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Oct. 5, 2023—Nothing can kill the enjoyment of travel more quickly than motion sickness. That queasy feeling can make you miserable, although it usually goes away shortly after the motion stops.

Motion sickness is common. In fact, according to the Vestibular Disorder Association, it is the most common medical problem people have when traveling—and it can also be triggered by video games or certain movies. Typical symptoms include:

• Nausea (feeling like you're going to throw up).
• Dizziness.
• Salivation.
• Cold sweat.
• Headache.

Mixed messages

Motion sickness is caused by an imbalance between what your eyes see and what your body feels. This feeling of imbalance can cause you to feel sick.

For example, if you are seated in a car traveling on a road with a lot of twists and turns, your eyes observe the rapidly changing landscape, your head might move slightly and the rest of your body is still. Or maybe you're reading on an airplane that's experiencing turbulence. In these situations, your brain receives conflicting messages from your eyes, inner ears, skin and muscles. The result is motion sickness.

Motion sickness can happen to anyone. But some people, such as women (especially pregnant women), children between the ages of 2 and 12 years, and people who have migraine headaches, are more likely to get it.

The good news, says the American Academy of Family Physicians, is that you can avoid or reduce motion sickness with some advance planning. And in most cases, it's easily treated.

Smooth travels

Planning a trip? Whether you're traveling by land, sea or air, there are steps you can take to avoid motion sickness.

• Choose a stable seat. Sit in the front passenger seat of the car—or better yet, drive it yourself. On a plane, try for a window seat above the wings. If you're on a cruise ship, book a cabin in the middle, as close to water level as you can. Face forward, not backward.
• Get fresh air. Roll down the car window or turn on the air conditioner. On a ship, step out on deck or sit near a window. On a plane, aim the air vent toward you.
• Eat small, bland meals. Avoid fatty, spicy foods and alcohol.
• Don't read while traveling. Avoid looking at screens too.
• Keep your eyes focused on a distant object. Watching the horizon is a good option.

Feeling sick? Sipping ginger ale or ginger tea can help. Eating candied ginger can also ease nausea.

If you're prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor for advice about medications to relieve or prevent symptoms. That might include an over-the-counter antihistamine, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Prescription options include scopolamine, which can ease nausea via a skin patch. Your doctor can help you choose the option that's right for you.

It's important to plan ahead: Motion sickness medications work best when taken before you travel.

Find more ways to stay well on your next trip—and once you reach your destination—in our Travel health topic center.

Sources

• American Academy of Family Physicians. "Motion Sickness." https://familydoctor.org/condition/motion-sickness/.
• Merck Manual. "Quick Facts: Motion Sickness." https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-injuries-and-poisoning/motion-sickness/motion-sickness.
• UpToDate. "Motion Sickness." https://www.uptodate.com/contents/motion-sickness.
• Vestibular Disorders Association. "Motion Sickness." https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/living-with-a-vestibular-disorder/motion-sickness/.