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Are you planning a trip where you’ll have a long ride in a car, train, airplane, or boat? Are you worried that your tendency to get motion sick will ruin your trip and are thinking about cancelling?
While getting motion sick is never any fun and can make your trip less enjoyable, it is important to know that there are ways to treat the symptoms or avoid it completely. When you have the right information, you can pack some items to help prevent or relieve symptoms while on the road.
Here are some must-have items you’ll need to prevent motion sickness when traveling.
Must-Have Items
Packing an anti-nausea kit is the perfect way to prevent motion sickness or treat the symptoms once they start. Here are some items you should consider including:
- Water and/or electrolyte drinks. Staying hydrated can help prevent getting nauseous.
- Ginger or peppermint candies. Sucking on these can often counteract motion sickness symptoms.
- Motion sickness acupressure wristbands.
- Healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or granola bars. Having something in your stomach can prevent the symptoms of motion sickness.
- Over the counter or prescription medications. These can help prevent motion sickness if taken before travel or ease nausea once it starts. If over the counter medications have not helped you in the past, talk to your healthcare professional about prescription options.
Other Tips and Tricks
Having a go-to anti-nausea kit is a key in preventing motion sickness. Here are some additional tips and tricks that can also help:
- Choose your seat wisely. When in a car, choose the driver’s seat or the passenger seat rather than a seat in the back. On a train or boat, opt for a seat or room in the middle of the vessel or train. If traveling by air, opt for a seat over the wing.
- Stay facing forward. Don’t choose seats that will make you face backward or to the side as this can exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay hydrated and have small snacks throughout your trip.
- Consider snacks or drinks that contain ginger as this is a proven ingredient to lessen nausea.
- Rest your head against the seat back and either focus on a point in front of you or close your eyes if you begin feeling nauseous.
- Avoid greasy or heavy foods and alcohol before and during your trip.
- Don’t read or look at screens while in motion as this can cause nausea.
- Get some fresh air if possible by opening windows.
- Distract yourself by chatting with your companions or listening to a book on tape or podcast.
- Make sure you are well-rested before you travel and consider napping during your trip.
- Take your medication prior to your trip and keep some on hand in case you need more during travel.
Treating Motion Sickness to Enhance Your Trip
Don’t let motion sickness ruin your next trip. Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, or to visit friends or family, pack a kit with helpful items to treat any nausea and use the above tips and tricks to help you feel great no matter what your travel entails.