Avoiding Travel Sickness
Travel Well Without Motion Sickness
Travelling should feel exciting, not exhausting. If motion makes you feel unwell, a few smart steps can help you stay comfortable and enjoy the journey.
Whether you're travelling by car, bus, boat or plane, understanding motion sickness and preparing ahead can make your journey more comfortable.
What is travel sickness
Travel (motion) sickness happens when your inner ear senses movement that your eyes do not, or vice versa. That mismatch can lead to nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. It can occur in cars, buses, boats, planes, and even with virtual reality.
Prevention tips that work
Choose steadier seats
Choose steadier seats: front passenger seat in a car, near the front on buses, over the wings on planes, and mid-ship on lower decks for boats.
Look outside
Look outside: focus on the horizon or a distant fixed point. Avoid reading or scrolling during bumpy parts of the trip.
Fresh air & ventilation
Fresh air and ventilation: keep cool air flowing and avoid strong odours when possible.
Eat light & hydrate
Eat light and hydrate: choose small, bland snacks and sip water. Avoid very heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before and during travel.
Build in breaks
Build in breaks: short stops, gentle stretches, and facing forward can settle your balance system.
Simple supports
Consider simple supports: some people find ginger products or acupressure wristbands helpful.
Questions about your plan or a child’s routine. Call Pharmacy Now at (03) 365 1564 . We can tailor tips to your trip.
Treatment options
Over-the-counter choices
Over-the-counter choices: motion sickness tablets or chewables can be effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes before travel. Many can cause drowsiness. Do not combine with alcohol or other sedating products, and check age limits and dosing carefully.
Prescription options
Prescription options: for longer journeys or persistent symptoms, your prescriber may recommend a patch or other medicine. Suitability depends on your health, regular medicines, and itinerary.
Non-medicine measures
Non-medicine measures: cool air, closing your eyes to reduce sensory mismatch, resting your head against a headrest, and calm breathing can all help.
Bring your medication list to Pharmacy Now or call (03) 365 1564 for personalised guidance.
Special situations
Everyone's needs can be different
Pregnancy, children, and older adults may need different approaches.
Pregnancy, children, and older adults may need different approaches. Some medicines are not suitable with certain health conditions. Ask our pharmacist to help you choose safe options and plan timing for time-zone changes.
When to seek medical advice
- Vomiting that continues or signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness, faintness)
- Severe headache, chest pain, confusion, high fever, or neck stiffness
- Motion sickness that disrupts travel despite preventive steps and correct dosing
- You need a plan for a cruise, long-haul flight, or frequent work travel
We can help you prepare a simple schedule and packing checklist. Call (03) 365 1564 or visit us in store.
Contact Pharmacy Now
We are here to help you travel well. Call us, visit in store, or message us for personalised advice.
Pharmacy Now
11A/1 Stark Drive
Wigram 8042
Canterbury
New Zealand