Managing Seasickness, Motion Sickness While Traveling
Motion sickness occurs when there’s a disconnect between the motion your inner ear senses and what your eyes see. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
To battle with my seasickness I tried various remedies. Dramamine, wristbands, essential oils, almost everything I could buy from Target for seasickness, I was prepared. Unfortunately these remedies didn’t help me. I ended up taking prescription Ondansetron to help with the nausea.
I sat outside alone in the middle of the ship on one of the days hoping the fresh ocean air would help. For the second day of rocky saiI, I took Ondansetron again before getting a massage and came out feeling much better. (Please seek your primary care physician for options best suited for yourself if you suffer from severe motion sickness).
Tips for Preventing and Managing Seasickness and Motion Sickness
Before You Travel
- Choose Your Spot Wisely:
- On a ship: Opt for a cabin in the middle of the ship and closer to the waterline where motion is least felt.
- In a car: Sit in the front seat and look at the horizon.
- On a plane: Choose a seat over the wing where there is the least motion.
- Avoid Heavy Meals and Alcohol:
- Eating heavy, greasy, or spicy foods, and drinking alcohol before traveling can exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water before and during your journey. Dehydration can worsen motion sickness.
During Travel
- Focus on a Fixed Point:
- Look at the horizon or a stable object. Avoid reading or focusing on nearby objects inside the vehicle.
- Get Fresh Air:
- Open a window or go outside on deck to breathe in fresh air. Stale or stuffy air can make symptoms worse.
- Stay Calm and Relaxed:
- Stress and anxiety can make motion sickness worse. Practice deep breathing or listen to calming music.
- Ginger and Peppermint:
- Ginger candies, ginger tea, or peppermint can help soothe your stomach.
- Medications:
- Over-the-counter options like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can be effective.
- For longer journeys, your doctor might prescribe scopolamine patches (ask your doctor for suggestions)
- Acupressure Bands:
- Wristbands that apply pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on your wrist can help alleviate nausea.
- Stay in the Middle:
- In vehicles, stay towards the middle where motion is less pronounced. For ships, stay near the center.
I came on the cruise prepared with remedies knowing me and my older daughter get motion sickness. Less drowsy Dramamine for me and Dramamine Kids for her. I also tried the Sea Band Nausea Relief Acupressure Bands since the start of the trip but I don't think they really helped me. Motioneaze topical oil (kid-friendly), I tried on the plane ride to Vancouver and on the cruise and both times they didn't really help. Sadly, none of these helped me feel better.
If Symptoms Occur
- Lie Down:
- Lie down and close your eyes. This helps to balance the inner ear and reduce the conflict between the senses.
- Cool Compress:
- Apply a cool cloth to your forehead or neck to help reduce nausea and dizziness.
- Stay Still:
- Movement can make symptoms worse. Try to stay as still as possible until the feeling passes.
Remember, everyone’s experience with motion sickness is different and may be more mild or severe. It might take some trial and error to find what works best for you but remember to go on the cruise prepared and knowledgeable about how to battle seasickness. Safe travels!
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