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Motion Sickness

Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. You can get motion sick in a car, or on a train, airplane, boat, or amusement park ride. Motion sickness can make traveling unpleasant, but there are strategies to prevent and treat it.

Preventing motion sickness without medicine

Avoiding situations that cause motion sickness is the best way to prevent it, but that is not always possible when you are traveling. The following strategies can help you avoid or lessen motion sickness.

• Sit in the front of a car or bus.
• Choose a window seat on flights and trains.
• If possible, try lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water. Limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Eat small amounts of food frequently.
• Avoid smoking. Even stopping for a short period of time helps.
• Try and distract yourself with activities, such as listening to music.
• Use flavored lozenges, such as ginger candy.

Using medicines for motion sickness

Medicines can be used to prevent or treat motion sickness, although many of them cause drowsiness. Talk to a healthcare professional to decide if you should take medicines for motion sickness. Commonly used medicines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine.

Special Consideration for Children

Motion sickness is more common in children ages 2 to 12 years old.

Some medicines used to prevent or treat motion sickness are not recommended for children. Talk to your healthcare professional about medicines and correct dosing of medicines for motion sickness for children. Only give the recommended dosage.

Although motion sickness medicines can make people sleepy, it can have the opposite effect for some children, causing them to be very active. Ask your doctor if you should give your child a test dose before traveling.

More Information

Motion Sickness in CDC Yellow Book

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Sharing health evidence you can trust

Treatments to prevent travel sickness: a quick look

In this short blog, Dr Robert Walton looks at the evidence on treatments to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness).

Take-home points

The new evidence on antihistamines comes from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published in October 2022) and is relevant to adults.

Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common problem, and many people experience nausea for example on boats, planes or in the car. Lots of treatments which aim to prevent travel sickness are available to buy in UK pharmacies, including medicines. Here is the evidence on these medicines and some things you may want to think about when making your choices.

Making a choice? Think BRAIN!

It can be helpful to think BRAIN : What are the B enefits, R isks, A lternatives, what do I want and what if I do N othing? These can be good questions to talk about with a health professional when making a health decision.

Medicines to prevent travel sickness

The choice is between hyoscine (or scopolamine as it is sometimes called) and antihistamines such as cinnarizine.

Most of the Cochrane evidence Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. is focused on hyoscine which is probably better than placebo An intervention that appears to be the same as that which is being assessed but does not have the active component. For example, a placebo could be a tablet made of sugar, compared with a tablet containing a medicine. (dummy treatment Something done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes. ) at preventing travel sickness.  It comes from the Cochrane Review Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sicknes s (published June 2011).

The new Cochrane evidence about antihistamines, from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published October 2022) finds that they are likely to reduce the risk A way of expressing the chance of an event taking place, expressed as the number of events divided by the total number of observations or people. It can be stated as ‘the chance of falling were one in four’ (1/4 = 25%). This measure is good no matter the incidence of events i.e. common or infrequent. of travel sickness in adults who tend to get it, compared with taking a placebo.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there is evidence to support using older or ‘first generation’ antihistamines but none for the newer medicines such as loratadine and cetirizine which are more commonly used now for hay fever now.  These newer antihistamines are not used to prevent or treat motion sickness and are unlikely to be effective.

There are few studies comparing the two types of medicines.  There is little information about whether either are useful for treating motion sickness after it has started so prevention may be better than cure.

What are the risks?

Hyoscine and antihistamines both work in the same way for preventing travel sickness and they also share the same side effects which include drowsiness in some people.

What are the other options?

Many other options are available but there is no Cochrane evidence about their potential benefits and harms.

What do I want?

What matters (most) to you, and past experiences of a problem – and of treatments, is important when making treatment choices. If you usually get travel sickness and want to prevent it then there are medicines that can help and are backed up by Cochrane evidence. But it may be important to you to avoid the risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, if you have to drive for example). You could discuss your options and experience of treatments with a pharmacist.

What if I do nothing?

Travel sickness is usually not usually a big problem although some people can be quite severely affected.  If you have had it once in a particular situation then you are likely to get it again.

Find out more

NHS pages on motion sickness

The Cochrane Reviews Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. :

Karrim N, Byrne R, Magula N, Saman Y. Antihistamines for motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. 2022, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD012715. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012715.pub2.

Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD002851. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002851.pub4.

Why you can trust this information

Join in the conversation on Twitter with  @CochraneUK   @rtwalton123  or leave a comment on the blog. 

Please note, we cannot give specific medical advice and do not publish comments that link to individual pages requesting donations or to commercial sites, or appear to endorse commercial products. We welcome diverse views and encourage discussion but we ask that comments are respectful and reserve the right to not publish any we consider offensive. Cochrane UK does not fact-check – or endorse – readers’ comments, including any treatments mentioned.

Robert Walton has nothing to disclose.

About Robert Walton

Robert Walton is a Cochrane UK Senior Fellow in General Practice. Robert qualified in medicine in London in 1983, having taken an intercalated degree in human pharmacology and immunology. He trained at St Georges Hospital, London and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1986. His work applying computerised decision support to prescribing drugs in the Department of Public Health and Primary care in Oxford led to a doctoral thesis in 1998. Robert was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1999 and the Royal College of Physicians in 2001. He became a Senior Investigator in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in 2016. Robert is Clinical Professor of Primary Medical Care at Queen Mary and was joint lead of the NIHR Research Design Service east London team. His research interests are in primary care, genetics, clinical trials and personalised medicine. Robert led a five-year NIHR funded programme developing a novel training intervention to promote smoking cessation in pharmacies in east London which included a substantive Cochrane review and meta analysis on behaviour change interventions in community pharmacies and a large scale cluster-randomised clinical trial. His research team is also developing a smartphone game to promote smoking cessation and researching a personalised/stratified medicine approach to tobacco dependence using computerised decision support. He sat on the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research sub panel A and worked as an evaluator for the European Union Horizon 2020 programmes Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases and New Therapies for Rare Diseases and as a monitor for EU projects. Robert contributes to UK national guidance, and has served on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Outcome Indicator and Technology Appraisals Committees.

is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

1 Comments on this post

Dr. Walton, thank you for sharing your review. For children and those children with epilepsy, I have looked at their sensory processing to help prevent some of their motion sickness. There is a book “Understanding your Child’s Sensory Signals” by Angie Voss, OTR that helps families. I can also share with you my poster from the British Paediatric Neurology Association event in 2020 titled ” What are the perspectives and understanding of healthcare professionals including occupational therapists on treatment and care of babies with infantile spasms and early onset epilepsy- A qualitative design” if I have your email address.

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Evidently Cochrane

6 ways to cope with motion sickness during your next trip

I've always loved flying, roller coasters and even reading in the car. But at the beginning of June, I developed terrible symptoms of motion sickness while trying to relax on a recreational boat. This was new for me, but I'm hardly alone. One in three people are considered highly susceptible to motion sickness, according to the National Institute of Health , which can be especially uncomfortable for travelers whether you're driving, cruising, flying or taking the train .

I've quickly learned the best ways — from TPG readers, medical professionals and personal experience — to mitigate the symptoms of motion sickness, so you can get back to enjoying the view.

New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our TPG daily newsletter for tips and tricks to make the most of your travel rewards.

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is frequently marked by dizziness, nausea or lightheadedness, a result of your body's sensory organs sending mixed messages to your brain, according to Healthline Media , which is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures .

Our sensory receptors include our eyes, inner ears, legs and feet and they work together to maintain our balance and sense of direction and movement. When these sensory receptors are disrupted from certain outside factors, like sitting backward while a train moves forward or feeling turbulence in a plane but not being able to see it, it causes the symptoms we know as motion sickness.

Motion sickness might also cause cold sweats, headaches, vomiting or a loss of balance.

Related: How to tell when you're too sick to fly

How can I prevent motion sickness?

Choose the right seat.

By choosing a specific seat, you might feel less movement, according to the Mayo Clinic . Pick a window seat over the wing and, once onboard, direct airflow to your face. Some TPG readers even said they even bring their own small electric fan to keep themselves cool. (Is there anything worse than being nauseous and hot? No.) The rush of air can be a huge relief to travelers with motion sickness.

On a boat or cruise ship, request a cabin in the middle of the vessel and one that is closer to the water level. Some readers said being outside on the deck and fixating on the horizon helps mitigate symptoms. I got the worst motion sickness on a small recreational boat, but once I moved to the middle and took deep breaths, it helped a lot.

Related: Will this new ship design make seasickness a thing of the past?

When it comes to traveling by train, sit by the window facing the direction the train is going. Sitting near the front of the train can help, too.

Automobiles can be tough unless you're driving or sitting in the front passenger seat. If you're feeling queasy in the backseat during a road trip, put down your electronic devices and close your book, as these can both exacerbate motion sickness. Some parents I spoke with said they simply have a plastic bag on hand when traveling with little ones who are prone to motion sickness.

Related: Two magic words that make family travel easier

Avoid certain foods

Some foods can make motion sickness worse. Spicy and greasy foods, for example, take longer to digest, so eat light snacks that won't sit too heavy in your stomach. If you're prone to motion sickness, pack snacks such as saltine crackers, cereal, bread and other grains, bananas and apples.

Related: TPG staff picks: Our favorite snacks to bring on board

It's also important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dr. Lindsay Slowiczek, Healthline's pharmacist and Drug Content Integrity Manager, says to avoid alcohol and drink coffee in moderation, as both might make dehydration (and, as a result, your symptoms) worse. There's a lot of debate about whether carbonated drinks, especially cola, help, but some say it actually makes symptoms worse. Slowiczek says that, theoretically, carbonated drinks can help release gasses building in your stomach, but there isn't much research on the topic. I've always found that ginger ale helps with nausea (especially on planes) but doesn't everything seem to taste better at 30,000 feet?

On that note, you might want to specifically seek out one ingredient: Ginger. You can also try ginger gum or ginger chews, as ginger has anti-nausea properties, according to Slowiczek. "It's better to start low with something like ginger," she said.

Take select medications

Slowiczek says if other techniques (like the ginger candies ), it might be time to take over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. Some OTC medications will stop symptoms from the onset, including those containing dimenhydrinate ( Dramamine ) and meclizine ( Bonine ). Some other antihistamines can work as well, like diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ).

"It's important to make sure that these are taken to prevent [motion sickness]," Slowiczek told TPG, so it's important to take them at least 30 minutes before you expect to be in a situation that might cause motion sickness. These are also safe for children and pregnant women. Always refer to a medical professional before dosing yourself or children to see which mediation might work best for you, especially if you're pregnant.

One downside is they make most people feel drowsy, so if you're operating a vehicle (or simply trying to enjoy the view), this is something to be aware of. These medications can also have a more intense effect on older travelers, so Slowiczek says you can even take half a dose if a full dose is too much.

Related: 10 lessons from 10 years of traveling with kids

Slowiczek says if OTC medications don't work, you can also get prescription drugs to treat motion sickness, such as a scopolamine patch, which is a prescription antihistamine medication.

How to treat motion sickness symptoms after they start

Listen to music.

Distracting yourself, or your queasy traveling companion, is a great way to combat motion sickness. Listening to music always calms and relaxes me, and when it comes to distraction, it can help take your attention away from annoying symptoms.

Related: American Airlines launches free inflight Apple Music streaming

Simply chatting with someone who has motion sickness can help take the attention off the nausea. And travelers with young children can play games to keep them occupied. Yes, this might be the ninth time you've played "I Spy" in an hour, but you'll thank us later when you aren't cleaning up after them.

Related: How to boost your immune system so you don't get sick while traveling

Wear pressure bands

Acupressure is a treatment that puts pressure on certain areas of the body to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. One of these acupressure points is the Nei-Kuan point on your wrist. There are wristbands you can wear, called Sea-Bands, that activate this pressure point with a little plastic disk, which is said to alleviate nausea. These are also safe for pregnant women and can help with morning sickness, too.

Slowiczek says this could be a placebo effect, but, "If it works, it works."

Related: What to expect when traveling in each trimester of pregnancy

My cousin (who has always struggled with motion sickness) uses pressure bands during travel and says they help. Many TPG readers also said this is one of the best ways to alleviate motion sickness; for some, it's the only preventative measure they take. One even called them a "game-changer."

There are also child-sized bands, so this is a great option for parents traveling with young children who might not be able to communicate their needs as well. They can also be worn before or during the onset of symptoms.

Related: TPG beginner's guide: everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards

Try aromatherapy

I've completely bought into aromatherapy. I have a lavender vaporizer in my room, and it's the best Amazon purchase I've made to date. Though Slowiczek says there isn't much scientific evidence to prove the medicinal properties of aromatherapy, many travelers (including myself) find the essential oils soothing, calming and therapeutic. Just remember, essential oils should never be ingested — they are generally for topical use only.

Related: Travel accessories that will save you money

I have a miniature roll-on lavender essential oil stick, and I love it for travel. It's easy, TSA-compliant and, best of all, smells great and keeps me calm. Peppermint- and ginger-scented essential oils are known to help mitigate nausea, so you can try those, too. One reader puts peppermint oil on her temples and says it eases her symptoms.

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Five ways to manage travel sickness

Focus on your breathing, stay still – and keep your eyes on the horizon

Avoid triggers

Don’t travel on small planes, which tend to be worse than larger jets. If you are on a boat, keep towards the centre, where there is less movement. In a car, being the driver helps; the worst place to sit is in the back seat, because it is harder to see out the window. Unfortunately, this is where children typically sit – and people are most susceptible to travel sickness from the age of eight to about 12, says John Golding, a professor of applied psychology at the University of Westminster. Adults who suffer migraines are also more susceptible.

Keep your eyes on the horizon

The best explanation for motion sickness is the sensory conflict theory, which puts it down to a mismatch between what your eyes see and the information on movement detected by your inner ear. “If you can get a view of the outside and a horizon reference, it’s helpful,” says Golding. “The fewer outside cues you have, the less you can resolve any conflict.” Don’t read or look at your phone. Try to keep your head still, advises Louisa Murdin, a consultant in audio vestibular medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS trust. “It’s not always obvious to people, but having conversations doesn’t help, because when we have a conversation we almost always move our head as part of that. Listening to music is one thing that has been shown in studies to be helpful.” Nicotine tends to make motion sickness worse, as can having a big meal or drinking alcohol before travelling.

Explore medicinal measures

Over-the-counter medication containing hyoscine can be effective , as can antihistamines, but they can cause blurred vision and drowsiness, says Golding, which isn’t much good if you are supposed to be driving. The drug cinnarizine , found in other motion sickness medications, “has fewer side-effects”. Take it about two hours before travelling. Once you have started to feel sick, tablets are useless. “Even if you’re not actually sick, you get what’s called gastric stasis,” says Golding: your body will stop your stomach contents moving further into the gut, meaning medication won’t be absorbed properly. Patches are an alternative to oral medication, but usually have to be prescribed. “Some people recommend ginger, but that has weak evidence to support it,” says Murdin. Studies have shown no evidence for the efficacy of wristbands that claim to prevent motion sickness through acupressure.

Watch your breathing

“Controlled breathing is about half as effective as a drug,” says Golding. An inhibitory reflex between respiration and vomiting stops you inhaling vomit. “The vomiting reflex turns off the respiratory impulse; if you’re concentrating on your breathing, that can inhibit vomiting.” Practise keeping your breathing regular and consistent beforehand, he adds.

Get acclimatised

The most effective long-term strategy is one used by the military, says Murdin: the habituation approach. “They build up exposure in steps, taking someone on a journey that’s going to make them a little bit sick, then they stop, then they do it again, increasing the amount gradually. It helps the brain get used to the signals and reconcile them.” However, for the average individual, this is difficult to do – and you don’t want to oversensitise yourself, says Murdin. “It’s probably a good idea to get the help of a physiotherapist who is used to using those techniques,” she says. But Golding warns that habituation can be situation-specific: “If you’re used to sitting in the back of a car, so you don’t get car sickness any more, that doesn’t necessarily protect you against sea sickness.”

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The science behind travel sickness – and how to prevent it

Travel may be full of adventure and excitement, but sometimes the journey to your destination can bring with it unwelcome feelings of sickness.

Many of us will be familiar with the nauseous feeling that comes from spending too long in the back seat of a car, but what actually causes travel sickness, and how can we avoid it?

Why do we get car sick?

According to GP and author, Dr Sarah Brewer, travel and motion sickness can be triggered by any form of transport. When motion-detecting cells in the inner ears are excessively stimulated, messages are sent to the brain which don’t match the degree of movement detected by the eyes.

“Your eyes tell your brain that the environment is stationary, but your balance organs say that is isn’t, triggering feelings of travel sickness,” Brewer explains.

“Travel or motion sickness is a condition that affects adults and children alike, and can make travelling stressful and uncomfortable.

“Most people have experienced it at some point in their lives, but some, particularly children, are especially sensitive as their nerve pathways involved are not fully developed.

“Before the age of 10, children are especially susceptible.”

What are the causes travel sickness?

New research reveals nausea as the most common symptom of travel sickness, with as many as two thirds of the nation experiencing feelings of sickness, followed by vomiting and generally feeling unwell.

The research (conducted by Euro Car Parts) also revealed reading to be the biggest cause of car sickness, with 39 per cent of people citing this as the most common culprit.

Travelling backwards also ranked highly in causing queasiness, headaches and dizziness.

The most common causes of travel sickness:

• Travelling backwards
• Sitting the the back seat
• Travelling while tired
• After drinking alcohol
• Watching a screen
• Dehydration
• Travelling while hungry
• Standing while travelling on public transport
• After eating

A significant number of people surveyed (44 per cent) were found to feel more unwell when travelling in small cars.

Remedies and treatments

To help avoid the feelings of motion sickness, Dr Brewer offers the following advice to make your journey more comfortable.

Watch what and when you eat and drink

When travelling, it can be tempting to buy quick and easy fast food from service stations en route, but greasy, fatty and spicy food can cause nausea, and trigger or worsen travel sickness.

On the other hand, you should avoid travelling on an empty stomach.

Have a light meal instead around 45 to 60 minutes before travelling, and keep refuelling with snacks which are bland, and low in fat and acid.

Position is everything

If possible, offer to drive.

Drivers are less likely to suffer from travel sickness, as they are concentrating on the outside.

If driving isn’t an option, try to sit in the front seat and open the windows to get fresh air circulating. Keep your attention focused on the distant horizon to reduce your sensory input.

To reduce nausea-inducing movement in other vehicles, try and sit between the wheels on buses or coaches, where movement is less, or in the area above the wings on an aeroplane.

If all else fails, try medication

For travel sickness, prevention is easier than treating symptoms once they start.

Taking antihistamine called cinnarizine – which works on the vomiting centre in the brain to stop nausea, and on the balance organs in the inner ear to reduce sensitivity to motion – can be effective.

Take it two hours before a journey will reduce your susceptibility to motion sickness for at least eight hours.

If you prefer a more natural option, try ginger tablets or wearing acupressure bands on your wrists.

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How to manage motion sickness

Peer reviewed by Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP Last updated by Amberley Davis Last updated 7 Feb 2023

Have you ever felt sick or dizzy in a moving vehicle? Perhaps you've also broken out in a cold sweat, felt weak, or developed a headache at the same time? Motion sickness may be common, but this doesn't mean you can't prevent or treat it.

In this article :

Why am i getting motion sickness, how to stop motion sickness, when to see a doctor for motion sickness, further reading.

Continue reading below

Motion sickness - also called travel sickness - can affect anyone, and most people have experienced it at some point in their lives. This is especially true during childhood. In fact, some studies suggest that more than 40% of children get motion sick in a car or on a bus 1 .

Why does this happen? It's all to do with the signals that are sent to your brain while you're in motion. The unusual movements you feel while travelling send lots of messages to the brain, including from mechanisms in your inner ear that send information about your position.

However, your eyes can contradict these messages if they're focused on objects that aren't moving, like the inside of a car. This results in a confusing mix of messages, and it's this confusion that causes motion sickness.

You might be particularly vulnerable to motion sickness. Scientists aren't clear why it can affect some more than others, but this doesn't mean that you can't prevent, ease, or eradicate this unpleasant and inconvenient sensation. The techniques below are usually highly effective and most are non-medical.

1. Eat light before your travel

If you know that you're heading on a car journey, catching the bus, boarding a plane or boat, or riding a fairground ride, be mindful of what you eat and when. Alcohol and heavy meals - especially fatty and spicy food - can upset your stomach, making motion sickness worse. Instead, opt for light meals at least an hour before travelling to give your food time to digest.

2. Plan where you sit

In a vehicle, where you position yourself matters. Always try and face forward and sit as far away as possible from the jittering movements and potent smells of an engine.

To keep motion to a minimum in a:

Car - sit in the front.

Bus - sit by a window.

Train - sit forward-facing by a window.

Boat - sit on the upper deck in the middle.

Plane - sit over the wing.

3. Break long car journeys up

If you're planning a long car journey, it's a good idea to take regular breaks. Getting out the car and taking a short walk in the fresh air gives your brain a break from the mixed signals its receiving about your movement and balance.

4. Put down that book or electronic screen

Focussing your eyes on something that isn't moving while other mechanisms are sensing that you're in motion is a big trigger for motion sickness. This is why many people find they can't read books or watch films for long before feeling sick. Avoid too much electronic screen time - even when you're not travelling, screen scrolling can trigger something similar to motion sickness called cybersickness 2 .

5. Find different stimulants in the vehicle

How else can you entertain yourself? Looking forward at a fixed point, like a horizon, may help prevent motion sickness, but if you need more mental stimulation, you could try listening to music, a podcast, or an audio book with your eyes closed. Not only will this avoid sending confusing signals from your eyes to your brain, but sounds may also distract your brain and reduce sensitivity to these signals.

6. Rest your eyes

If you find resting easy while on the move, keeping your eyes closed is one of the most effective ways to halt the symptoms of motion sickness. Sleeping is even better - alongside shutting off signals from your eyes to your brain, a sleeping brain may also be able to ignore some of the disruptive motion signals it's receiving.

7. Locate fixed points outside the vehicle

When looking out a window or on a boat deck, fix your gaze on something that isn't moving. Watching trees and other cars go by outside a window - or waves roll by on a boat deck - can make motion sickness worse. That isn't to say that you should avoid gazing out altogether - if you feel seasick inside a boat, stepping out onto the deck and finding a fixed point on the horizon can help rectify the mismatch of signals in your brain that tell you you're moving without a visual reference 3 .

Patient picks for Travel related problems

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8. breathe in fresh air.

When travelling by road, rail, or seadrink in fresh air as often as possible. Usually, this means sitting by an open window - but be careful to avoid strong petrol or diesel fumes.

9. Focus on your breathing

Some studies show that diaphragmic breathing - taking deep and slow breathes in and out - can help ease the unpleasant side effects of travelling 4 . It's a simple enough technique, but you can learn the most effective way to do it here .

10. Soothe an unsettled tummy

When it comes to treating motion sickness, what you feed your tummy matters. Taking small sips of cold water can help. Some natural food flavourings can also settle your stomach and relieve symptoms:

Ginger flavoured snacks or drinks - effective for all symptoms of motion sickness 5 .

Peppermint flavoured snacks or drinks - have a numbing and calming effect that helps ease nausea and headaches 6 .

11. Try over-the-counter medicines

If these natural techniques aren't enough, your local pharmacy will have motion sickness medicine. This ranges from homeopathic remedies, like acupressure wrist bands, to tablets and patches that usually contain the ingredients hyoscine and antihistamines . Hyoscine is considered the most effective medicine for motion sickness.

If you're getting medicine for your child, ask your pharmacist which brands are suitable for children, and about any side effects.

In nearly all cases, motion sickness naturally stops once your journey is over. You should visit your doctor if:

You're still experiencing symptoms long after the journey has ended.

You feel like you have motion sickness when you haven't been moving.

You're experiencing other symptoms like chest pain or hearing loss.

Your doctor can work out if your motion sickness is particularly severe and may be able to prescribe stronger medicines . They can also investigate if your symptoms are a sign of another health problem that needs addressing.

Henriques et al: Motion sickness prevalence in school children .

Iowa State University: Screentime can maje you feel sick – here are ways to manage cybersickness .

The Vision Therapy Center: The surprising reason why you suffer from motion sickness .

Stromberg et al: Diaphragmatic breathing and its effectiveness for the management of motion sickness .

Nunes et al: Clinical evaluation of the use of ginger extract in the preventive management of motion sickness .

Mohr et al: Peppermint essential oil for nausea and vomiting in hospitalized patients: incorporating holistic patient decision making into the research design .

Article History

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

7 Feb 2023 | Latest version

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7 Feb 2023 | Originally published

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Travel Sickness Is Rife After A Year Spent At Home. Here's Why

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

Since lockdown lifted, some people have noticed they’re increasingly feeling nauseous while travelling in cars and on public transport.

Journalist Anna Codrea-Rado realised she’d developed motion sickness as restrictions have eased. “I recently started taking trains after not taking them at all during the lockdowns and I feel so sick,” she tweeted. “Even on the tube.”

She’s not alone. In response to her tweet, dozens of people shared similar experiences. People who used to get motion sickness in cars noticed they’ve since started to feel queasy on buses and trains, too.

Some said while they’re fine in cars, trains and buses are now a no-go – leading them to suggest it might be to do with mandatory mask-wearing.

Yes! Took an Uber the other day and felt bloody awful after 5 minutes in the car. — Lauren Razavi (@LaurenRazavi) May 26, 2021

car journeys longer than 20 minutes are such a struggle for me now :/ — Pavan Mahal (@pavan_mahal) May 26, 2021

Yeah, I’ve had this a bit. Got the train from Newcastle to London and back in early April and it’s some of the worst I’ve ever felt in transit. Once I was back on terra firma I was fine. (I don’t think the masks help, either.) — Alison Bell (@alisonlaurabell) May 26, 2021

So, why do we get motion sickness? And, more specifically, why does it seem to be happening more since lockdown has lifted?

John Golding , professor of applied psychology at the University of Westminster, explains there’s a theory that motion sickness occurs as a result of sensory conflict or mismatch – where the messages from our inner ear (our balance organ) and our eyes and the rest of our body don’t quite match up – so the brain gets confused. When we travel, for instance, but focus on something like our phone or the book we’re reading, a sensory “mismatch” occurs that can cause those all too familiar symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

When I explain that, anecdotally, people appear to be experiencing motion sickness more since lockdown lifted, Prof Golding isn’t surprised. “It’s a bit like if you haven’t ridden a bike for a long time,” he says, “although you don’t completely forget how to ride a bike, it takes you a few trips to get back into it.”

“It’s a bit like if you haven’t ridden a bike for a long time.” - John Golding, professor of applied psychology at the University of Westminster

The same goes with travelling: our brains need to get used to it all over again. If people haven’t travelled for a long time, they may lose their habituation, he says. “Habituation” is a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated presentations – so, with travel, we learn to get used to the feeling of it and our brains could previously process that we were travelling without us feeling sick. But now, we’re having to relearn that because of the year-long hiatus from trains, buses and in some cases, cars.

Fear not, this newfound motion sickness shouldn’t last long, suggests Prof Golding. “After a few journeys, adaptation should come back quickly,” he says. “Most people will get back to normal after a few trips.

“If it doesn’t and they’re finding that this is a real limitation for them, they might want to consult their GP or visit the NHS’s page on dizziness .”

A germaphobe's guide to travel

Jan 19, 2020 • 7 min read

When I travel, my default fragrance is the citrusy smell of disinfectant. I’m the fidgety train passenger who slathers their hands with hand sanitizer. The fussy person on the plane who cleans their tray table with anti-bacterial wipes. Do these habits mean I’m well-prepared, anxiety-prone, or waging an unwinnable war against legions of microorganisms? Maybe all three.

Despite my germaphobic rituals, I still occasionally succumb to coughs, colds or gastric upsets when I’m on the road. Wondering whether to invest in a hazmat suit, I asked the experts: what does science say about reducing the risks of getting sick when traveling?

Do flight wipes work?

Supermodel Naomi Campbell ’s pre-flight routine involves gloves and disinfectant wipes, and she isn’t alone. It’s increasingly common to see plane and train travelers cleaning the area around their seat, hoping to avoid picking up a bug from their tray table, arm rest or screen. It sounds sensible enough, when you consider how many other passengers (and their grubby hands) have passed through, but is this kind of clean-up effective?

“It’s not wrong to wipe these things down, but it’s probably unnecessary,” says David Denning, Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health at the University of Manchester. The likelihood of transmitting microorganisms comes down to their numbers and how long they can survive outside the body, and in this scenario both are likely to be low. If you’re inclined to clean, wiping down surfaces might reduce the risk of contracting some illnesses, but your likelihood of falling ill probably doesn’t hinge on it.

“Norovirus and rotavirus [both contagious viruses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea] are transmitted on hands and surfaces,” explains Professor Denning. “Most of these viruses don’t last very long on those surfaces. The chance of catching a cold or a diarrheal illness from the plane or from a train carriage itself is low.”

Some travelers avoid germy on-board toilets and try to remain in a window seat for the whole journey, the logic being that aisle seats receive more contact, and more potential contamination, from other passengers. This tactic could be reassuring, but on long plane journeys it runs counter to other health advice. Regularly moving around reduces the risk of deep-vein thrombosis, when blood clots can form and potentially travel to the lungs – a much more significant health threat than catching a sniffle.

Read more: How a pulmonary embolism nearly canceled my honeymoon

How to avoid getting sick on a plane

Many air travelers get a sinking feeling when they hear an eruption of coughing nearby. But don’t panic right away: you might be hearing the symptoms of asthma, allergies or various non-contagious chronic coughs.

However, if you’re on a plane seated close to a flu-ridden passenger, there’s a risk of contracting their illness. The sound of ‘productive’ (chesty, phlegmy) coughs and sneezes from someone next to you or directly behind is your cue to see if it’s possible to move to a different seat. “You want to sit behind that person rather than in front of them, because they’re projecting their viruses that way,” advises Professor Denning.

The airborne particles ejected by patient zero will fly all over the place, and attempting to use clothing or a surgical mask to shield your face from spluttering sneezes will have little to no effect. The best line of defense is frequently washing your hands with soap and water. People generally touch their hands to their face more than three times an hour, which can transmit bugs directly to their mouth, nose or eyes.  

Hand sanitizer can help

The popularity of hand sanitizer has sky-rocketed in recent years. It makes up a global market of US$2.4 billion (and rising) and it’s increasingly part of travelers’ toolkits. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is still the most effective way of ridding your hands of bacteria and viruses, but a squirt of microorganism-killing gel is a convenient prelude to eating and drinking on the road, especially where hand-washing facilities aren’t available.

What about the nay-sayers, who warn that being overly attentive to cleanliness is helping to create superbugs, bacteria that develop resistance to antibiotics? Is there a risk that travelers like me, with our liberal dowsings of antibacterial gel, are in fact creating a training ground for superbugs to thrive?

“It is unlikely that exposure to alcohol hand rub will select superbugs,” says Professor Laura Piddock of the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Microbiology and Infection. “However, it should be noted that no hand rub will completely eradicate microbes from the skin. Therefore, reducing the likelihood of eating or drinking contaminated food or drink requires common sense.”

Many brands of hand sanitizer claim to deactivate 99.9% of viruses, but laboratory tests take place on inanimate surfaces, not on multi-textured hands. As with good hand-washing etiquette, sanitizer is only effective if you apply it thoroughly (watch the spaces in between your fingers). And what you eat when you travel is just as important as keeping your hands clean.

Read more: 10 wellness retreats to recharge for 2020

How to avoid (or endure) food poisoning 

Whether it’s growling guts or a nasty bout of vomiting and diarrhea, very few frequent travelers manage to entirely avoid stomach troubles. There are numerous ways to contract one of these bugs: dirty cutlery, contaminated swimming pools, ice cubes of unknown origin, and even the tap water used when brushing your teeth.

Food is a significant risk factor, and it’s a good strategy to choose hot and freshly cooked options (and to avoid salads and fruit that can’t be peeled). Try to assess how hygienic a food stall or restaurant is: check whether raw meat is being kept separately, whether the vendor is washing their hands or using gloves (rather than handling money and food interchangeably), whether surfaces are kept clean (or are mopped down with the same dirty cloth), and whether food is being cooked to order (or standing around unrefrigerated). Also beware touring street-food stalls after dark, as it’s much more difficult to assess whether food has been thoroughly cooked.

“E-coli causes horrible things like hemorrhagic colitis and kidney disease, and incredibly small numbers of bacteria can cause those diseases,” explains Professor Denning. “And they’re all meat-related, and meat-product related. So a veggie and fruit diet is much safer.”

Many travelers carry antibiotics to use if they contract a stomach bug, but don’t reach for them too quickly. The antibiotics may not be the right ones for the illness you’ve caught. Additionally, the drugs have an impact on your intestinal flora, which play an important role in the healthy functioning of your gut – using antibiotics for mild ailments may even raise your chances of succumbing to another gastric illness.

“You really don’t want to take an antibiotic unless you’ve had quite a lot of diarrhea or you’ve been ill for a day, or two days,” warns Professor Denning. “You may be taking something that destroys your good flora and doesn’t do anything to the bugs.”

Even travelers taking the utmost care with what they eat may still end up scurrying sweatily to the nearest toilet. It isn’t necessarily because food hygiene standards are lower in your travel destination, but simply that your body isn’t used to local bacteria. Sometimes, with a little help from electrolyte-rich drinks and plenty of rest, a traveler simply has to admit defeat and let diarrhea, ahem, run its course.

How to fight germ-anxiety and see the world

For worriers like me, who google the microorganisms that might lurk in food stalls or public bathrooms, it can be easy to let anxiety overhang a trip. Meanwhile, world travelers who have a medical background are much better able to balance sensible health precautions with seizing the day (without “sneezing” the day).

“We know more about the real risks and become quite militant about them: vaccinations, antimalarials, avoiding mosquito bites, safe drinking water, thorough hand washing, etc,” says Abigail King, a doctor-turned-writer who runs luxury travel blog Inside the Travel Lab . “But that allows us to relax where others stress! We also know full well how many risks wait at home, so aren’t put off by lists of risks when traveling abroad.”

Travelers should strive for preparedness without panic, as exploring the world inevitably brings situations that are beyond a person’s control. Armed with hand sanitizer and a little more knowledge, my immune system and I are all set for travel’s roller-coaster ride.

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The Science Behind Travel Sickness And How To Avoid It​

The summer holidays often see families making long journeys to visit family and to make the most of the good weather by heading on holiday.

Unfortunately, travel sickness can be a rather unpleasant side effect of a long car journey, but what exactly is travel sickness and how can we avoid it?

New research by online car parts provider, Euro Car Parts , can reveal the science behind why we get travel sick, as well as the factors most likely to trigger travel sickness, and the best ways to prevent and recover from symptoms.

The research revealed nausea as the most common symptom of travel sickness, experienced by two-thirds of the nation (66%), followed by vomiting and generally feeling unwell which are experienced by a third each (31% and 30%).

According to GP and author, Dr Sarah Brewer , travel and motion sickness can be triggered by any form of transport and is caused when motion-detecting cells in the inner ears are excessively stimulated and send messages to the brain which don’t match the degree of movement detected by the eyes.

“Your eyes tell your brain that the environment is stationary but your balance organs say that it isn’t – this triggers travel sickness”, says Sarah.

“Travel or motion sickness is a condition that affects adults and children alike and can make travelling stressful and uncomfortable.

Most people have experienced it at some point in their lives, however, some people, particularly children, are especially sensitive as their nerve pathways involved are not fully developed.

Before the age of ten, children are especially susceptible.” she continues.

The research also found out what factors are most likely to trigger travel sickness. Reading (39%), facing backwards (38%) and sitting in the back seat (31%) were cited as situations most likely to cause queasiness, headaches and dizziness.

Top ten factors that are most likely to cause travel sickness:

• Reading (39%)
• Travelling backwards (38%)
• Sitting in the back seat (31%)
• Travelling while tired (17%)
• After drinking alcohol (16%)
• Watching a screen (15%)
• Dehydration (15%)
• Travelling while hungry (14.7%)
• Standing while travelling e.g. on public transport (11%)
• After eating (6%)

The mode of transport which regularly makes nearly half (44%) of the population motion sick is travelling in small cars, proving the phrase ‘car sick’ to be an apt name! A third (33%) say they have also experienced motion sickness while on a small boat.

To help those who suffer from the affliction, Dr. Brewer advises on the best ways to avoid an uncomfortable journey:

Watch what and when you eat and drink

When travelling, it can be tempting to buy quick and easy fast food from service stations en route.

However, greasy, fatty and spicy food can cause nausea and trigger or worsen travel sickness. Likewise, alcohol can act as a diuretic and dehydrate you – further exacerbating your motion sickness.

You should however avoid travelling on an empty stomach – have a light meal instead 45 to 60 minutes before travelling, and top yourself up with light snacks which are bland and low in fat and acid.

Position is everything

If possible, offer to drive – drivers are less likely to suffer from travel sickness as they are concentrating on the outside.

If driving isn’t an option, try to sit in the front seats and open the windows to get fresh air circulating, rather than the back seats, and keep your attention focused on the distant horizon to reduce your sensory input.

Nearly half of Brits (46%) find fresh air to be the most effective remedy for motion sickness while travelling in the back seats is the third most common cause of motion sickness for a third of sufferers (31%).

To help children, use car seats to ensure children can sit high enough to see out of the window.

To reduce nausea-inducing movement in other vehicles, try and sit between the wheels on buses or coaches where movement is less, or in the area above the wings on an aeroplane.

If all else fails, try medication

For travel sickness, prevention is easier than treating symptoms once they start. Dr Brewer recommends an antihistamine called cinnarizine which works on the vomiting centre in the brain to stop nausea, and on the balance organs in the inner ear to reduce sensitivity to motion.

“Take cinnarizine 2 hours before a journey, and it will reduce your susceptibility to motion sickness for at least 8 hours. If you are already feeling sick, however, you can suck a tablet rather than swallowing it for a more rapid effect. Just make sure you don’t take sedating travel sickness medication or drive if you feel drowsy.

“If you prefer a more natural option, try ginger tablets or wearing acupressure bands on your wrists.”

Chris Barella, Digital Services Director at Euro Car Parts, said: “Unfortunately, motion sickness is something that most of us have dealt with at some point in our life and will probably have to continue to deal with.

“No one wants to experience that nauseous feeling while travelling. Hopefully the advice offered by Dr. Brewer will help sufferers, particularly if you have no choice but to travel.”

To read further tips on how to prevent and cure motion sickness, visit: https://www.eurocarparts.com

About the Author: David Saunders

David Saunders is Sustain Health’s Nutrition Editor. This media guru researches and reveals all his findings on the latest health and lifestyle brands and trends currently on the market Nationally and Worldwide.

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Travel Sickness – 36 Tried and Tested Tips to Help You

• 22 February 2024

I’ve suffered from travel sickness all my life and get sick in cars, on coaches, on planes and on boats.

Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of treatments with varying impacts. Here are all the things that I have found that help.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Private Tour Operator Shore Excursions from Inverness Private Half-Day Car Tour to Loch Ness for Up to 3 People More Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

Travel Sickness

Table of Contents

What is travel sickness?

Travel sickness, sometimes described as motion sickness, is a feeling of nausea and dizziness. It is caused when the brain becomes confused by receiving differing information from your eyes and your inner ear.

1. Travel Sickness – What Is It Like?

It’s pretty grim and it does take the fun out of travelling because all your attention is on trying not to be ill.

Travel sickness symptoms include;

• Nausea (feeling sick) which can lead to being sick
• Mouth watering
• Feeling hot and sweaty
• Having a headache
• Burping (often feeling like you are going to be sick)
• Feeling tired

It can come on quite quickly and be difficult to shift.

Read on for my tips on how to prevent travel sickness in the first place!

2. Can You Cure Travel Sickness?

In my experience, you can’t cure travel sickness. Children may grow out of travel experience but for adults, it is a case of managing the symptoms.

Good prevention techniques and a bit of planning will significantly reduce travel sickness symptoms.

3. How Long Does Travel Sickness Last?

Travel sickness can last longer than the time you are travelling. The fluid in your inner ear can be disturbed and this can take quite a while to settle down.

After journeys that have been long, or perhaps difficult because they have been bumpy or undulating you can feel like you are still moving even when you have stopped.

However, for most people travel sickness will stop soon after you have stopped moving.

4. How Do You Stop Travel Sickness?

You can’t stop travel sickness but you can take steps to reduce the chances of getting it and minimise any potential symptoms.

Here are my tried and tested tips and techniques for preventing and managing various types of travel sickness.

5. Reducing Car Sickness

Here are how I avoid travel sickness when travelling in a car;

• Offering to drive – this is an easy way to never get travel sick in a car but it’s not always that practical if you are travelling with others.
• Avoid getting too hot by turning the air conditioning down, pointing the air vents towards you so there is a breeze on your face, and reducing the sun on your face and head.
• Use a handheld fan to ensure you don’t get too hot.
• Opening the window to get some fresh air in the car.
• Looking out the front window and looking straight ahead as much as possible.
• Avoiding reading whether that be books, online documents or even reading messages.
• Keeping hydrated with regular sips of water – too much water can make you feel a bit sick so be careful.
• Sucking on ginger sweets keeps any early feelings of nausea at bay.

6. Reducing Sea Sickness

Here are the ways I avoid seasickness when travelling by boat/ship;

• Finding a seat that is near the centre of the boat to avoid the extremes of movement.
• Focussing on the view at the front of the boat, but avoiding looking at the front of the boat itself as seeing this going up and down against the horizon can cause sickness.
• Keeping cool by staying out of the sun and finding somewhere to sit with a cooler temperature.
• Sucking on ginger sweets to keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
• Staying outside if the boat is moving around a lot – staying in the cold open air can often prevent nausea, but a coat and hat may be needed if the weather is rough.
• Avoid moving around the boat when it is rough or bumpy.
• Check if there are likely to be any bumpy patches during your journey and planning. For example one of the Scottish ferries crosses a water channel which is always rough and bumpy. To avoid feeling ill I always go outside ahead of arriving at this water channel and come back inside once we have passed through it.
• Avoiding excessive drinking and eating. Eating and drinking too much can make any potential seasickness worse, although not eating enough can also increase feelings of seasickness. If the journey is relatively short then consider your eating plans for the day and make sure you don’t end up being hungry on the boat.
• Drinking excessive alcohol can make travel sickness worse. Ginger beer and tonic water can help minimise feelings of sickness so perhaps consider them instead of alcohol?
• Keeping a handheld fan available to help you stay cool.
• If you are travelling overnight on a ferry then I would recommend a cabin. Being able to lie down is one of the best ways to deal with seasickness.
• Consider taking ginger tablets before you travel by boat/ship. These can help manage feelings of sickness.

7. Reducing Coach Sickness

Here are my tried and tested ways to deal with coach sickness;

• Sit at the front of the coach if possible or sit towards the front of the coach, ideally ahead of the axle on the coach.
• If there is a toilet and door in the middle of the coach then the seat behind the toilet has a better view out of the window. This seat can have less legroom sometimes so beware. If the toilet is being used on the coach then this may not be a good option because over time the toilet can smell which can increase the chances of sickness.
• Sit in the middle of the back seat on the coach. This seat has a view right down the aisle of the coach and this can often help with coach sickness. However, if the coach is travelling along a twisty or bumpy route then sitting at the rear of the coach can be extremely bumpy so is likely to make you feel worse. Also, beware that sometimes the engine is at the back of the coach and this can make it warmer or noisier.
• Sit in an aisle seat as it is easier to see out towards the front of the coach rather than looking out of the side windows.
• Keep cool by using the air vents which should be located overhead. If the temperature is too hot then tell the guide/driver so they can adjust this. If air is not circulating around the coach very well it can help if everyone has their air vents open and they can point them at the window if they don’t want air blowing on them directly.
• Have a handheld fan so that you can keep yourself cooler.
• Avoid sitting in the sun on the coach.
• Have layers so you can adjust between the temperatures inside and outside of the coach.
• Sucking on ginger sweets can help keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
• Consider taking ginger tablets, especially if travelling on twisty or bumpy roads, as these can help. If you are unsure about road conditions check with your driver or guide – they will be happy to help.
• Keep some headphones with you. Having headphones in can help reduce feelings of sickness.
• Avoid reading if it is likely to make you feel sick – this includes books and being online.
• Watching something on a tablet like a TV show or a film can often help with travel sickness by helping you to avoid the moving horizon or the view out of the side window.
• Avoid alcohol and eating too much as this can make feelings of travel sickness much worse.

8. Things That Have Helped Me

Ginger sweets.

These ginger sweets are the best I have found. They are travel sweets so they won’t all stick together and they are not too strong. If ginger sweets are too strong they can make you feel quite sick which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

Ideal for helping minimise low-level travel sickness symptoms. A pleasant ginger taste that isn’t overpowering.

Rechargeable Travel Fan

This fan might look tiny but it certainly puts out a pleasant breeze and it can operate for quite a long time on one charge. It’s very small and compact. It can easily be tucked into the seat back in front of you or easily held in your hand. It charges using a USB cable.

Super quiet, tiny, powerful and rechargeable. This travel fan will help keep you cool and you can easily take it anywhere.

This is on my list for my next trip to somewhere that is likely to be a bit warmer and sunnier. It’s a rechargeable fan that blows air into your face and also around your neck. It’s £23.99 but if it is as good as it looks then it is well worth it! It’s got great reviews and it also seems to help well with hot flushes too.

Ginger Tablets

These ginger tablets are strong, but not so strong that you leave you getting ginger flavoured indigestion all day long. They are Vegan society approved and £5.99 for 90 tablets. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

These ginger tablets are great at preventing travel sickness. They don’t have any side effects either.

Travel Sickness Patches

I haven’t tried these yet but have just ordered some. They have good reviews and look to give relief from travel sickness without any side effects.

There are very reasonably priced wireless earbuds. They help me with travel sickness.

Silicone Ear Plugs

These silicone ear plugs fit over the ear rather than in the ear. They are much better for all night use and there is no risk of damage to the ear canal. I take them every time I stay in a hotel!

Travel Sickness FAQs

How do you stop travel sickness?

Medication can stop travel sickness. Some medications can cause drowsiness. There are various other options including ginger tablets, sweets, fans, wristbands, patches and headphones.

How long does travel sickness last?

You can experience travel sickness symptoms for up to 4 hours after you have stopped moving.

Travel Sickness Tablets

Many people I have travelled with over the years have tried travel sickness tablets. However, the vast majority have advised that they often feel as bad or sometimes worse when taking these tablets.

They have given my guests a low level of nausea which has affected their enjoyment of their day and this nausea has often continued after we stopped travelling.

Travel Sickness Bands

Often people will wear travel bands. These wristbands use acupressure and are worn around the wrists. Some people swear by these and some people report no effect at all.

At £3 for 2 pairs, they are probably worth a try if you haven’t done so already.

These travel bands come with full instructions to help you position them correctly on your wrist. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

Travel Sickness – NHS Help and Information

If you want to know more about travel sickness (motion sickness) then check out the NHS website. This gives more information on symptoms and treatment, plus medicines available for severe sickness.

Further Reading

If you have found my Travel Sickness article helpful you might like my tips if you suffer from a fear of flying as well.

You might also like some tips for other things to help you travel more comfortably – check out my Travel Essentials page.

If you have trouble sleeping when travelling then check out my Sleep App for Travelling (and just great for travellers when not travelling too!)

Other Articles

Nearly 30 Silversea cruise passengers get sick in gastrointestinal illness outbreak

More than two dozen Silversea Cruises passengers got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 28 of Silver Nova’s 633 guests reported being ill during a voyage that began on March 31, along with one of the vessel’s crew members. Their main symptom was diarrhea.

The health agency listed the causative agent as unknown.

Silversea notified guests and crew of the outbreak via announcements and encouraged them to report cases and practice “good hand hygiene,” the CDC said. The line also isolated those who were sick and implemented heightened cleaning and disinfection measures.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," Silversea told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines." The cruise began in Peru and is set to end in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, according to CruiseMapper .

The news comes after about 100 Holland America Line passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak earlier this year.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

The CDC logged 14 cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification in 2023, more than any year between 2017 and 2019. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

The virus is often associated with cruises, but Ben Lopman, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, told USA TODAY last year that cruises constitute a "tiny minority of norovirus outbreaks.” Most happen in health care settings like nursing homes.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Snow, winds send Moscow girls packing

While the weather forecast called for rain, snow and high winds in the region, Moscow High girls basketball coach Lisa Carscallen was dealing with the fallout of her team’s season ending without losing on the court.

Overnight snow and high winds that caused drifting on outlying roads forced the Moscow School District to call off classes Thursday. The Moscow girls were scheduled to travel to Sandpoint for a 4A Region I loser-out game that was postponed Wednesday – the fifth time since the tournament began Jan. 29 that a game pitting Moscow at Sandpoint had been postponed. Four times last week the tourney opener between the teams had to be rescheduled.

Moscow officials decided to forfeit Thursday’s game because the state-qualifying tournament, with the possibility of two more games, must be finished by Saturday. The Moscow-Sandpoint winner originally was scheduled to play at Lakeland on Thursday to decide the regional title and the lone state berth. But the game was moved to tonight after the loser-out game was postponed Wednesday in hopes Moscow and Sandpoint could play Thursday. Moscow officials waited until 11 a.m. Thursday before deciding to forfeit.

“The story I was told is there’s a wind advisory north of Coeur d’Alene for high-profiled vehicles (into the evening),” Moscow coach Lisa Carscallen said. “The girls are devastated.”

Moscow’s season ends with a 0-22 record. But Carscallen said her team’s record doesn’t reflect how competitive the Bears had been with Sandpoint (9-14) and Lakeland (6-14). Sandpoint defeated Moscow in a regional opener last Saturday 53-41. Moscow fell behind by 12 points early in the second quarter, but Carscallen said the game was even after that.

In regular-season games, Sandpoint beat Moscow 46-31 and 56-41 and Moscow lost to Lakeland 58-53 and 65-58 in overtime at Lakeland.

“Our record, I think, played into the decision,” Carscallen said. “We should have gone (to Sandpoint) Wednesday. We don’t have a great record, but we weren’t blown out by Lakeland or Sandpoint. The girls were looking forward to going back to Sandpoint and playing a better game than they did Saturday. It’s unfortunate that they didn’t get a say in the end of their season. It’s not like it was a foregone conclusion that we weren’t going to compete.”

Sandpoint coach Jim Alsager said the regional tourney format must be changed.

“The real shame of the whole situation is it’s ridiculous to have a true double-elimination tournament for three teams that are separated by such distance,” Alsager said. “Philosophically, I’m against the current format. You play for 2 1/2 months (regular season). We need to make it worth more.”

Sandpoint must win tonight at Lakeland to force another game on Saturday.

•The 1A District I tournament was scheduled to be played Thursday, but the games had to be postponed because of too much snow on the roof at Timberlake High in Spirit Lake. The 1A schools were told Timberlake couldn’t be used through the weekend.

Tournament director Doug Napierela, Kootenai’s athletic director, scrambled to find an alternate site. The tourney will resume tonight and conclude at Kellogg High.

“We called everywhere in the Coeur d’Alene area, but we couldn’t find a gym,” Napierela said.

The schedule tonight has No. 2 Lakeside (9-9) facing No. 4 Clark Fork (11-10) in a loser-out game at 6, followed by No. 1 Kootenai (7-12) taking on No. 3 Wallace (5-13) in the district title game at 7:30.

•One boys game – Bonners Ferry at St. Maries – was postponed Thursday. It will be made up tonight, beginning at 6:30.

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