Advice on How to Prevent Motion Sickness

When it’s the weekend, the sun’s shining and you are off somewhere exciting, road trips can be hard to beat. Not everyone feels this way, though, especially those who are prone to motion sickness. Motion sickness is a combination of symptoms such as dizziness and nausea which can occur while travelling, and – at some point in their lives – 80% of the population will experience an instance of it.

The team at Wyatt Coaches, however, want to stop this from happening, so this month’s article will look at the ways in which one can prevent the onset of motion sickness.

Be mindful of your food

If you are prone to motion sickness, then watching what you eat prior to travelling is perhaps something you’ve already been doing – and for good reason. Consuming alcohol or foods that don’t sit particularly well with you are much more likely to cause feelings of nausea while travelling. So, with that in mind, heavy, fat-rich meals such as burgers and pizza are like to make motion sickness worse.

Spicy foods are best avoided, too, as they can wreak havoc with your stomach and alter your body temperature – something you don’t need when you’re in a stuffy car!

Don’t read!

If you’ve ever tried to read anything while travelling – your phone, a map, a novel – you will know that this isn’t a good idea; reading can make you experience motion sickness almost instantly. This is because, when travelling, it’s important to have the horizon in view as it helps calibrate our balance. As a result, looking down to read whilst in a car is a definite no-no.

Sit in the front seat

Everyone wants to sit in the front seat, however, your particular affliction may mean that you have some bargaining power. Sitting in the front means that you have an unobstructed view of the horizon in the direction that you’re travelling, making the onset of motion sickness much less likely.

Get some fresh air

There are two ways in which you can do this. Firstly, you could simply open a window. This is the best option if you are on a motorway and can’t stop, or you don’t feel that the motion sickness you are experiencing is that overwhelming. Secondly, you could take a break and get out of the car, stopping the motion sickness in its tracks entirely.

Medication

If none of the above seem to work, then there is always over-the-counter medication that can help deal with motion sickness as a last resort. For example, meclizine can be a very effective measure for keeping motion sickness at bay on short term trips. However, ultimately, you should consult your GP if you wish to explore these methods further.

Wyatt Coaches offer quality coach and minibus hire with experienced and qualified drivers at a great value for travel all around the UK. We specialise in both airport and coastal runs for the perfect getaways. For more information on our services and to get a quote on a trip, our friendly team are on hand to make sure you get where you’re going. Contact us today.