Travelling can be an incredible experience for many people. However, motion sickness is an unfortunate reality that many travellers have to deal with. Motion sickness could be caused by various reasons such as air travel, car, boat or train.

Many people experience nausea and vomiting when travelling for long hours or moving through winding roads. This condition can significantly affect your travel experience, but there are things you can do to prevent or reduce the impact of motion sickness. Here are some tips for dealing with nausea during your travels.

1. Plan Your Route

Planning your route ahead of time can help you prepare for any winding or twisty roads that you may encounter. This advance planning will help to reduce the risk of motion sickness.

If you are travelling by car, try to choose a route with fewer curves, or choose to drive at a slower pace. Similarly, when travelling by boat, choose a larger vessel that is less likely to rock back and forth in choppy waters. If you are travelling by plane, try to avoid sitting in aisle seats or seats located near the wings.

These seats are more likely to experience turbulence, which could cause motion sickness.

2. Consider Medication

If you are prone to motion sickness and are planning a long journey, speak with your doctor about medication. Medications such as over-the-counter antihistamines or scopolamine patches can help prevent motion sickness.

It is important to speak with a medical professional before taking any medication, as some may have side effects or interact with other medications. In addition to medication, you may also want to try natural remedies such as ginger or peppermint, both of which are known to help settle an upset stomach and are available in various forms, including capsules or teas.

3. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of motion sickness, so it’s essential to stay hydrated during your travels. Drinking water or other fluids can help keep your body hydrated, which can help reduce any nausea or dizziness you might experience.

Try to drink water regularly throughout your journey, particularly if you are on a long-haul flight. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks is advisable, as they can dehydrate you and also exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting enough sleep before your journey can help reduce your risk of motion sickness. Sleep is essential for your body as it regulates your body functions and help you deal with fatigue.

Additionally, if you are travelling at night, it’s always advisable to try to get some sleep – this will help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and energized, which can help to alleviate any nausea or dizziness that you might experience. Likewise, if you’re travelling by car, train or bus, take time to rest along the way. Taking breaks can help you keep your travel fatigue at bay, which is one of the leading causes of motion sickness.

5. Keep a Steady Focus

Focusing on a steady point or looking at the horizon can help prevent motion sickness. When travelling by car or boat, keep your eyes fixed on a single point on the horizon.

This will help your brain keep track of the vehicle’s movements and can help you feel more secure. Additionally, when travelling by air, try to focus on the movements of the plane and notice when it’s going up or down. This practise will help you track its altitude and help your body adjust to any pressure changes.

6. Avoid Strong Smells

Strong odours, such as food smells and perfumes, can trigger nausea in some people, especially when travelling. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, it’s advisable to avoid strong smells as much as possible.

If you are travelling by car, avoid using air fresheners or eating strong smelling foods in the car. Similarly, if you are travelling by plane, avoid eating foods that have strong smells. You may also want to bring along a clean, lightly scented hand towel, which can help counteract any unpleasant odors around you.

7. Distract Yourself

Distracting yourself during your journey can help take your mind off any nausea or dizziness you might experience. Bring along a book, an iPod or a crossword puzzle to keep your mind off your surroundings.

Watching movies or TV shows can also help keep your mind occupied during travel. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that can engage your senses and keeps you entertained.

8. Acupressure Bands

Acupressure bands apply pressure to specific points on your wrist, which can help to alleviate nausea and motion sickness. These bands work to stimulate pressure points that are known to help reduce the impact of nausea.

They are available at many travel stores, and online retailers and can be a helpful investment if you are prone to motion sickness.

9. Choose the Right Seating Position

If you’re travelling in a car, sit in the front seat and avoid sitting in the back if possible. This will help you see the road ahead, which can help alleviate feelings of nausea.

When travelling by plane, try to sit towards the front of the aircraft, where there is typically less turbulence. Likewise, when travelling by boat, choose a window seat towards the front of the vessel, where the motion is less likely to be felt.

10. Know Your Limits

Finally, it’s essential to know your limits. If you are prone to motion sickness, don’t push yourself too hard during travel.

Keep in mind that everyone’s experience of motion sickness is different, so don’t compare yourself to other travellers around you. If you feel that you are starting to feel nauseous or dizzy, take a break, rest and try to calm yourself down. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with motion sickness.