I used to dread road trips. Not because I didn’t love the adventure, but because every journey felt like a battle against my own body. The dizziness, the nausea creeping up my throat, the cold sweats—it was a full-blown war between me and motion sickness.
If you’ve ever felt sick while traveling in a car, bus, boat, or even on a plane, you know exactly what I mean. You start the trip excited, but within minutes, your stomach churns, your head spins, and suddenly, you’re just trying to survive.
For the longest time, I thought I had to live with it. But after years of trial and error, I found ways to make traveling bearable—even enjoyable. If motion sickness ruins your trips too, here’s what actually works.
Why Does Motion Sickness Happen?
It turns out, motion sickness isn’t just about having a “weak stomach.” It happens when your brain gets conflicting signals. Your inner ear, which controls balance, feels movement, but your eyes might not see it. This confusion makes your body react as if it’s being poisoned—hence, the nausea and dizziness.
Some people are just more prone to it (like me), but the good news? You can manage it.
What Helped Me Stop Feeling Sick While Traveling
1. Sitting in the Right Spot
Where you sit makes a huge difference. In a car, I always take the front seat. In a bus, I choose a spot near the front and keep my eyes on the road. On a plane, sitting over the wings helps reduce turbulence effects. And on boats? Staying on the deck and watching the horizon helps keep the nausea at bay.
2. Fixing My Focus
Looking at my phone or reading a book was a guaranteed way to feel sick. Instead, I trained myself to look at the road ahead or a fixed point in the distance. It helps my brain sync with the movement.
3. Ginger Actually Works
I used to roll my eyes at natural remedies—until I tried ginger. Ginger tea before a trip or even ginger candy helps settle my stomach. Peppermint also works wonders for nausea.
4. Controlled Breathing & Fresh Air
Taking deep, slow breaths through my nose and exhaling through my mouth helps calm my nervous system. I also make sure to get fresh air—rolling down the car window or sitting where there’s good ventilation.
5. Motion Sickness Bands & Medication
Acupressure wristbands (the ones with a small button pressing on your wrist) surprisingly helped. And when I know I’ll be traveling for long hours, I take motion sickness medication like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine). But they can make you drowsy, so I use them only when necessary.
What I Avoid At All Costs
- Heavy, greasy foods before traveling (big mistake!)
- Staring at my phone or reading while moving
- Strong smells (perfume, fuel, or certain foods trigger nausea)
Motion Sickness Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Trips
I won’t lie—motion sickness is frustrating. But with the right strategies, I’ve gone from dreading trips to actually enjoying them. It took some experimenting, but now I travel without that awful “I’m going to throw up” feeling hanging over me.
If you struggle with motion sickness too, try these tips. Your stomach (and sanity) will thank you.
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