Top Motion Sickness Treatments from Experts and Travelers

There are moments, such as during road trips or on cruise vacations, when the journey from point A to point B becomes an adventure in itself. However, for many travelers—including myself—the mere act of traveling can lead to dizziness, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, and even migraines. Commonly referred to as motion sickness, this condition arises from disruptions in the inner ear, which helps regulate our sense of balance. It can linger long after the motion has ceased, regardless of how many peppermints you consume.
Vickie Sowards, RN, BSN, and director of nursing resources for Passport Health travel medicine clinics, explains that whether you're in a vehicle, on a plane, enjoying amusement park rides, on a ship, riding a train, or even using a virtual reality headset, repetitive movements can throw off your equilibrium by sending mixed signals to the brain. “The eyes perceive one thing while the body senses another, leaving the inner ear confused,” she states.

Who is prone to motion sickness?

While only about one-third of people are deemed highly susceptible to motion sickness, nearly anyone can feel its effects if the conditions are turbulent enough. As adventurous journeys—like polar cruises or space travel—become more attainable, and as climate change increases the frequency and severity of air turbulence, even those who typically aren’t affected may find themselves reaching for a sick bag.

What strategies can help you prevent motion sickness?

Fortunately, there are some straightforward steps you can take to lower your risk of feeling nauseous. To counteract the brain-body disconnect that leads to motion sickness, Sowards suggests finding spots on your vessel where you’ll experience the least movement. It's also beneficial to locate fixed points to focus on—preferably on the horizon. In any scenario, remember to stay hydrated, ensure fresh air circulation, and avoid reading or looking down at your phone or tablet to lessen the disconnect.

• On a ship: Prevent seasickness by selecting a cabin close to the center of the ship, where the motion is less pronounced.
  
• On a plane: Sit over the wing or toward the front of the cabin.
  
• In a car: Choose the front passenger seat, ideally near an air-conditioning vent, or volunteer to drive—being behind the wheel helps your brain anticipate the movement.
  
• On a train: Sit facing forward rather than in the direction opposite to the train's travel.

What happens when you feel motion sickness?

Sometimes, merely focusing on the horizon isn't enough to balance your inner ear and soothe your stomach, leading you to consider natural remedies or medications. With a plethora of options like acupressure Sea-Bands and transdermal scopolamine patches, it can be challenging to determine what truly works. As a health researcher-turned-travel journalist who battles motion sickness, I've explored the research and consulted experts to clarify these choices. Here’s what you need to understand:

Acupressure Solutions

A few years back, while boarding a whale-watching boat off the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, the crew distributed Sea-Bands. These elastic wristbands alleviate nausea by applying pressure to the pericardium 6 (also known as P6 or Nei-Guan) acupressure point. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that stimulating this area can help “harmonize” digestion.

However, clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of acupressure bracelets in reducing nausea are inconsistent. Some research indicates they may not be more effective than a placebo, while other studies show significant reductions in motion sickness symptoms.

Since that boat trip, Sea-Bands have become my essential companions for flights and long road trips—priced at $13 a pair, they are both affordable and reusable. Yet, when experiencing severe turbulence on a plane or navigating winding mountain roads along the Mediterranean, I often reach for something stronger.

Over-the-counter medications

Several antihistamines—such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and meclizine (Antivert, Bonine)—combat motion sickness by blocking H1 receptors that trigger nausea. These over-the-counter meds and chewable tablets typically provide relief lasting from 8 to 24 hours and are available at most pharmacies, gas stations, and even airport shops.

Research indicates that antihistamines are highly effective for preventing motion sickness, and healthcare providers have been recommending them for years. However, these medications can also cause significant drowsiness, which can be inconvenient during scenic train rides or Zodiac boat trips—and potentially dangerous if you need to drive afterward.

Prescription Solutions

A well-researched pharmaceutical option for motion sickness is the scopolamine patch, Transderm Scop, which can be prescribed by healthcare providers. An increasing amount of research indicates that scopolamine blocks acetylcholine receptors, thereby reducing “neural mismatch signals” and assisting the brain in reorienting itself during periods of intense motion. Just apply the patch behind your ear one to two hours before your journey, where it will remain effective for several days.

These patches are favored for their convenience—there's no pill to remember, they are as effective as or superior to over-the-counter options, and they don’t induce drowsiness. However, Sowards warns that these prescription-only patches may lead to “excessively dry mouth,” so it’s advisable to keep water nearby.

Ginger Root

For centuries, people have been using ginger for its medicinal properties. The root is highly regarded in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for treating gastrointestinal issues, and it's commonly employed in Western folk remedies to alleviate nausea. Recently, this ancient healing knowledge has been supported by clinical studies.

Ginger serves as a natural antiemetic by blocking serotonin receptors and alleviating gas buildup in the digestive system. Studies have even demonstrated that it can be more effective than Dramamine for treating motion sickness, all without significant side effects.

In addition to ginger ale—the classic choice (just ensure it contains real ginger; some brands do not)—you can find ginger lozenges, supplement chews, and even gum in pharmacies. The makers of Bonine and Dramamine also offer natural, ginger-based versions of their products that claim to provide a clinical dose of the herb.

What is the most effective remedy for motion sickness?

Ultimately, Sowards notes, “There is no universal solution that works for everyone,” so it's beneficial to try different options to find what suits you best. If you prefer to avoid pharmaceuticals, consider ginger or Sea-Bands. Not keen on pills? The Transderm Scop patch might be your answer. Want something that will help you sleep through a 10-hour flight? Over-the-counter antihistamines are your go-to. Whatever you decide, make sure to take it or apply it one to two hours before your journey begins.

This article first appeared online in 2019 and was updated with new information by Erika Owen on October 27, 2023.