14 Ways To Combat Motion Sickness

Love to travel but hate feeling queasy on the way? I get it—nothing kills the excitement of a dream trip faster than a case of motion sickness. But don’t worry! Whether you prefer natural tricks or a little pharmaceutical backup, I've got you covered. Below is a list of options and remedies to help you stay on course and enjoy the journey. 

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Non-Medicated Options

1) Skip the caffeine before and during travel. Caffeine can be dehydrating and may intensify nausea, so it's best to stick to water or herbal teas instead.

2) Pack or pick up any of the following snacks to help:

• Ginger-based items – Ginger gum, chews, mints, capsules, or even ginger tea can help soothe nausea.

• Crackers – Bland, starchy foods help absorb stomach acid and settle your stomach.

• Pretzels – A salty, dry snack that helps prevent nausea without being too heavy.

• Bananas – Gentle on the stomach and packed with potassium to prevent dehydration.

• Peppermint candy or gum – Peppermint can have a calming effect on nausea.

• Plain popcorn – Light, easy to munch on, and not greasy—just be sure to skip the butter!

Avoid anything too greasy, spicy, or sugary, as these can make nausea worse. Small, frequent snacks are better than big meals.

3) A can or bottle of soda water can be a lifesaver! The light carbonation helps settle your stomach and ease nausea.

4) Try motion sickness glasses! These unique, four-lensed frames help stabilize your vision and are said to prevent nausea in cars, planes, boats, and trains.

5) Relief Band OR Sea-Bands

Relief Bands emit a series of gentle pulses that stimulate the median nerve on your wrist, activating pressure points to help restore balance and alleviate nausea. I've used one myself, and it works amazingly well!

Sea-Bands, on the other hand, apply continuous pressure to the same acupressure points but without the use of pulses or batteries.

6) Avoiding alcohol – although an unpopular opinion – can help tremendously!

Alcohol dehydrates you and disrupts your inner ear balance, which is crucial for motion perception.

Since motion sickness is caused by sensory confusion between your eyes, inner ear, and body, alcohol can make things worse by increasing dizziness, nausea, and dehydration. Plus, it can make you more sensitive to movement, making symptoms hit harder and last longer. So, skipping that pre-flight (or in-flight) cocktail might save you from feeling extra queasy!

7) Pick the Right Seat – Choose a spot with the least motion. In cars, sit in the front seat; on a plane, sit over the wings; on a boat, stay near the middle on the lower deck; on a train, face forward near the front.

8) Fix Your Gaze – Look at a stable point in the distance, like the horizon. Avoid staring at moving objects or screens, as this can confuse your brain further.

9) Close Your Eyes – Sometimes, simply keeping your head still and closing your eyes can work wonders for motion sickness. For extra relief, try turning on the overhead vent to keep cool air flowing.

Medicated Options

Before we dive in, let me just say—I’m not a doctor. If you’re considering medicated options, it’s always best to chat with a healthcare professional first. That said, here are some common remedies that travelers swear by:

10) Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) – A go-to option for motion sickness that helps with nausea and dizziness. The original formula can make you pretty drowsy, which might be a perk if you’re on a long redeye or international flight. However, if you’d rather stay awake and enjoy the ride, there’s a Less-Drowsy version that won’t leave you feeling as groggy.

11) Meclizine (Bonine) – Similar to Dramamine but with less drowsiness, making it a great option if you actually want to stay awake and enjoy the view.

12) Scopolamine Patches – These little patches go behind your ear and release medication over time to help prevent nausea. Super convenient for long trips, but they do require a prescription.

13) Promethazine (Phenergan) – A stronger prescription option for those who really struggle with motion sickness. It’s effective but can cause drowsiness, so don’t plan on operating heavy machinery (or even walking straight).

14) Boiron Homeopathic MotionCalm Meltaway Tablets – a plant-based homeopathic option with no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Final Thoughts

Motion sickness doesn’t have to derail your travel plans! Whether you go the natural route, try a few handy tricks, or opt for medicated relief, there are plenty of ways to keep nausea at bay and enjoy the journey. The key is to find what works best for you—so pack your snacks, grab a wristband (or a Dramamine), and get ready to explore without the queasiness!