Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, can be a debilitating and unpleasant experience for many people, and can really put a downer on what’s meant to be a fun ride to your holiday destination. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent or alleviate travel sickness. In this article, we’ll share the top 5 things to do to beat travel sickness. Whether you're a frequent traveller or just planning your next trip, these tips can help you enjoy your journey without feeling sick. From simple dietary changes to natural remedies and medical interventions, there's a solution for everyone.
Choose Your Seat Carefully
If you're prone to travel sickness, picking the right seat can make a world of difference. The best seats for preventing motion sickness are those situated over a coach's wheels, as they experience less up-and-down motion than those in the middle or at the back of the vehicle. Furthermoreit's a good idea to choose a seat that allows you to look out the window, as this can help your brain to better anticipate the movements. If possible, try to avoid seats that face backward or sideways, as these positions can increase the likelihood of motion sickness and having access to fresh air is key; so, try to pick a seat that has air conditioning you can directly blast on you. If unavailable, using a travel fan is a great way to always have a remedy with you, even after you’ve gotten off.
Stay Hydrated
One of the easiest ways to combat symptoms of travel sickness is by staying hydrated. Believe it or not, dehydration is one of the most common triggers for motion sickness! When you're dehydrated, your blood pressure drops and your body can struggle to maintain its balance, leading to feelings of nausea and discomfort. So, if you're planning a trip, make sure to pack a refillable water bottle and prioritise staying hydrated throughout your journey. Cooling components can also help alleviate some of the nausea, so using travel water bottles that can stay cool for long periods of time is a definite must-bring.
Eat Light Meals
If you've ever experienced that queasy feeling in your stomach while traveling, you know how unpleasant it can be. But did you know that eating heavy meals before and during your journey can contribute to travel sickness? When you eat a large or heavy meal, your body diverts blood flow to your digestive system to help with digestion. This can cause you to feel tired and sluggish, which can exacerbate the effects of motion sickness. Certain foods like spicy or greasy foods can irritate your stomach and make you more susceptible to travel sickness. So next time you're planning a trip, try to opt for lighter, easier-to-digest meals and snacks to help keep that queasy feeling at bay. People often find taking boiled sweets and small sugary things that you can hold in your mouth for a long duration can be a great distraction and can help ease some of the discomfort.
Avoid Reading or Watching Movies
Motion sickness is a common problem among travellers, and while there are many ways to prevent it, one that's often overlooked is avoiding reading or movies during travel. When you're in a moving vehicle, your eyes are constantly trying to adjust to the changing scenery, and if you add in the visual stimulation of reading or watching a movie, it can overload your senses and lead to motion sickness. By taking a break from these activities and simply looking out the window or closing your eyes, you can give your brain a chance to sync up and adjust to the movement, ultimately reducing your chances of getting sick.
Relax
If you're someone who experiences anxiety when travelling, there are several things you can do to help reduce it and avoid travel sickness. Try to focus on the excitement of your destination rather than the journey itself. Listening to soothing music or an audiobook can also help distract you from any nervousness. If you tend to be an overthinker at the best of times, bringing a notebook and having a carefully planned itinerary and source of knowledge for all your times can be a great way to soothe yourself. By knowing you have all the information at hand, you can reassure yourself of what’s ahead.