Travel Sickness: How to Stop Nausea Before It Starts

Motion sickness ruins trips for a lot of people. You're not weak or unusual — your inner ear is just getting mixed signals. The good news: simple habits, a few over-the-counter options, and a little planning usually keep it under control.

Quick prevention checklist

Start with the basics. Sit where motion is least felt: front seat in a car, over the wing on a plane, or mid-ship on a boat. Keep your eyes on the horizon or a fixed point. Avoid reading or staring at your phone. Open a window or aim the vent toward your face for fresh air. Eat light before travel — plain crackers or toast work well — and skip heavy, greasy, or spicy meals.

Hydrate, but sip slowly. Alcohol can make symptoms worse, so skip it before and during travel. If you feel the first wave of nausea, lie back and close your eyes for a few minutes. Calm breathing — slow inhales and exhales — helps many people regain control fast.

Medications and natural fixes

Over-the-counter options that people often use: meclizine (often taken 30–60 minutes before travel) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). There’s also the scopolamine patch for trips where you expect problems; it’s applied behind the ear a few hours before travel. Follow the product directions and check with a pharmacist or doctor if you’re on other meds or have health issues.

Natural approaches work for many too. Chewable ginger candy, ginger tea, or ginger tablets can reduce nausea for some people. Acupressure wristbands press a point on your inner wrist and are cheap, drug-free, and worth trying. Peppermint aroma or a mint candy can calm your stomach short-term.

Kids and pregnancy need extra care. Some medicines that work for adults aren’t safe for pregnant people or small children. Talk to a pediatrician or OB-GYN before giving meds. For infants and toddlers, focus on positioning, fresh air, and short trips with breaks.

Packing smart helps. Put motion-sickness meds in your carry-on and take them before symptoms start. Bring gum, crackers, water, a small fan, and wristbands. If you know certain routes or vehicles trigger you, plan regular stops or choose seats that reduce motion.

When to see a doctor: if motion sickness keeps you from traveling at all, causes severe vomiting, or doesn’t improve with standard measures. A doctor can suggest prescription options, check for inner-ear problems, or rule out other causes of nausea.

Travel sickness is annoying, but it’s manageable. Try a mix of seating, breathing, light meals, and either a low-risk med or a natural remedy. Test what works on short trips first, so you can travel with more confidence and less queasiness.