor. They can check for inner ear or vestibular disorders and suggest physical therapy, desensitization exercises, or different medications. See urgent care if you have severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, fainting, chest pain, or sudden changes in vision or speech—those may be signs of something more serious, not just motion sickness.
One final tip: try small changes first. A window, light snack, and a ginger pill often stop symptoms without drugs. If those fail, OTC antihistamines or a scopolamine patch are the next steps. With a few sensible moves, most people can travel without feeling miserable.
As a frequent traveler, I have often experienced motion sickness and anxiety simultaneously. In my latest blog post, I discuss practical ways to manage both of these challenges. A few of my top suggestions include focusing on your breathing, finding a visual focal point, and using relaxation techniques. Additionally, I share some over-the-counter remedies and natural alternatives that may help alleviate symptoms. By implementing these strategies, I have been able to better enjoy my travels and hope my readers will too.
Details +