end of travel sickness

ANDREW BRAINARD, MD, MPH, AND CHIP GRESHAM, MD

Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(1):41-46

Patient information : See related handout on motion sickness , written by the authors of this article.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.

Motion sickness is a common syndrome that occurs upon exposure to certain types of motion. It is thought to be caused by conflict between the vestibular, visual, and other proprioceptive systems. Although nausea is the hallmark symptom, it is often preceded by stomach awareness, malaise, drowsiness, and irritability. Early self-diagnosis should be emphasized, and patients should be counseled about behavioral and pharmacologic strategies to prevent motion sickness before traveling. Patients should learn to identify situations that will lead to motion sickness and minimize the amount of unpleasant motion they are exposed to by avoiding difficult conditions while traveling or by positioning themselves in the most stable part of the vehicle. Slow, intermittent exposure to the motion can reduce symptoms. Other behavioral strategies include watching the true visual horizon, steering the vehicle, tilting their head into turns, or lying down with their eyes closed. Patients should also attempt to reduce other sources of physical, mental, and emotional discomfort. Scopolamine is a first-line medication for prevention of motion sickness and should be administered transdermally several hours before the anticipated motion exposure. First-generation antihistamines, although sedating, are also effective. Nonsedating antihistamines, ondansetron, and ginger root are not effective in the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

Motion sickness is a syndrome that occurs when a patient is exposed to certain types of motion and usually resolves soon after its cessation. It is a common response to motion stimuli during travel. Although nausea is a hallmark symptom, the syndrome includes symptoms ranging from vague malaise to completely incapacitating illness. These symptoms, which can affect the patient's recreation, employment, and personal safety, can occur within minutes of experiencing motion and can last for several hours after its cessation.

Nearly all persons will have symptoms in response to severe motion stimuli, and a history of motion sickness best predicts future symptoms. 1 Females, children two to 15 years of age, and persons with conditions associated with nausea (e.g., early pregnancy, migraines, vestibular syndromes) report increased susceptibility.

The pathogenesis of motion sickness is not clearly understood, but it is thought to be related to conflict between the vestibular, visual, and other proprioceptive systems. 2 Rotary, vertical, and low-frequency motions produce more symptoms than linear, horizontal, and high-frequency motions. 1

Clinical Presentation

Although nausea may be the first recognized symptom of motion sickness, it is almost always preceded by other subtle symptoms such as stomach awareness (i.e., a sensation of fullness in the epigastrium), malaise, drowsiness, and irritability. Failure to attribute early symptoms to motion sickness may lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Although mild symptoms are common, severely debilitating symptoms are rare 2 ( Table 1 1 , 2 ) .

Behavioral Interventions

Prevention of motion sickness is more effective than treating symptoms after they have occurred. Therefore, patients should learn to identify situations that may lead to motion sickness and be able to initiate behavioral strategies to prevent or minimize symptoms 1 , 2 ( Table 2 1 – 13 ) .

MINIMIZE VESTIBULAR MOTION

Patients should be advised to avoid traveling in difficult weather conditions. If they must travel, they should sit in the part of the vehicle with the least amount of rotational and vertical motion. 2 This is usually the lowest level in trains and buses, close to water level and in the center of boats, and over the wing on airplanes.

HABITUATE TO MOTION

With continuous exposure to motion, symptoms of motion sickness will usually subside in one to two days. Alternatively, slow, intermittent habituation to motion is an effective strategy to reduce symptoms. 1 For example, spending the first night aboard a boat in the marina, followed by a day acclimating in the harbor, is preferable to going straight into the open ocean.

SYNCHRONIZE THE VISUAL SYSTEM WITH THE MOTION

A small study found that focusing on the true horizon (skyline) minimized symptoms of motion sickness. 5 A survey of 3,256 bus passengers suggested that forward vision was helpful in reducing symptoms. 3 Another study indicated that forward vision in a car can reduce symptoms. 4

ACTIVELY SYNCHRONIZE THE BODY WITH THE MOTION

Actively steering the vehicle is an accepted strategy for reducing symptoms of motion sickness, although evidence is limited. 7 Additionally, a small study of automobile passengers found that actively tilting the head into turns was effective in preventing symptoms. 6 A survey of 260 cruise ship passengers supported the common advice to recline and passively stabilize themselves if they are unable to initiate active movements. 8

REDUCE OTHER SOURCES OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL DISCOMFORT

Frequent consumption of light, soft, bland, low-fat, and low-acid food can minimize symptoms of motion sickness. 2 Treating gastritis is useful, 2 as is avoiding nausea-inducing stimuli (e.g., alcohol, noxious odors). Discussing symptoms with others can exacerbate the condition. Passengers should be well rested, well hydrated, well fed, and comfortable before beginning travel. Small studies have shown that cognitive behavior therapy, mindful breathing, and listening to music may also reduce symptoms of motion sickness. 9 , 10 , 13

Medications

Medications are most effective when taken prophylactically before traveling, or as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms 2 ( Table 3 1 , 2 , 14 – 23 ) . Medications are most effective when combined with behavioral strategies. To familiarize themselves with common side effects, patients should first take medications in a comfortable environment before using them for motion sickness during travel.

SCOPOLAMINE

Scopolamine, an anticholinergic, is a first-line option for preventing motion sickness in persons who wish to maintain wakefulness during travel. 2 , 20 , 24 A Cochrane review of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed that scopolamine is effective for the prevention of motion sickness. 14 A more recent RCT of 76 naval crew members showed that transdermal scopolamine is more effective and has fewer side effects than the antihistamine cinnarizine (not available in the United States). 15 If the recommended dose of scopolamine does not adequately relieve symptoms, the dose may be doubled. Adding a second patch of transdermal scopolamine was well tolerated in a small RCT of 20 sailors. 25

ANTIHISTAMINES

First-generation antihistamines have been used to treat motion sickness since the 1940s. 1 They are generally recommended for patients who can tolerate their sedative effects. 2 , 20 Cyclizine (Marezine), dimenhydrinate, promethazine, and meclizine (Antivert) demonstrated effectiveness in small RCTs of varying quality. 16 – 19 Nonsedating antihistamines are not effective in preventing or treating motion sickness. 26

OTHER MEDICATIONS

Benzodiazepines are occasionally administered for severe symptoms of motion sickness and have been proven effective in a single small study. 27 The serotonin agonist rizatriptan (Maxalt) reduced motion sickness symptoms in a single RCT of 25 patients with recurrent migraines. 28 The serotonin antagonist ondansetron (Zofran) is ineffective for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. 29 , 30

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Although ginger root is often reported to prevent motion sickness, it had no statistically significant effects in an RCT of 80 naval cadets. 31 A single RCT of pregnant women showed that stimulation of the P6 acupressure point on the anterior wrist increased their tolerance of motion stimuli. 32 Controlled trials of behavioral, pharmacologic, or alternative therapies for motion sickness have demonstrated strong placebo effects. Therefore, treatments are likely to be most effective if the patient believes that they will work. 11 , 12

Data Sources : PubMed was searched using the MeSH headings motion sickness, ships, movement, space motion sickness, and travel. Additional searches were performed in Essential Evidence Plus, UpToDate, Medscape, and BMJ Clinical Evidence. Search dates: March 2012 through March 2014.

Golding JF. Motion sickness susceptibility. Auton Neurosci. 2006;129(1–2):67-76.

Shupak A, Gordon CR. Motion sickness: advances in pathogenesis, prediction, prevention, and treatment. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2006;77(12):1213-1223.

Turner M, Griffin MJ. Motion sickness in public road transport: the relative importance of motion, vision and individual differences. Br J Psychol. 1999;90(pt 4):519-530.

Griffin MJ, Newman MM. Visual field effects on motion sickness in cars. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2004;75(9):739-748.

Bos JE, MacKinnon SN, Patterson A. Motion sickness symptoms in a ship motion simulator: effects of inside, outside, and no view. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2005;76(12):1111-1118.

Wada T, Konno H, Fujisawa S, Doi S. Can passengers' active head tilt decrease the severity of carsickness? Effect of head tilt on severity of motion sickness in a lateral acceleration environment. Hum Factors. 2012;54(2):226-234.

Rolnick A, Lubow RE. Why is the driver rarely motion sick? The role of controllability in motion sickness. Ergonomics. 1991;34(7):867-879.

Gahlinger PM. Cabin location and the likelihood of motion sickness in cruise ship passengers. J Travel Med. 2000;7(3):120-124.

Dobie TG, May JG. The effectiveness of a motion sickness counselling programme. Br J Clin Psychol. 1995;34(pt 2):301-311.

Yen Pik Sang FD, Billar JP, Golding JF, Gresty MA. Behavioral methods of alleviating motion sickness: effectiveness of controlled breathing and a music audiotape. J Travel Med. 2003;10(2):108-111.

Horing B, Weimer K, Schrade D, et al. Reduction of motion sickness with an enhanced placebo instruction: an experimental study with healthy participants. Psychosom Med. 2013;75(5):497-504.

Eden D, Zuk Y. Seasickness as a self-fulfilling prophecy: raising self-efficacy to boost performance at sea. J Appl Psychol. 1995;80(5):628-635.

Denise P, Vouriot A, Normand H, Golding JF, Gresty MA. Effect of temporal relationship between respiration and body motion on motion sickness. Auton Neurosci. 2009;151(2):142-146.

Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;6:CD002851.

Gil A, Nachum Z, Tal D, Shupak A. A comparison of cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine for the prevention of seasickness in naval crew: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2012;35(1):37-39.

Estrada A, LeDuc PA, Curry IP, Phelps SE, Fuller DR. Airsickness prevention in helicopter passengers. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007;78(4):408-413.

Brand JJ, Colquhoun WP, Gould AH, Perry WL. (—)-Hyoscine and cyclizine as motion sickness remedies. Br J Pharmacol Chemother. 1967;30(3):463-469.

Weinstein SE, Stern RM. Comparison of marezine and dramamine in preventing symptoms of motion sickness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1997;68(10):890-894.

Paul MA, MacLellan M, Gray G. Motion-sickness medications for aircrew: impact on psychomotor performance. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2005;76(6):560-565.

Sherman CR. Motion sickness: review of causes and preventive strategies. J Travel Med. 2002;9(5):251-256.

Zajonc TP, Roland PS. Vertigo and motion sickness. Part II: pharmacologic treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2006;85(1):25-35.

Gordon CR, Shupak A. Prevention and treatment of motion sickness in children. CNS Drugs. 1999;12(5):369-381.

McDonald K, Trick L, Boyle J. Sedation and antihistamines: an update. Review of inter-drug differences using proportional impairment ratios. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2008;23(7):555-570.

Nachum Z, Shupak A, Gordon CR. Transdermal scopolamine for prevention of motion sickness: clinical pharmacokinetics and therapeutic applications. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2006;45(6):543-566.

Bar R, Gil A, Tal D. Safety of double-dose transdermal scopolamine. Pharmacotherapy. 2009;29(9):1082-1088.

Cheung BS, Heskin R, Hofer KD. Failure of cetirizine and fexofenadine to prevent motion sickness. Ann Pharmacother. 2003;37(2):173-177.

McClure JA, Lycett P, Baskerville JC. Diazepam as an anti-motion sickness drug. J Otolaryngol. 1982;11(4):253-259.

Furman JM, Marcus DA, Balaban CD. Rizatriptan reduces vestibular-induced motion sickness in migraineurs. J Headache Pain. 2011;12(1):81-88.

Muth ER, Elkins AN. High dose ondansetron for reducing motion sickness in highly susceptible subjects. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007;78(7):686-692.

Hershkovitz D, Asna N, Shupak A, Kaminski G, Bar R, Tal D. Ondansetron for the prevention of seasickness in susceptible sailors: an evaluation at sea. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2009;80(7):643-646.

Grøntved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness. A controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. 1988;105(1–2):45-49.

Alkaissi A, Ledin T, Odkvist LM, Kalman S. P6 acupressure increases tolerance to nauseogenic motion stimulation in women at high risk for PONV. Can J Anaesth. 2005;52(7):703-709.

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Treatments to prevent travel sickness: a quick look

In this short blog, Dr Robert Walton looks at the evidence on treatments to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness).

Take-home points

The new evidence on antihistamines comes from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published in October 2022) and is relevant to adults.

Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common problem, and many people experience nausea for example on boats, planes or in the car. Lots of treatments which aim to prevent travel sickness are available to buy in UK pharmacies, including medicines. Here is the evidence on these medicines and some things you may want to think about when making your choices.

Making a choice? Think BRAIN!

It can be helpful to think BRAIN : What are the B enefits, R isks, A lternatives, what do I want and what if I do N othing? These can be good questions to talk about with a health professional when making a health decision.

Medicines to prevent travel sickness

The choice is between hyoscine (or scopolamine as it is sometimes called) and antihistamines such as cinnarizine.

Most of the Cochrane evidence Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. is focused on hyoscine which is probably better than placebo An intervention that appears to be the same as that which is being assessed but does not have the active component. For example, a placebo could be a tablet made of sugar, compared with a tablet containing a medicine. (dummy treatment Something done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes. ) at preventing travel sickness. It comes from the Cochrane Review Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sicknes s (published June 2011).

The new Cochrane evidence about antihistamines, from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published October 2022) finds that they are likely to reduce the risk A way of expressing the chance of an event taking place, expressed as the number of events divided by the total number of observations or people. It can be stated as ‘the chance of falling were one in four’ (1/4 = 25%). This measure is good no matter the incidence of events i.e. common or infrequent. of travel sickness in adults who tend to get it, compared with taking a placebo.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there is evidence to support using older or ‘first generation’ antihistamines but none for the newer medicines such as loratadine and cetirizine which are more commonly used now for hay fever now. These newer antihistamines are not used to prevent or treat motion sickness and are unlikely to be effective.

There are few studies comparing the two types of medicines. There is little information about whether either are useful for treating motion sickness after it has started so prevention may be better than cure.

What are the risks?

Hyoscine and antihistamines both work in the same way for preventing travel sickness and they also share the same side effects which include drowsiness in some people.

What are the other options?

Many other options are available but there is no Cochrane evidence about their potential benefits and harms.

What do I want?

What matters (most) to you, and past experiences of a problem – and of treatments, is important when making treatment choices. If you usually get travel sickness and want to prevent it then there are medicines that can help and are backed up by Cochrane evidence. But it may be important to you to avoid the risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, if you have to drive for example). You could discuss your options and experience of treatments with a pharmacist.

What if I do nothing?

Travel sickness is usually not usually a big problem although some people can be quite severely affected. If you have had it once in a particular situation then you are likely to get it again.

Find out more

NHS pages on motion sickness

The Cochrane Reviews Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. :

Karrim N, Byrne R, Magula N, Saman Y. Antihistamines for motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. 2022, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD012715. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012715.pub2.

Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD002851. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002851.pub4.

Why you can trust this information

Join in the conversation on Twitter with @CochraneUK @rtwalton123 or leave a comment on the blog.

Please note, we cannot give specific medical advice and do not publish comments that link to individual pages requesting donations or to commercial sites, or appear to endorse commercial products. We welcome diverse views and encourage discussion but we ask that comments are respectful and reserve the right to not publish any we consider offensive. Cochrane UK does not fact-check – or endorse – readers’ comments, including any treatments mentioned.

Robert Walton has nothing to disclose.

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About Robert Walton

Robert Walton is a Cochrane UK Senior Fellow in General Practice. Robert qualified in medicine in London in 1983, having taken an intercalated degree in human pharmacology and immunology. He trained at St Georges Hospital, London and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1986. His work applying computerised decision support to prescribing drugs in the Department of Public Health and Primary care in Oxford led to a doctoral thesis in 1998. Robert was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1999 and the Royal College of Physicians in 2001. He became a Senior Investigator in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in 2016. Robert is Clinical Professor of Primary Medical Care at Queen Mary and was joint lead of the NIHR Research Design Service east London team. His research interests are in primary care, genetics, clinical trials and personalised medicine. Robert led a five-year NIHR funded programme developing a novel training intervention to promote smoking cessation in pharmacies in east London which included a substantive Cochrane review and meta analysis on behaviour change interventions in community pharmacies and a large scale cluster-randomised clinical trial. His research team is also developing a smartphone game to promote smoking cessation and researching a personalised/stratified medicine approach to tobacco dependence using computerised decision support. He sat on the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research sub panel A and worked as an evaluator for the European Union Horizon 2020 programmes Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases and New Therapies for Rare Diseases and as a monitor for EU projects. Robert contributes to UK national guidance, and has served on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Outcome Indicator and Technology Appraisals Committees.

is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

1 Comments on this post

Dr. Walton, thank you for sharing your review. For children and those children with epilepsy, I have looked at their sensory processing to help prevent some of their motion sickness. There is a book “Understanding your Child’s Sensory Signals” by Angie Voss, OTR that helps families. I can also share with you my poster from the British Paediatric Neurology Association event in 2020 titled ” What are the perspectives and understanding of healthcare professionals including occupational therapists on treatment and care of babies with infantile spasms and early onset epilepsy- A qualitative design” if I have your email address.

Evidently Cochrane

Traveling can be exhausting: How to prevent this debilitating symptom

The anticipation of a vacation is enough to give anyone butterflies. But travel can expose you to another, less pleasant feeling in your stomach.

Motion sickness can strike as you head to your destination, whether taking a road trip or setting sail on a cruise. It’s also more common than you might think.

Around 30% of travelers experience the syndrome, according to Dr. Julia Adamian, Section Chief of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation at NYU Langone Tisch Hospital. “It can take joy out of travel,” she said.

But travelers can take steps to avoid it. Here’s what to know:

What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when there is a difference between what your inner ear senses and the movement you see, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness and vomiting.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What causes motion sickness during travel?

Travelers can get motion sickness on all kinds of transportation modes. While seasickness – a type of motion sickness – is a common concern among cruise passengers, the syndrome occurs even more frequently on long bus trips, Adamian said. Cases can also occur in cars, trains and planes (though it’s less common on the latter).

“It all depends on the type of motion,” she said. Travelers have to watch out for low-frequency lateral motion, like a boat rocking side to side, and vertical motion, like a plane landing, in particular.

There are some individual variables too. The CDC said kids between 2 and 12 are particularly vulnerable, as are people who have a history of migraines, vertigo and vestibular disorders. “Pregnancy, menstruation, and taking hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives have also been identified as potential risk factors,” the health agency added.

Women are generally at higher risk as well, according to Adamian.

People over 50 years old are less likely to develop it, however, and typically toddlers and infants are immune, according to the CDC.

How can you prevent motion sickness while traveling?

Adamian said when it comes to motion sickness, “prevention is usually the best medicine.”

If you know you are prone to the syndrome – or just worried about it – sucking on hard ginger candy before travel may help, Adamian said.

Avoid looking at screens or reading. Watching the horizon or a distant, stationary object can also help. Drivers, she said, experience less carsickness than passengers as they are concentrating on what’s in front of them.

The seat or cabin you pick can make a difference, too. In a car, bus, or train, sitting toward the front is your best bet, facing the direction of the motion. On a cruise ship, consider picking a midship cabin on a lower deck, and the seat over the front edge of the wing on a plane.

Cruise ship medical facilities: What happens if you get sick or injured (or bitten by a monkey)

Travelers can also turn to medications like Dramamine or Benadryl, which Adamian recommended taking 30 to 60 minutes in advance (though she noted they cause drowsiness). Those can also help relieve symptoms after motion sickness sets in. Consider talking to your doctor about your options before your trip.

Adamian encouraged travelers with concerns to be proactive. “I don’t think worrying itself is a good thing, but just doing something about it is a much better approach,” she said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Motion sickness

Travel sickness.

Peer reviewed by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP Last updated by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated 16 Mar 2023

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series: Health advice for travel abroad Travelling to remote locations Ears and flying Jet lag Altitude sickness

Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

What causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness, what should i do if i'm actually sick, what is mal de debarquement syndrome.

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Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).

Sweating and cold sweats.

Increase in saliva.

Headaches .

Feeling cold and going pale.

Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.

On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.

On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.

Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.

Don't try to read.

Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.

Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.

Do not read or watch a film.

It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.

If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.

Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.

Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.

Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.

Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.

After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.

Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Article History

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 14 Mar 2028

16 mar 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

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Motion sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

feeling sick (nausea)
feeling cold and going pale

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea don’t.

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023 Next review due: 19 June 2026

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Travel Sickness – 36 Tried and Tested Tips to Help You

22 February 2024

I’ve suffered from travel sickness all my life and get sick in cars, on coaches, on planes and on boats.

Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of treatments with varying impacts. Here are all the things that I have found that help.

Links You Might Find Helpful: Private Tour Operator Shore Excursions from Inverness Private Half-Day Car Tour to Loch Ness for Up to 3 People More Private Tour Shore Excursion Options

Travel Sickness

Table of Contents

What is travel sickness?

Travel sickness, sometimes described as motion sickness, is a feeling of nausea and dizziness. It is caused when the brain becomes confused by receiving differing information from your eyes and your inner ear.

1. Travel Sickness – What Is It Like?

It’s pretty grim and it does take the fun out of travelling because all your attention is on trying not to be ill.

Travel sickness symptoms include;

Nausea (feeling sick) which can lead to being sick
Mouth watering
Feeling hot and sweaty
Having a headache
Burping (often feeling like you are going to be sick)
Feeling tired

It can come on quite quickly and be difficult to shift.

Read on for my tips on how to prevent travel sickness in the first place!

2. Can You Cure Travel Sickness?

In my experience, you can’t cure travel sickness. Children may grow out of travel experience but for adults, it is a case of managing the symptoms.

Good prevention techniques and a bit of planning will significantly reduce travel sickness symptoms.

3. How Long Does Travel Sickness Last?

Travel sickness can last longer than the time you are travelling. The fluid in your inner ear can be disturbed and this can take quite a while to settle down.

After journeys that have been long, or perhaps difficult because they have been bumpy or undulating you can feel like you are still moving even when you have stopped.

However, for most people travel sickness will stop soon after you have stopped moving.

4. How Do You Stop Travel Sickness?

You can’t stop travel sickness but you can take steps to reduce the chances of getting it and minimise any potential symptoms.

Here are my tried and tested tips and techniques for preventing and managing various types of travel sickness.

5. Reducing Car Sickness

Here are how I avoid travel sickness when travelling in a car;

Offering to drive – this is an easy way to never get travel sick in a car but it’s not always that practical if you are travelling with others.
Avoid getting too hot by turning the air conditioning down, pointing the air vents towards you so there is a breeze on your face, and reducing the sun on your face and head.
Use a handheld fan to ensure you don’t get too hot.
Opening the window to get some fresh air in the car.
Looking out the front window and looking straight ahead as much as possible.
Avoiding reading whether that be books, online documents or even reading messages.
Keeping hydrated with regular sips of water – too much water can make you feel a bit sick so be careful.
Sucking on ginger sweets keeps any early feelings of nausea at bay.

6. Reducing Sea Sickness

Here are the ways I avoid seasickness when travelling by boat/ship;

Finding a seat that is near the centre of the boat to avoid the extremes of movement.
Focussing on the view at the front of the boat, but avoiding looking at the front of the boat itself as seeing this going up and down against the horizon can cause sickness.
Keeping cool by staying out of the sun and finding somewhere to sit with a cooler temperature.
Sucking on ginger sweets to keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
Staying outside if the boat is moving around a lot – staying in the cold open air can often prevent nausea, but a coat and hat may be needed if the weather is rough.
Avoid moving around the boat when it is rough or bumpy.
Check if there are likely to be any bumpy patches during your journey and planning. For example one of the Scottish ferries crosses a water channel which is always rough and bumpy. To avoid feeling ill I always go outside ahead of arriving at this water channel and come back inside once we have passed through it.
Avoiding excessive drinking and eating. Eating and drinking too much can make any potential seasickness worse, although not eating enough can also increase feelings of seasickness. If the journey is relatively short then consider your eating plans for the day and make sure you don’t end up being hungry on the boat.
Drinking excessive alcohol can make travel sickness worse. Ginger beer and tonic water can help minimise feelings of sickness so perhaps consider them instead of alcohol?
Keeping a handheld fan available to help you stay cool.
If you are travelling overnight on a ferry then I would recommend a cabin. Being able to lie down is one of the best ways to deal with seasickness.
Consider taking ginger tablets before you travel by boat/ship. These can help manage feelings of sickness.

7. Reducing Coach Sickness

Here are my tried and tested ways to deal with coach sickness;

Sit at the front of the coach if possible or sit towards the front of the coach, ideally ahead of the axle on the coach.
If there is a toilet and door in the middle of the coach then the seat behind the toilet has a better view out of the window. This seat can have less legroom sometimes so beware. If the toilet is being used on the coach then this may not be a good option because over time the toilet can smell which can increase the chances of sickness.
Sit in the middle of the back seat on the coach. This seat has a view right down the aisle of the coach and this can often help with coach sickness. However, if the coach is travelling along a twisty or bumpy route then sitting at the rear of the coach can be extremely bumpy so is likely to make you feel worse. Also, beware that sometimes the engine is at the back of the coach and this can make it warmer or noisier.
Sit in an aisle seat as it is easier to see out towards the front of the coach rather than looking out of the side windows.
Keep cool by using the air vents which should be located overhead. If the temperature is too hot then tell the guide/driver so they can adjust this. If air is not circulating around the coach very well it can help if everyone has their air vents open and they can point them at the window if they don’t want air blowing on them directly.
Have a handheld fan so that you can keep yourself cooler.
Avoid sitting in the sun on the coach.
Have layers so you can adjust between the temperatures inside and outside of the coach.
Sucking on ginger sweets can help keep early feelings of nausea at bay.
Consider taking ginger tablets, especially if travelling on twisty or bumpy roads, as these can help. If you are unsure about road conditions check with your driver or guide – they will be happy to help.
Keep some headphones with you. Having headphones in can help reduce feelings of sickness.
Avoid reading if it is likely to make you feel sick – this includes books and being online.
Watching something on a tablet like a TV show or a film can often help with travel sickness by helping you to avoid the moving horizon or the view out of the side window.
Avoid alcohol and eating too much as this can make feelings of travel sickness much worse.

8. Things That Have Helped Me

Ginger sweets.

These ginger sweets are the best I have found. They are travel sweets so they won’t all stick together and they are not too strong. If ginger sweets are too strong they can make you feel quite sick which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

Ideal for helping minimise low-level travel sickness symptoms. A pleasant ginger taste that isn’t overpowering.

Rechargeable Travel Fan

This fan might look tiny but it certainly puts out a pleasant breeze and it can operate for quite a long time on one charge. It’s very small and compact. It can easily be tucked into the seat back in front of you or easily held in your hand. It charges using a USB cable.

Super quiet, tiny, powerful and rechargeable. This travel fan will help keep you cool and you can easily take it anywhere.

This is on my list for my next trip to somewhere that is likely to be a bit warmer and sunnier. It’s a rechargeable fan that blows air into your face and also around your neck. It’s £23.99 but if it is as good as it looks then it is well worth it! It’s got great reviews and it also seems to help well with hot flushes too.

Ginger Tablets

These ginger tablets are strong, but not so strong that you leave you getting ginger flavoured indigestion all day long. They are Vegan society approved and £5.99 for 90 tablets. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

These ginger tablets are great at preventing travel sickness. They don’t have any side effects either.

Travel Sickness Patches

I haven’t tried these yet but have just ordered some. They have good reviews and look to give relief from travel sickness without any side effects.

There are very reasonably priced wireless earbuds. They help me with travel sickness.

Silicone Ear Plugs

These silicone ear plugs fit over the ear rather than in the ear. They are much better for all night use and there is no risk of damage to the ear canal. I take them every time I stay in a hotel!

Travel Sickness FAQs

How do you stop travel sickness?

Medication can stop travel sickness. Some medications can cause drowsiness. There are various other options including ginger tablets, sweets, fans, wristbands, patches and headphones.

How long does travel sickness last?

You can experience travel sickness symptoms for up to 4 hours after you have stopped moving.

Travel Sickness Tablets

Many people I have travelled with over the years have tried travel sickness tablets. However, the vast majority have advised that they often feel as bad or sometimes worse when taking these tablets.

They have given my guests a low level of nausea which has affected their enjoyment of their day and this nausea has often continued after we stopped travelling.

Travel Sickness Bands

Often people will wear travel bands. These wristbands use acupressure and are worn around the wrists. Some people swear by these and some people report no effect at all.

At £3 for 2 pairs, they are probably worth a try if you haven’t done so already.

These travel bands come with full instructions to help you position them correctly on your wrist. They are also available for Prime Delivery.

Travel Sickness – NHS Help and Information

If you want to know more about travel sickness (motion sickness) then check out the NHS website. This gives more information on symptoms and treatment, plus medicines available for severe sickness.

How To Travel When You Suffer From Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is often called travel sickness, seasickness or car sickness. It’s caused by your brain mixing up the connection with what you see when it relays it back to your inner ear. This disturbance creates balance issues and may make you sick or feel sick.

Travel sickness isn’t a pleasant subject to read or write about. But if you suffer from motion sickness, the more knowledge you have, the more chance you have of beating it.

I’m not a doctor, and I don’t have any medical training. But I travel a lot and struggle with motion sickness.

The advice I’m giving here is first-hand advice about how I travel long distances with travel sickness and what works for me.

Motion Sickness Symptoms

You’re likely to know all the symptoms of travel sickness if you’ve suffered from it before.

It starts by feeling slightly dizzy and disorientated. That’s the time to close your eyes and put your head down.

You may feel weak and listless.

Then you start to feel nauseous. You’ll begin to sweat. You might burp, which will temporarily make you feel a little better.

When your mouth starts to water, you know you’re about to vomit.

You might feel slightly better after being sick, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t continue to vomit if you’re on a long journey.

Green fabric seats inside a Malawi Airlines plane

Disclosure : This website is owned and operated by Mature Adventures. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions are also earned from links to Booking.com, and other retailers. See Mature Adventures Disclaimer for more information.

How To Prevent Motion Sickness

In a car or bus, sit at the front with a clear view of the road ahead.
When flying, choose a window seat over the front of the wing.
On a cruise ship, choose a cabin in the middle and near the waterline.
Face the direction of travel and sit next to the window on a train.
Don’t sit backwards or sideways in a moving vehicle.

Sit At The Front Of The Vehicle

Reserve your transport tickets in advance, so you have a better chance of choosing where you sit.

But it’s not always possible to pick your seat. If that’s the case, you have to ask.

You probably won’t like having to ask to sit at the front of anything. And you might feel like you’re a prima donna. But if it’s the choice between asking to sit in the front seat or hours of feeling or being travel sick, ask.

What To Do If You Don’t Speak The Language

Most people will understand the actions of throwing up. And if you explain with a smile, people usually are very accommodating.

If you use vomiting actions, most people will move out of your way and do their best to help.

Have A Clear View With Nothing In Your Line Of Vision

Make sure you have a clear unrestricted view. From a hanging air freshener to a headrest, anything in your eye line can cause motion sickness.

Keep Your Eyes On The Road

Don’t read, write, or use your phone while the vehicle is moving. And leave map reading to the Satnav or someone else.

Keep your eyes fixed on the distance. Even driving past trees on a straight road can set off feelings of motion sickness as you have nothing to focus on, and they all become a blur.

Focus on a car or object in the distance.

Sit By An Open Window

When transport is stuffy, it will increase your chances of feeling travel sick. Sit by an open window or by a window that opens if needed.

Unfortunately, air conditioning doesn’t work as well as natural fresh air.

Get Out Of The Vehicle At Every Stop

If possible, get off and walk around as much as you can at every stop. Take deep breaths of fresh air.

Steer clear of other cars which have their engine running, spewing out exhaust fumes.

Know Your Journey

Windy roads are the worst for travel sickness. When you know you’re going to be crossing mountains, and it’s going to be a long windy journey, the choice is to suffer for the view or take travel sickness tablets and sleep.

If you know your journey will be a bad one and your budget allows, don’t take a bus or minivan, so you’re not crammed in with other people.

Allow yourself an unrestricted view and, if necessary, choose a seat where you can to ask for an emergency roadside stop.

Break Up Your Journey If Possible

Try to break a long journey into shorter trips if possible.

Listen To An Audiobook or Podcast

Distract yourself with an audiobook or podcast. Have it ready to play before the transport starts moving.

If you pick a good audiobook, it should keep you distracted for the entire journey. Or, if you’re like me, put you to sleep within 10 minutes!

Amazon has a massive selection of audiobooks and they offer a free trial. It’s worth taking a look.

Don’t Talk To People!

You would naturally turn to face a person you’re speaking to, which stops you from focusing on the distance. It’s easier to tell a friend why you can’t talk than a chatty stranger. But explain why you may seem anti-social.

It’s better than the alternative!

Avoid eating a big meal before travelling

Don’t eat or drink before making a long journey if possible. If you have to eat, have something light. And stay away from junk food.

Don’t drink fizzy drinks or alcohol

Don’t overindulge in alcohol the night before a long journey. And don’t drink alcohol during the trip.

It’s not a good idea to drink fizzy drinks while travelling. They make you feel bloated, make you feel sick and increase your chances of needing the toilet. Not a good idea if you have another 4 hours to go before the next stop!

Take a look at What Is A Shewee And Why Every Woman Should Own One if you think your toilet stop will be at the side of the road, or worse! There have been countless occasions when my Shewee has been a godsend to me while travelling

What To Eat Or Drink During A Journey

Take a bottle of water but only drink small sips. Plain biscuits, especially ginger biscuits, may make you feel a little better if you’re hungry. But avoid chocolate or cream flavoured biscuits.

Strong Smells Can Trigger Motion Sickness

Air fresheners, perfume, or the smell of food can all trigger motion sickness.

Unfortunately, you cannot do a lot about other people wearing perfume or bringing hot food onto the bus. But if you rub Tiger Balm or Vicks Vapour Rub under your nose and on your temples, it helps.

Rubbing it on your temples is likely to make you want to close your eyes and make you sleep, which has to be good.

It’s also very likely that it will set you off if you see or hear other people vomiting.

Always Have A Couple Of Plastic Bags Handy

Make sure you have a couple of plastic bags, one inside the other. Put them in your pocket or within easy reach before the start of your journey.

There’s nothing worse than having to fumble around in your bag to find them when you’re already feeling sick.

Knowing you have bags to hand should you need them (always hoping you don’t) will give you a little peace of mind.

You can buy vomit bags with an easy to seal top to reduce the smell and chance of spillage.

And you can also purchase high-quality paper vomit bags similar to the bags you will find in the seat pocket of a plane. Both are available to buy from Amazon.

Motion Sickness Pills

Click on the links below for medical information about common types of drugs for use with motion sickness

Dimenhydrinate

Promethazine

Diphenhydramine

Widely used travel sickness pills include Stugeron, Marzine, and Dramamine, but there are many different brand names.

You don’t necessarily need to buy branded tablets, I’ve bought motion sickness pills in many different countries, and they’ve all been effective.

You can buy most motion sickness tablets over the counter. Have a word with the pharmacist as different brands contain different drugs.

If you have other health issues, always check with your doctor about which tablets are suitable.

If you’re going on a short journey, try not to take travel sickness tablets. They’ll make you sleepy, and if it’s only a short trip, it’s better to try the other tips.

Never take motion sickness tablets if you intend to drive or operate machinery at the end of your journey.

Travel Sickness Bands

Motion sickness bands have a small stud inside, which you wear on your wrists throughout your journey. They work by applying pressure just below your wrist on the P6 point (also called Neiguan).

There is no scientific proof that travel sickness bands work but they are safe, inexpensive and reusable so it’s worth buying a pair and giving them a try to see if they work for you.

Motion Sickness Patches

You stick the travel sickness patch in a hairless spot behind your ear. Some are herbal. And some contain active ingredients like Scopolamine.

If you’re taking prescribed drugs, check with your doctor before using motion sickness patches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does travelling at night help.

You may think night buses are a good option. If you take motion sickness tablets, you’ll be drowsy. So why not take overnight transport, so you sleep through the journey?

While a night bus sounds good in theory, you don’t sleep properly. And if you’re unlucky, there’ll be curtains which they’ll want to keep closed. Even in the dark, it helps to focus your eyes in the distance.

Night trains may stop you from feeling ill if you have a bed and can lay down properly.

Is Ginger Good For Motion Sickness?

Ginger is well known for helping not just motion sickness but nausea in general.

You can buy sweets, pills, tea or even suck on raw ginger, but I’m not advocating that.

Non-alcoholic ginger beer is also known to be effective against nausea.

Consult your pharmacist if you intend to take ginger pills to ensure you get the correct dosage.

Be aware if you’re on blood-thinning pills, ginger may interfere with your medication.

If you know you have a long journey coming up, drink ginger tea regularly for at least 48 hours beforehand.

To make ginger tea, pop a ½” (1.3 cm) chunk of peeled ginger in a mug of boiling water. You can also add lemon for a refreshing taste.

How Long Does Motion Sickness Last?

There’s no set time for how long travel sickness will last if you vomit once, you may feel better, or it may continue for the entire journey.

You may feel fresh once you step away from the vehicle and into the fresh air. But that’s not always a given, especially if you have been travelling by boat.

Even if you don’t suffer from motion sickness, you may feel the swell of the waves several hours after returning to dry land.

Sometimes, in extreme cases, travel sickness may last for a couple of days.

A partially submerged boat in the sea at Caye Caulker, Belize

Travel Advice

For more travel tips, take a look at What You Need To Know To Travel Safely . And for terrible advice, take a look at This Is The Worst Travel Advice Ever for the information you should definitely ignore.

Does Travel Sickness Happen On Every Journey?

There’s no rhyme or reason to travel sickness. I can bring to mind two windy roads that have been horrendous but having crossed them several times, they only made me ill once.

Motion sickness doesn’t necessarily mean you are sick on all forms of transport. I can read on trains and planes. But I couldn’t even look at a map while in a bus or car without starting to feel ill.

Wearing A Mask When You Suffer From Motion Sickness

Unfortunately, wearing a mask may cause you to feel sick when travelling; this is especially true if you wear glasses.

If your mask causes your glasses to steam up, it will affect your vision and may cause motion sickness.

If the country’s rules state you should wear a mask, there’s nothing you can do about it. But if you know your journey will be more than an hour or two, consider taking motion sickness pills before starting your journey.

Is Motion Sickness Psychological?

Motion sickness isn’t psychological. But if you’re worried about it before your journey, it will make you more prone to it as it’s at the forefront of your mind.

I know how hard it is to put it out of your mind if you have a long or windy journey coming up. But be prepared, and you can make your journey more comfortable.

And the more times you travel without feeling ill, the less likely it is to be at the front of your mind when planning a trip.

Can You Get Motion Sickness When You’re Not Moving?

If you’re on a boat, you may suffer from motion sickness even when it’s docked in calm water. The subtle motion of the waves tricks your mind into thinking it’s moving.

Snorkelling and swimming can also cause motion sickness due to the swell of the water.

I’ve even had motion sickness when I jumped off a mountain. The thermals give you the same feeling you get when you’re at sea on a boat.

My tandem jumper gave me a plastic bag before we jumped, so it must be a common problem.

Mal De Debarquement

Mal de debarquement is the name given to the feeling that you’re still moving after you leave a cruise ship or long boat journey. Your mind is still processing the movement of the boat even when you’re on dry land.

Mal de debarquement lasts around one or two days maximum. Consult your doctor if it doesn’t stop after a couple of days.

Is Motion Sickness Curable?

There isn’t a cure for motion sickness. All we can do is find ways that work for us and enable us to travel long distances in comfort.

There’s no reason why travel sickness affects some people and not others.

But it may surprise you to know that it can affect one in three people at certain times in their lives. And it tends to happen to women more than men.

Get To Know What Does And Doesn’t Work For You

If I have a front seat, I don’t take travel sickness tablets because I know I’ll have an unrestricted view.

But I still have plastic bags in my pocket and Tiger Balm and my motion sickness tablets at the top of my bag, just in case.

Don’t beat yourself up about feeling or being sick. It’s not psychological. If it was, we’d all talk ourselves out of it.

If you’re sick, it’s not the end of the world. It’s embarrassing, and it’s certainly not pleasant, but you won’t be the first or the last person it’s happened to.

I’m Happy To Help If You Have Any Questions

If you have any questions regarding your travels, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I know how difficult it can be to plan a trip, and I’m happy to help.

Karen, the owner of Mature Adventures overlooking Dubrovnik and the sea.

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The science behind travel sickness, and how to avoid it

Gp offers advice on the best way to stay illness-free on long journeys.

For many families the summer holidays bring the opportunity to venture out on exciting road trips to far flung places.

But for some, long drives to holiday destinations or to visit family bring the unpleasant prospect of car sickness.

Ranging from a generally unwell feeling to nausea and vomiting, travel sickness can make holidays a misery for many but there are steps you can take to avoid it or at least reduce the symptoms.

What causes travel sickness?

According to GP and author, Dr Sarah Brewer, travel and motion sickness can be triggered by any form of transport and is caused when motion-detecting cells in the inner ears are excessively stimulated and send messages to the brain which don’t match the degree of movement detected by the eyes.

“Your eyes tell your brain that the environment is stationary but your balance organs say that it isn’t – this triggers travel sickness”, says Dr Brewer.

Read more: The 10 best traditional car games for the whole family

“Most people have experienced it at some point in their lives, however some people, particularly children, are especially sensitive as their nerve pathways involved are not fully developed. Before the age of ten, children are especially susceptible.”

According to research by Euro Car Parts, reading, watching a screen, travelling backwards and sitting in the back seat of a car are among the most common causes of feeling car sick. And small cars were the worst form of transport for instigating a bout of illness, to blame for 44 per cent of cases.

10 most common causes of travel sickness Reading (39%) Travelling backwards (38%) Sitting in the back seat (31%) Travelling while tired (17%) After drinking alcohol (16%) Watching a screen (15%) Dehydration (15%) Travelling while hungry (14.7%) Standing while travelling eg on public transport (11%) After eating (6%)

How to stop travel sickness

To help those who suffer from car sickness, Dr Brewer has come up with some tips to help avoid its onset or mimimise its effects

Watch what and when you eat and drink

When travelling, it can be tempting to buy quick and easy fast food from service stations en route. However, greasy, fatty and spicy food can cause nausea and trigger or worsen travel sickness. Likewise, alcohol can act as a diuretic and dehydrate you – further exacerbating your motion sickness.

You should however avoid travelling on an empty stomach – have a light meal instead 45 to 60 minutes before travelling, and top yourself up with light snacks which are bland and low in fat and acid.

Position is everything

If possible, offer to drive – drivers are less likely to suffer from travel sickness as they are concentrating on the outside. If driving isn’t an option, try to sit in the front seats and open the windows to get fresh air circulating.

Keep your attention focused on the distant horizon to reduce your sensory input. To help children, use car seats to ensure children can sit high enough to see out of the window.

To reduce nausea-inducing movement in other vehicles, try and sit between the wheels on buses or coaches where movement is less, or in the area above the wings on an aeroplane.

If all else fails, try medication

For travel sickness, prevention is easier than treating symptoms once they start. Try taking the antihistamine cinnarizine, which works on the vomiting centre in the brain, two hours before a journey, and it will reduce your susceptibility to motion sickness for at least eight hours.

If you are already feeling sick, however, you can suck a tablet rather than swallowing it for a more rapid effect. Just make sure you don’t take sedating travel sickness medication or drive if you feel drowsy.

If you prefer a more natural option, Dr Brewer recommends trying ginger tablets or wearing acupressure bands on your wrists.

Chris Barella, digital services director at Euro Car Parts said: “Unfortunately, motion sickness is something that most of us have dealt with at some point in our life and will probably have to continue to deal with.

“No one wants to experience that nauseous feeling while travelling. Hopefully the advice offered by Dr Brewer will help sufferers, particularly if you have no choice but to travel.”

How to Get a Refund If You’re Too Sick to Fly

By Cassie Shortsleeve

This image may contain Transportation Vehicle Aircraft Airplane Flight and Airliner

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

No matter how excited you are for a trip, sometimes, life happens : You’re too sick to fly or—in today’s world of the COVID-19 pandemic—you suspect you might be. So what’s an under-the-weather or cautious traveler to do?

Step 1: Judge your sickness.

Turns out, there actually are hard and fast rules for when you shouldn’t hit the skies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for example, recommends those with symptoms of COVID-19 do not travel.

Generally, you should also bag a trip if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, says William Schaffner , M.D., a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Of all the infections that are acquired on public conveyances, I think respiratory infections are the most common,” he says. And coughing and sneezing give exhalations more energy, which means you’re more likely to spread germs or virus over a larger distance than if you simply had the sniffles.

In fact, being within just two rows of someone sick can increase your risk of coming down with whatever they have, some research finds. The longer the flight, the more likely it is that you’ll infect others.

The CDC also recommends that everyone who travels is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “The vaccines are very, very effective in preventing infection and keeping people out of the hospital with COVID,” says Dr. Schaffner.

Additionally, the organization warns against travel if you’ve recently had surgery, a heart attack, or a stroke—these can increase your risk of blood clots and heart-related issues. In any of these instances, you have plausible reason to plead your case.

Step 2: Know the rules.

Today in the U.S., airlines essentially all across the board (minus some low-cost carriers and basic economy fares) have permanently gotten rid of change fees, says Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights . That means that usually, if you’re booked in main economy or higher, you can change your travel dates after you book without paying a penalty beyond any fare differences. (Southwest has had this policy for decades.) So while rebooking for another time isn't the same as a refund, it is often an option if you’re too sick to fly right now.

It’s also worth noting some key policy updates in the world of flying and flexibility. Just recently, for example, United announced that passengers booked in basic economy can now upgrade to main economy (something that wasn’t allowed in the past) and thereby be able to switch a flight without having to pay a penalty. “It's a little convoluted,” says Keyes. “But it’s one way that folks will be able to have flexibility if they are not able to travel for some reason.”

Also important to remember: If an airline ever cancels or significantly changes your flight, by law you’re eligible for a full cash refund (or you can switch to more convenient flight). So if your flight gets changed big time and you’re feeling under the weather anyway, know that flight schedule changes are actually an opportunity to either get a refund or get a much more convenient flight, says Keyes.

Step 3: Hop on the horn—with your doctor and then your airline.

If you are indeed a sick passenger and need to cancel your flight (read: you can’t change your dates), try to do so before the original scheduled departure time, says Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Concierge air travel assistance . If you don’t cancel in time, you lose the ability to use that credit toward future travel.

Generally, you are going to need a doctor’s note or a medical letter proving illness. From there, it’s worth giving your airline a call. While a full refund for being sick might be unlikely (a travel credit would be a more realistic hope), Keyes notes that “airline customer service agents are empowered to make decisions on whether they grant what you're asking for or not.” And with the pandemic, you might have a higher chance of leniency than you would have pre-pandemic, he says.

If you don’t get what you hope for the first time around, call again, he suggests. There are thousands of airline representatives. “Don't just assume, ‘well, I've got to eat the cost of the ticket.’ Take your chances and call; maybe you'll get lucky,” Keyes says.

In fact, that advice holds for any situation you’re in with travel, whether you’re within the 24-hour cancellation time frame , don’t have a doctor’s note, or just feel stuck—it’s always worth reaching out and trying to get what you can.

Step 4: Think ahead.

Find yourself stuck with a fee? The next time you’re booking an expensive trip, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance , which could reimburse you if you get sick.

“CFAR tends to be something people buy aspirationally,” says Keyes. “But it’s not a ‘get out of jail free card.’” It might, though, give you a 75 percent refund on a flight price if your reason for not flying is covered, for example.

“Policies vary among insurance companies and products,” says Keyes. So just be sure to read the fine print of any plan you buy to make sure you understand what you're being insured for.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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This Is Why You Get Sick Every Time You Travel

COVID-19 lockdowns were critical for preventing the spread of the virus, but the isolation also took a toll on the strength of our immune systems. Plus: smart ways to stay healthy next time you get on a plane.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

If it seems like you and everyone you know have been getting sick after vacations or business trips, you’re not imagining things. And we’re not just talking about COVID-19. There has been a recent uptick in colds, flus, respiratory syncytial virus, and the norovirus.

While isolation and social distancing were necessary to stay safe from COVID-19, there was an unexpected downside—it kept our immune systems from discovering other harmful organisms and learning how to fight them off. So it’s a Catch-22: exposure to germs and viruses might lead to illness, but that same exposure can help build immunity.

“Coming in contact with new organisms from different environments diversifies the immune system’s registry, thereby expanding its range of efficacy,” says Christine Kingsley, an advanced practice registered nurse and the health and wellness director of the Lung Institute , an online resource for health news and information. When we aren’t exposed to new organisms, Kingsley adds, “the body may develop a hypersensitive immune reaction to unfamiliar germs and viruses, making it easily overwhelmed in new settings and under varying circumstances.”

The first time Outside editor Mary Turner flew after the pandemic, she got the stomach flu. “I felt like my immune system was starting from scratch after being hunkered down for so long and that I was susceptible to every germ out there,” she says.

While travel increases the likelihood that you might get sick, some health professionals see traveling as an undervalued immunity-boosting trick.

Flu and cold activity, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dubbed “ unusually low ” in 2020 and 2021, came roaring back in 2022, when people started traveling again. Which makes sense, because we’re around more people and more germs. “We are seeing more cases of respiratory illness and greater number of flu cases than we have in the previous three years,” says Vincent Hsu , a board-certified internal medicine, infectious diseases, and preventive medicine physician in Orlando. “There is good evidence that we are going to see a pretty severe respiratory season.”

The stomach bug is raging these days, too. According to CDC data, there were 225 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S. between August 1, 2022 and January 8, 2023, a 30 percent increase in cases compared to the same period the previous year.

Journalist Jill Schildhouse travels at least once a month and hadn’t been sick in years—until this past September, when she caught a nasty cold that turned into a bilateral pneumonia. “I was doing outdoorsy activities in Alaska, but I got sick in the middle of the trip and ended up with three rounds of antibiotics, four-times-a-day albuterol nebulizer breathing treatments, and weekly chest X-rays,” she says. “My primary care physician almost hospitalized me. I was sick for over a month.”

Carrie Smith, a home health care aid and national parks enthusiast, was en route from Los Angeles to Atlanta to visit family when she got sick. “On the plane ride there, I felt congested and my ear got very clogged and painful,” she says. Over the next few days, she got progressively worse and ended up with a sinus infection. “Before the pandemic, I never used to get sick when I traveled.”

While travel increases the likelihood that you might get sick, health professionals like Kingsley see traveling as an undervalued immunity-boosting trick. “Exposure to new surroundings during travel strengthens immunity as unknown variables train the body to push harder and resist better against sickness-causing germs and viruses,” she says.

We all have individual health concerns to consider when traveling. Before you head out on your next adventure, here are some steps to take to minimize your risk of getting sick.

Choose a window seat on planes.

In a study funded by Boeing, researchers found that passengers were more likely to catch a virus while located in an area with increased interaction, like an aisle seat or when getting up to go to the bathroom. The scientists observed that people who sat by the window got up from their seat the least, limiting exposure to germs.

Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, and nose.

You’d be surprised how many times a day a person touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, prime entry points for germs. Some studies says it’s as often as 23 times an hour. Be conscious of this when going through airports and using public restrooms, and avoid rubbing your mouth, eyes, or nose until you know your hands are clean.

Take care of your body.

Your immune system improves with a balanced diet, plenty of hydration, and restful sleep. “These provide the body with the nutrients and energy necessary for stimulating immune cell activity and keeping the bodily systems and organs functioning properly,” says Kingsley.

Get vaccinated.

A record number of people got flu shots in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in unusually low flu rates. In contrast, a recent National Foundation for Infectious Diseases survey found that only 49 percent of U.S. adults planned on getting their flu shot in 2022. That vaccine fatigue has also extended to COVID-19 booster shots. To date, only 5.3 percent of the eligible U.S. population have gotten the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. COVID-19 variants are different around the world. “If you travel to different places, there might be different strains,” Hsu cautions. “That could put a person at greater risk of becoming ill.”

Wear a mask in crowded areas.

“These days, masks are optional, but you can reduce your risk by wearing one,” says Hsu. For maximum protection, opt for N99 or N95, which has a 90.5 percent and 54.1 percent filtration efficiency respectively. In contrast, a 2015 study published in The BMJ found that penetration rate for cloth masks was 97 percent, more than double the 44 percent penetration rate for medical masks.

Clean surfaces with a sanitizing wipe.

While it’s now been established that the risk of contracting Covid-19 from touching something is very low, the influenza A and B viruses have been known to survive for 24 to 48 hours on nonporous surfaces. So, bring a packet of alcohol wipes to clean things like your seat’s tray table and hotel remote control before using.

Don’t get lazy.

We all have pandemic malaise—we understand. But if keeping hand sanitizer readily available, wearing a mask in airports and on planes, and avoiding overly crowded places is the small price we have to pay to stay well while traveling, we’re all for it. Plus, very few of us want to get sick on our dream trip or have to isolate somewhere far away from home for five days if we pick up COVID-19 while traveling.

Find a travel clinic at your destination.

This is key information to have when the going gets rough. “Travel clinic doctors or travel clinic specialists are available throughout the world,” says Hsu. “If you’re going to a different country, you should research the type of clinics available ahead of time, so you don’t get caught off-guard.”

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How to Stay Healthy Before, During, and After Your Holiday Travel

Many people will soon travel to visit family and friends or take a much-needed vacation this holiday season. But staying healthy before, during, and after your trip isn’t always an easy task, especially as several respiratory illnesses—including COVID-19—continue to circulate.

Traveling can knock you off your routine of healthy eating, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Experts say there are precautions and steps you can take to feel your best throughout your travels, ensuring you make the most of your time away and return feeling refreshed and in tip-top shape.

Before Your Trip

Verywell / Tara Anand

According to family physician Brad Wasson, DO , the choice about whether or not it’s safe to travel in the first place depends on your personal health risks and comfort level.

Young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those who are immunocompromised are at the highest risk of complications from the flu or COVID-19. If you’ve recently had a surgery, you might also be at higher risk of health complications. It’s a good idea to talk to your provider about any health concerns you may have before going on your trip, Wasson said.

“It’s important to take this into consideration if you are personally at higher risk or plan to visit people who are,” he said.

Get your vaccinations up-to-date

Wasson said it’s extremely important to get your COVID-19 bivalent booster shot and your flu shot before your trip. According to the CDC , U.S. flu hospitalizations are already the highest they’ve been in more than 10 years.

“Flu vaccines can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 booster shots on the same day, which can help you avoid multiple appointments and multiple trips to the doctor or pharmacy,” he said. “Keep in mind that it takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu vaccine, so it’s important to plan ahead of any upcoming travel.”

Have a mini quarantine before your trip

Epidemiologist Eyal Oren, PhD, MS , told Verywell that it’s also important to limit potential exposure to COVID-19 and other viruses as much as possible for a week or so before your travel plan.

“While not meeting or seeing other people is unrealistic, using a good mask, particularly in crowded indoor settings, ensures that you won’t miss the special trip,” Oren said.

Keep COVID-19 rapid tests handy

Using rapid COVID-19 antigen tests two or three days prior to your trip and again on the day of is another good precaution, he said. Though antigen tests aren’t perfect, they're very good at indicating when you're not infectious anymore, so they’re particularly helpful if you’ve recently been sick with COVID-19 and want to know if it’s safe to travel now.

Check the local vaccination and masking requirements

It’s wise to check your destination’s local requirements for masking and vaccinations, too. This is less of an issue when traveling within the U.S. since no states currently have COVID-19 restrictions in place. Most countries around the world have also loosened or lifted pandemic precautions, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before you go.

Pack enough face masks and personal medications

When it comes to packing, although masks are no longer mandatory in some places, Oren suggests packing some regardless. He said masking is still particularly helpful in certain circumstances such as in crowded indoor environments like the airport, or when planes are taxiing and filtration systems are not turned on.

Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer are also good things to have on hand during your travels, Oren added.

The CDC meanwhile recommends packing more than enough of your prescriptions, diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol ), motion sickness medicine, cough drops, water purification tablets, decongestant, pain and fever medicine, antihistamine, good quality sunscreen, and insect repellant.

During Your Trip

Once you’ve officially made it to your destination, it can be difficult to maintain healthy lifestyle practices such as eating well and exercising.

How to keep up with your diet and exercise routine

Kristi Ruth, RD, CNSC, LDN, a registered dietitian and well-traveled mom of three, said one of the best ways to eat well while traveling is to get enough sleep and don’t skip breakfast. It’s easy to skip the first meal of the day if you sleep in, but Ruth said this could make you too hungry later in the day.

“It’s hard to make wise food choices when you’re hungry and tired,” Ruth told Verywell.

Traveling with a few snacks on hand, such as granola, trail mix, or dried fruit, is a great way to ensure you have healthy options no matter where you are, she said. They can also be combined with yogurt—which is usually easy to find—for a nourishing breakfast.

As for making healthy choices when eating in restaurants, Ruth said you should aim to eat fruit and/or vegetables with every meal. But it’s also important not to stress too much about what you eat while you travel, since eating delicious food is an integral part of exploring in a new place.

“Don’t forget to enjoy the food you eat,” she said. “There are so many incredible flavors to experience in different parts of the world, including here in the US, and you wouldn’t want to be so preoccupied with being out of your routine that you forget to take a minute to actually enjoy the food.”

The same goes for exercising. While some people may worry about getting out of their typical exercise routine during a trip, travel usually includes some type of movement, whether it’s walking around and sightseeing or hiking in nature. These are valuable forms of exercise, Ruth said, and they’re more than enough to keep you active while you’re away.

How to deal with minor health issues like constipation and dehydration

There are also a few common health-related hiccups that just may arise during your trip, such as constipation and dehydration—which often go hand-in-hand. But there are ways to avoid these pesky health issues.

Making sure you eat plenty of fruits and veggies, which are filled with fibre, will help to keep things moving through your digestive tract, Ruth said. Drinking plenty of water will help do the same, and it will keep you healthy and hydrated in hot and dry climates.

“Consider traveling with a reusable water bottle,” she said. “Make sure it’s empty before you go through security. Then, once you pass through security, fill it at a water bottle station so you have it with you for the day.”

Consider whether tap water is safe to drink at your destination. Ruth said it’s always a good idea to ask your hotel whether the water is safe to drink, and you can then decide whether to consume ice or street food as well.

But whether it’s tap or bottled water, staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is extremely important, and it can even help you recover from jet lag. Drinking lots of fluids can help you manage jet lag symptoms and limit fatigue, particularly since you will be spending time in dry environments such as airplane cabins, Oren said.

How to get over jet lag quickly

To minimize the effects of jet lag, try and adapt to your new time zone as quickly as possible, Oren said, which means sleeping when it’s nighttime.

“This helps you realign your circadian rhythm with your destination,” he said. “When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, the timing of melatonin production can be thrown off.”

Going outside in the sunshine can wake up your body and reduce the release of melatonin hormones that make you sleepy. Some studies have also found that taking melatonin supplements at the right time may help realign your internal clock.

“Above all, try to relax and know that jet lag is normal and will soon pass,” Oren said.

Returning Home

While traveling is an activity many of us enjoy, it can also be exhausting, which is why it’s important to ensure you give yourself time to rest and unwind before jumping right back in to your daily tasks. Heading right back to work the day after getting home can be a shock to the system, so you might want to give yourself a vacation after your vacation.

Once you’ve returned from your travels, it’s also important to closely monitor yourself for any possible symptoms of illness. Oren recommends taking a rapid COVID-19 test between three and five days after you get home.

“Testing after coming back home ensures that you didn’t bring back an infection and can safely resume your day-to-day activities,” he said.

And if you do develop symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu once you’re back, you should stay home, get tested, and seek any appropriate care.

Costello RB, Lentino CV, Boyd CC, et al. The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature . Nutr J . 2014;13:106.doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-106

By Mira Miller Miller is a journalist specializing in mental health, women's health, and culture. Her work is published in outlets ranging from Vice to Healthnews.

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During Travel

Take steps during travel to stay safe and healthy and avoid experiences that might ruin your trip.

Wash Your Hands

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Wash your hands and take other precautions to prevent getting and spreading diseases while traveling:

Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you get sick during travel, stay in your accommodations, unless you need medical care.

Choose Safe Transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among travelers. In many middle- or low-income destinations, there may be poor road surfaces, roads without shoulders, unprotected curves and cliffs, or no streetlights. In some destinations traffic laws and road signs may not be regularly followed. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of getting injured:

Always wear a seat belt.
Don't drive at night, especially in unfamiliar or rural areas.
Do not ride motorcycles. If you must ride a motorcycle, wear a helmet.
Know local traffic laws before you get behind the wheel.
Do not drink and drive.
Only ride in marked taxis that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overweight, or top-heavy buses or vans.
Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left.

Prevent Bug Bites

On your trip, use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
Always apply sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply insect repellent. Be sure to follow instructions on the label and re-apply both as directed.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks

Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Choose safer food and drinks to prevent getting sick.

Eat foods that have been fully cooked and served hot.
Do not eat fresh vegetables or fruits unless you can wash or peel them yourself.
Drink only bottled, sealed beverages, and avoid ice—it was likely made with tap water.

Avoid Animals

Animals can look cute and cuddly, and you may want to pet them. But any animal, even if it appears to be friendly or harmless, can spread disease and may be dangerous. When traveling, don’t pet or feed animals, even pets, as they may not be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. Animal bites can cause a bacterial infection, that may require antibiotics, so seek medical attention after any animal encounter. Also, be sure you are up-to-date on your tetanus vaccination.

Protect Against Sun and Extreme Temperatures

Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold.

If you are traveling in hot weather or in a hot climate, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. When traveling in cold weather or climates, wear warm clothing in several loose layers.

Emergencies and Natural Disasters

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can’t be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

If you bought evacuation insurance and think you need to use it, call the travel insurance company for assistance.

For other emergencies or natural disasters you may want to do the following:

Contact family, friends, a trusted colleague, or your employer as soon as possible after the disaster to keep them informed of your location and health status.
Monitor travel advisories and announcements by the U.S. Department of State and the Voice of America (VOA) websites.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate .

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Traveler's diarrhea

Gastrointestinal tract

Your digestive tract stretches from your mouth to your anus. It includes the organs necessary to digest food, absorb nutrients and process waste.

Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and stomach cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant.

When you visit a place where the climate or sanitary practices are different from yours at home, you have an increased risk of developing traveler's diarrhea.

To reduce your risk of traveler's diarrhea, be careful about what you eat and drink while traveling. If you do develop traveler's diarrhea, chances are it will go away without treatment. However, it's a good idea to have doctor-approved medicines with you when you travel to high-risk areas. This way, you'll be prepared in case diarrhea gets severe or won't go away.

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Traveler's diarrhea may begin suddenly during your trip or shortly after you return home. Most people improve within 1 to 2 days without treatment and recover completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip.

The most common symptoms of traveler's diarrhea are:

Suddenly passing three or more looser watery stools a day.
An urgent need to pass stool.
Stomach cramps.

Sometimes, people experience moderate to severe dehydration, ongoing vomiting, a high fever, bloody stools, or severe pain in the belly or rectum. If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms or if the diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, it's time to see a health care professional.

When to see a doctor

Traveler's diarrhea usually goes away on its own within several days. Symptoms may last longer and be more severe if it's caused by certain bacteria or parasites. In such cases, you may need prescription medicines to help you get better.

If you're an adult, see your doctor if:

Your diarrhea lasts beyond two days.
You become dehydrated.
You have severe stomach or rectal pain.
You have bloody or black stools.
You have a fever above 102 F (39 C).

While traveling internationally, a local embassy or consulate may be able to help you find a well-regarded medical professional who speaks your language.

Be especially cautious with children because traveler's diarrhea can cause severe dehydration in a short time. Call a doctor if your child is sick and has any of the following symptoms:

Ongoing vomiting.
A fever of 102 F (39 C) or more.
Bloody stools or severe diarrhea.
Dry mouth or crying without tears.
Signs of being unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive.
Decreased volume of urine, including fewer wet diapers in infants.

It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.

So why aren't natives of high-risk countries affected in the same way? Often their bodies have become used to the bacteria and have developed immunity to them.

Risk factors

Each year millions of international travelers experience traveler's diarrhea. High-risk destinations for traveler's diarrhea include areas of:

Central America.
South America.
South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Traveling to Eastern Europe, South Africa, Central and East Asia, the Middle East, and a few Caribbean islands also poses some risk. However, your risk of traveler's diarrhea is generally low in Northern and Western Europe, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Your chances of getting traveler's diarrhea are mostly determined by your destination. But certain groups of people have a greater risk of developing the condition. These include:

Young adults. The condition is slightly more common in young adult tourists. Though the reasons why aren't clear, it's possible that young adults lack acquired immunity. They may also be more adventurous than older people in their travels and dietary choices, or they may be less careful about avoiding contaminated foods.
People with weakened immune systems. A weakened immune system due to an underlying illness or immune-suppressing medicines such as corticosteroids increases risk of infections.
People with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe kidney, liver or heart disease. These conditions can leave you more prone to infection or increase your risk of a more-severe infection.
People who take acid blockers or antacids. Acid in the stomach tends to destroy organisms, so a reduction in stomach acid may leave more opportunity for bacterial survival.
People who travel during certain seasons. The risk of traveler's diarrhea varies by season in certain parts of the world. For example, risk is highest in South Asia during the hot months just before the monsoons.

Complications

Because you lose vital fluids, salts and minerals during a bout with traveler's diarrhea, you may become dehydrated, especially during the summer months. Dehydration is especially dangerous for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Dehydration caused by diarrhea can cause serious complications, including organ damage, shock or coma. Symptoms of dehydration include a very dry mouth, intense thirst, little or no urination, dizziness, or extreme weakness.

Watch what you eat

The general rule of thumb when traveling to another country is this: Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it. But it's still possible to get sick even if you follow these rules.

Other tips that may help decrease your risk of getting sick include:

Don't consume food from street vendors.
Don't consume unpasteurized milk and dairy products, including ice cream.
Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish.
Don't eat moist food at room temperature, such as sauces and buffet offerings.
Eat foods that are well cooked and served hot.
Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados. Stay away from salads and from fruits you can't peel, such as grapes and berries.
Be aware that alcohol in a drink won't keep you safe from contaminated water or ice.

Don't drink the water

When visiting high-risk areas, keep the following tips in mind:

Don't drink unsterilized water — from tap, well or stream. If you need to consume local water, boil it for three minutes. Let the water cool naturally and store it in a clean covered container.
Don't use locally made ice cubes or drink mixed fruit juices made with tap water.
Beware of sliced fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water.
Use bottled or boiled water to mix baby formula.
Order hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, and make sure they're steaming hot.
Feel free to drink canned or bottled drinks in their original containers — including water, carbonated beverages, beer or wine — as long as you break the seals on the containers yourself. Wipe off any can or bottle before drinking or pouring.
Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Don't swim in water that may be contaminated.
Keep your mouth closed while showering.

If it's not possible to buy bottled water or boil your water, bring some means to purify water. Consider a water-filter pump with a microstrainer filter that can filter out small microorganisms.

You also can chemically disinfect water with iodine or chlorine. Iodine tends to be more effective, but is best reserved for short trips, as too much iodine can be harmful to your system. You can purchase water-disinfecting tablets containing chlorine, iodine tablets or crystals, or other disinfecting agents at camping stores and pharmacies. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Follow additional tips

Here are other ways to reduce your risk of traveler's diarrhea:

Make sure dishes and utensils are clean and dry before using them.
Wash your hands often and always before eating. If washing isn't possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands before eating.
Seek out food items that require little handling in preparation.
Keep children from putting things — including their dirty hands — in their mouths. If possible, keep infants from crawling on dirty floors.
Tie a colored ribbon around the bathroom faucet to remind you not to drink — or brush your teeth with — tap water.

Other preventive measures

Public health experts generally don't recommend taking antibiotics to prevent traveler's diarrhea, because doing so can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics provide no protection against viruses and parasites, but they can give travelers a false sense of security about the risks of consuming local foods and beverages. They also can cause unpleasant side effects, such as skin rashes, skin reactions to the sun and vaginal yeast infections.

As a preventive measure, some doctors suggest taking bismuth subsalicylate, which has been shown to decrease the likelihood of diarrhea. However, don't take this medicine for longer than three weeks, and don't take it at all if you're pregnant or allergic to aspirin. Talk to your doctor before taking bismuth subsalicylate if you're taking certain medicines, such as anticoagulants.

Common harmless side effects of bismuth subsalicylate include a black-colored tongue and dark stools. In some cases, it can cause constipation, nausea and, rarely, ringing in your ears, called tinnitus.

Feldman M, et al., eds. Infectious enteritis and proctocolitis. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 25, 2021.
LaRocque R, et al. Travelers' diarrhea: Microbiology, epidemiology, and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 26, 2021.
Ferri FF. Traveler diarrhea. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 28, 2023.
Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea. Accessed April 27, 2023.
Travelers' diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea. Accessed April 28, 2023.
LaRocque R, et al. Travelers' diarrhea: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 26, 2021.
Khanna S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 29, 2021.
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Home » Family » Family Holiday » You Suffer From Travel Sickness? Here’s What You Can Do About It

You Suffer From Travel Sickness? Here’s What You Can Do About It

written on 21 October 2021

For many people, the vacation already begins with the journey. It is annoying when the travel sickness is so strong that any joy disappears. Here you can find out how travel sickness develops and what you can do about it.

Table of contents

What Is Travel Sickness?

Did you know that about 5 to 10% of people are affected by travel sickness? But what exactly is travel sickness? This refers to a variety of symptoms that occur due to disturbance of balance.

Travel sickness is triggered by stimuli of movement. For example, by traveling in a car, airplane or on a ship. Dizziness, nausea or vomiting are the most common symptoms. The technical term for motion sickness is “kinetosis” and is derived from the Greek word for moving. (kinein)

Did you know? We talk about pseudo-kinetosis when, for example, a flight simulator or a performance in a 3D movie theater triggers travel sickness. In this case, there is no real movement, but only the impression of it that is conveyed by the eyes.

How Travel Sickness Manifests Itself

As with all other illnesses, travel sickness can vary in severity from person to person. Some experience only mild nausea, while others have to vomit several times and suffer from dizzy spells.

At the beginning of kinetosis, most people feel tired, have to yawn frequently, experience mild headaches and produce more saliva.

Symptoms that denote classic motion sickness are:

Breathing problems

In addition, low blood pressure may also occur. However, most people recover quickly from motion sickness.

These Causes Lead To Motion Sickness

According to medical experts, the reason for motion sickness is that in certain situations there is a conflict between different sensory impressions.

The body is constantly busy coordinating conscious as well as unconscious movements. This is the only way it can maintain its balance. The organ of equilibrium is located in the inner ear and possesses the ability to sense the rotational movements of the head via so-called arcuates.

The otolith organs are responsible for the perception of horizontal and vertical movements . Small receptor cells register every change and send this information in turn to the responsible nerves of the brain.

Not only the vestibular organ, but also proprioceptors send important signals to the brain. These are mainly located on the muscles and vision and measure the state of stretching. The nerves are so well coordinated that a person is able to close his eyes and coordinate both arms in parallel.

Incidentally, the eyes are the third most important source of information for the brain when it comes to perceiving the body spatially. In motion sickness, the visual impression plays an enormous role.

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All the information that the brain contains from the sensory cells is stored and assembled into a meaningful three-dimensional image. In certain situations, however, the information that the sensory cells reproduce to the brain is contradictory.

For example, when you are sitting as a passenger in a car and looking at a city map or a map. At that moment, your eyes perceive that you are sitting still. In contrast, the organ of equilibrium perceives movement due to the ride. The confusion of the senses creates the feeling of travel sickness.

Risk Factors For Travel Sickness

Basically, anyone can get motion sickness. However, these factors increase the likelihood of having to fight nausea and dizziness while traveling:

Consumption of alcohol
Pregnancy (especially early pregnancy )

What Are The Types Of Travel Nausea?

Basically, travel sickness can occur wherever a person is set in motion by a “foreign” force. In other words: When you walk or run, you set your body in motion yourself. If you get into a car or an airplane, the acceleration is generated by a different force, i.e. not by yourself.

Did you already know? It is typical for motion sickness that the symptoms disappear with the end of the journey. Very few people continue to suffer from the symptoms for several hours after the trip.

Doctors distinguish between the following types of motion sickness:

Seasickness (ship)
Air sickness (airplane).
Space sickness (space travel).
Land sickness (shore leave after sea voyage).

What Helps Against Nausea?

If you are prone to motion sickness and have experienced it in the past, it is advisable to prevent it in time. With the following tips you can alleviate motion sickness or even avoid it completely. However, this depends on how pronounced it is for you.

The Right Food

Of course, it is important to fortify yourself before a long and strenuous trip. But it depends on what you eat. Some foods can increase the risk of nausea.

Immediately before the trip, you should eat a light meal that is not too fatty. A tasty fruit salad or a sandwich is perfect.

Do Not Forget To Drink

As you surely know, it is important to drink enough. This way you can avoid dizzy spells and get your circulation going . On the other hand, you should strictly avoid alcohol. You should also enjoy caffeine only in moderation. A cup of coffee or black tea is perfectly fine.

The Right Place Is Crucial

In the car, it is recommended that you get behind the wheel yourself. Since the driver has to keep his eyes constantly on the road the whole time, he is less prone to nausea.

In an airplane, you should choose a seat near the wings – and preferably near the aisle. For one thing, natural movements are hardly noticeable there while flying. For another, it helps some people to take a few steps up and down the aisle.

Medication For Travel Sickness

If you suffer from advanced travel nausea, you should stop by the pharmacy before you start your trip. There you will find anti-nausea remedies. It is most effective if you take the tablets 30 to 60 minutes before the trip.

Travel Sickness: Should I Worry?

No. Many people suffer from travel nausea. It is not an illness, but simply various symptoms that occur during a trip.

Excitement, anxiety and anticipation – these are all factors that can contribute to you suffering from nausea or feeling a little dizzy. As you have already learned in this article, in most cases the symptoms disappear with the end of the trip.

If this is not the case for you and you still don’t feel better even a few hours later, it actually always helps to rest for a moment and relax a bit. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also consult a doctor.

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Why You May Have Flu-like Symptoms After Traveling

Cold & Flu

Jan 20, 2022

If you’ve ever felt sick right after returning from a vacation, you may be wondering why you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms after traveling. Is it normal to get a cold after traveling? For a lot of individuals, travel can be an exhausting experience and can take a toll on the body. Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying on a plane to your destination, it is common for travelers to return home feeling sick after traveling for a period of time. Many patients are curious as to why this happens, and we are here to explain.

If you have returned home from a vacation with more than just a souvenir, here are common explanations for why you may feel flu-like symptoms after traveling. For tips and tricks on how to keep from getting sick while traveling , visit our blog.

Weakened immune system

We typically take vacations as a way for our bodies to relax and our immune system to rejuvenate itself. So how can a weekend getaway leave us feeling ill? As we mentioned earlier, traveling can be exhausting. You may be staying up later, drinking more alcohol, or eating increased quantities of food. You may even be doing more or less physical activity than you normally do at home! These changes, especially sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption, can lead to a weakened immune system that can cause you to have flu-like symptoms after traveling.

Temperature changes

Traveling between different climates can confuse our bodies and make us more susceptible to illnesses because our immune systems aren’t sure how to react. Your body has to readjust to the new temperature before it can fight off any symptoms coming your way, allowing you to feel sick much faster. This can be combated with regulating your body temperature and, if necessary, some over-the-counter cold/flu medication.

Leisure sickness

This post-vacation fatigue can also be known as leisure sickness, a psychological effect where those who do not take time to relax regularly often fall ill on vacations or weekends. Leisure sickness, though not recognized by all psychologists, has similar symptoms to the flu including body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The best ways to combat these symptoms are very similar to our tips for staying healthy during flu season : keep an adequate sleep schedule, limit your alcohol intake, and practice healthy habits including exercise and handwashing.

Low humidity on airplanes

Airplanes can be a germaphobe’s worst nightmare. Being cramped next to strangers who may have brought a sickness aboard along with their carry-on bag can have you feeling gross after the flight. However, that’s likely not the reason you feel sick after traveling –– it’s generally due to the lack of humidity on the plane.

Low humidity can cause the nasal passages to dry out and cause irritation in the nose and throat. On top of that, bacteria and viruses can survive longer in low-humidity environments, making it harder for your body to fight off any infections you might catch aboard a plane. If you are traveling by plane, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. If necessary, wear a face-covering during your flight to keep others’ germs at bay.

Lack of hygiene and handwashing

When you’re traveling, it’s likely you’ll come into contact with many different people, areas, and surfaces. As we mentioned earlier, your immune system may already be weakened from the effects of traveling, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. If you do not take the proper precautions to wash your hands regularly, you can be exposing yourself to other peoples’ germs. If possible, bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you wherever you go and practice basic handwashing techniques as regularly as you can.

What to do if you feel sick after traveling

If you have returned home and are experiencing flu-like symptoms after traveling, follow these at-home remedies for how to care for yourself with the flu . It’s likely that your body will readjust within the next few days with a little TLC (tender, love, and care). Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take it easy until you feel better.

However, if you notice these symptoms are either persisting or worsening, it would be a good idea to seek medical attention. For example, if you’re experiencing flu symptoms with severe stomach pain or feel you need an emergency IV for dehydration, head to the nearest emergency room for treatment. In the event that you have caught an illness, the medical staff will be able to care for you in a prompt manner.

Experiencing flu-like symptoms after traveling ? Complete Care is here to help.

Feeling sick after traveling can be a frustrating feeling, but try to remember that it’s normal to feel this way. Travel, even when done in the most cautious manner, can still be exhausting on the body. If you do find yourself in need of medical attention, the staff at Complete Care is here to help you feel better in no time. With low wait times and hospital-quality care, those flu-like symptoms after traveling will be a thing of the past.

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The death of the Republican party is not a tragedy to be celebrated

Richard Nixon infected the modern Republican party with a sickness that would kill it – Donald Trump has finished the job

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L ast Sunday, on ABC’s This Week, host George Stephanopoulos asked Chris Sununu, New Hampshire’s Republican governor, about his recent switch from supporting Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, for the Republican presidential nomination to supporting former president Donald Trump .

“Your words were very, very clear on January 11, 2021,” Stephanopoulos reminded Sununu. “You said that President Trump’s rhetoric and actions contributed to the insurrection. No other president in history has contributed to an insurrection. So, please explain.”

Sununu responded: “For me, it’s not about him as much as it is having a Republican administration.”

Near the end of the interview, Stephanopoulos said: “Just to sum up, you would support him for president even if he is convicted in classified documents. You would support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You would support him for president even though you believe he’s lying about the last election. You would support him for president even if he’s convicted in the Manhattan case. I just want to say, the answer to that is yes, correct?”

Sununu replied: “Yeah, me and 51% of America.”

Stephanopoulos: “I’m asking you about right and wrong. You’re comfortable with the idea of supporting someone who’s convicted of a federal crime as president?”

Sununu: “No, I don’t think any American is comfortable with any of this. They don’t like any of this, of course, but I mean, when it comes to actually looking at each of these trials as they kind of take place whether it’s this year or next year or as they kind of line up. Right now this is about an election. This is about politics.”

Hello? Politics is not about right and wrong?

I haven’t seen or heard a clearer indictment of the Trump Republican party.

Friends, the Republican party is over.

That’s tragic, because America needs two parties capable of governing. It needs two parties with a sense of the common good, even if their interpretations of it differ. It needs principled people in government. Even if politics is sometimes dirty and often frustrating, a functioning democracy depends on it.

It’s tragic to me personally, too. I got my first job in government in the Ford administration (for those of you too young to remember, Gerald Ford was a Republican). I argued supreme court cases in Ford’s Department of Justice. Years later, as secretary of labor under Bill Clinton, I worked closely with several Republicans in the House and Senate to enact the Family and Medical Leave Act, raise the minimum wage and protect workers’ pensions.

My father was a Republican who voted for Dwight Eisenhower for president in 1952 and 1956. His father, my grandfather, was a Republican who voted for Alf Landon for president in 1936 and Wendell Willkie in 1940.

The Republican party once stood for limited government, active opposition to Soviet aggression and a balanced budget.

Now it stands only for Trump and his authoritarian neofascism. It demands total loyalty to Trump. It has turned his big lie about the 2020 election being stolen into a litmus test of that loyalty. It has no principled core – no sense of right and wrong.

Gerald Ford, the first president I served, is as far from the current Republican party as was or is any Democratic president.

Sad to say, the Gerald R Ford Presidential Foundation recently declined to present the Gerald R Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service to former Wyoming representative Liz Cheney out of fear that a future President Trump would retaliate against the organization by taking away its tax-exempt status.

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In response, David Hume Kennerly, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, resigned from the foundation’s board. In his resignation letter , he reminded the board that “Gerald Ford became president, in part, because Richard Nixon had ordered the development of an enemies list and demanded his underlings use the IRS against those listed. That’s exactly what the executive committee fears will happen if there’s a second coming of Donald Trump.”

Kennerly added:

Did [Lt] Gerald Ford meet the enemy head-on [in the second world war] because he thought he wouldn’t get killed? No. He did it despite that possibility. This executive committee, on the other hand, bolted before any shots were fired. You aren’t alone. Many foundations, organizations, corporations and other entities are caught up in this tidal wave of timidity and fear that’s sweeping this country. I mistakenly thought we were better than that. This is the kind of acquiescent behavior that leads to authoritarianism. President Ford most likely would have come out even tougher and said that it leads directly to fascism.

Gerald Ford’s biggest mistake as president was to pardon Richard Nixon . At the time, Ford believed that America had to be shielded from the pain and disruption of a president put on criminal trial and possibly imprisoned. Yet to many Americans, the fact that Nixon would not be held accountable felt like another assault on the common good.

To make matters worse, Nixon continued to insist he had not participated in any crimes. In his 1977 television interviews with British journalist David Frost, he conceded he had “let the American people down” but refused to admit to any wrongdoing.

He said: “If the president does it, that means it is not illegal.” Those words continue to haunt America.

In the end, Nixon pulled off an extraordinary political heist. He persuaded millions of working-class Americans that the Republican party was their home. Beginning in 1968, Republicans won five of the next six presidential elections. All used Nixon’s playbook, relying on a coalition of corporate America and the white working class, and using racial dog whistles like “law and order” and “welfare queens”.

Nixon infected the modern Republican party with a sickness that would ultimately kill it. Donald Trump has finished the job.

Sununu’s willingness to destroy American democracy so his party can stay in power is shared by most Republican office holders today. It is a rejection of American democracy – an abrogation of the self-government that generations of Americans have fought for and died for.

The death of the Republican party is not to be celebrated. It is a tragedy. It is a testament to how fragile our democracy has become. It illustrates what happens when presidents are not held accountable. It is evidence of what occurs when decades of economic gains go mainly to the top.

It shows that many Americans have lost sight of our history and ideals, or have become so cynical and hopeless that they are willing to chuck it all in favor of an atrocious human being who claims to be on their side.

Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few and The Common Good . His newest book, The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It , is out now. He is a Guardian US columnist. His newsletter is at robertreich.substack.com

Republicans
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Weathering the Storm

Sister satellites, more about the missions, news media contacts.

Over the course of nearly two decades, its powerful radar provided never-before-seen details of clouds and helped advance global weather and climate predictions.

CloudSat, a NASA mission that peered into hurricanes, tallied global snowfall rates, and achieved other weather and climate firsts, has ended its operations. Originally proposed as a 22-month mission, the spacecraft was recently decommissioned after almost 18 years observing the vertical structure and ice/water content of clouds.

As planned , the spacecraft — having reached the end of its lifespan and no longer able to make regular observations — was lowered into an orbit last month that will result in its eventual disintegration in the atmosphere.

When launched in 2006, the mission’s Cloud Profiling Radar was the first-ever 94 GHz wavelength (W-band) radar to fly in space. A thousand times more sensitive than typical ground-based weather radars, it yielded a new vision of clouds — not as flat images on a screen but as 3D slices of atmosphere bristling with ice and rain.

For the first time, scientists could observe clouds and precipitation together, said Graeme Stephens, the mission’s principal investigator at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. “Without clouds, humans wouldn’t exist, because they provide the freshwater that life as we know it requires,” he said. “We sometimes refer to them as clever little devils because of their confounding properties. Clouds have been an enigma in terms of predicting climate change.”

Clouds have long held many secrets. Before CloudSat, we didn’t know how often clouds produce rain and snow on a global basis. Since its launch, we’ve also come a long way in understanding how clouds are able to cool and heat the atmosphere and surface, as well as how they can cause aircraft icing.

CloudSat data has informed thousands of research publications and continues to help scientists make key discoveries, including how much ice and water clouds contain globally and how, by trapping heat in the atmosphere, clouds accelerate the melting of ice in Greenland and at the poles.

Over the years, CloudSat flew over powerful storm systems with names like Maria , Harvey , and Sandy , peeking beneath their swirling canopies of cirrus clouds. Its Cloud Profiling Radar excelled at penetrating cloud layers to help scientists explore how and why tropical cyclones intensify.

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Across the life of CloudSat, several potentially mission-ending issues occurred related to the spacecraft’s battery and to the reaction wheels used to control the satellite’s orientation. The CloudSat team developed unique solutions, including “hibernating” the spacecraft during nondaylight portions of each orbit to conserve power, and orienting it with fewer reaction wheels. Their solutions allowed operations to continue until the Cloud Profiling Radar was permanently turned off in December 2023.

“It’s part of who we are as a NASA family that we have dedicated and talented teams that can do things that have never before been done,” said Deborah Vane, CloudSat’s project manager at JPL. “We recovered from these anomalies with techniques that no one has ever used before.”

CloudSat was launched on April 28, 2006, in tandem with a lidar-carrying satellite called CALIPSO (short for the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation). The two spacecraft joined an international constellation of weather- and climate-tracking satellites in Earth orbit.

Radar and lidar are considered “active” sensors because they direct beams of energy at Earth — radio waves in the case of CloudSat and laser light in the case of CALIPSO — and measure how the beams reflect off the clouds and fine particles (aerosols) in the atmosphere. Other orbiting science instruments use “passive” sensors that measure reflected sunlight or radiation emitted from Earth or clouds.

Orbiting less than a minute apart, CloudSat and CALIPSO circled the globe in Sun-synchronous orbits from the North to the South Pole, crossing the equator in the early afternoon and after midnight every day. Their overlapping radar-lidar footprint cut through the vertical structure of the atmosphere to study thin and thick clouds, as well as the layers of airborne particles such as dust, sea salt, ash, and soot that can influence cloud formation.

The influence of aerosols on clouds remains a key question for global warming projections. To explore this and other questions, the recently launched PACE satellite and future missions in NASA’s Earth System Observatory will build upon CloudSat’s and CALIPSO’s legacies for a new generation.

“Earth in 2030 will be different than Earth in 2000,” Stephens said. “The world has changed, and the climate has changed. Continuing these measurements will give us new insights into changing weather patterns.”

The CloudSat Project is managed for NASA by JPL. JPL developed the Cloud Profiling Radar instrument with important hardware contributions from the Canadian Space Agency. Colorado State University provides science data processing and distribution. BAE Systems of Broomfield, Colorado, designed and built the spacecraft. The U.S. Space Force and U.S. Department of Energy contributed resources. U.S. and international universities and research centers support the mission science team. Caltech in Pasadena, California, manages JPL for NASA.

CALIPSO, which was a joint mission between NASA and the French space agency, CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), ended its mission in August 2023.

Jane J. Lee / Andrew Wang Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874 [email protected] / [email protected]

Written by Sally Younger

Related Terms

CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite)
Water on Earth

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New tech could help traveling VR gamers experience 'ludicrous speed' without motion sickness

by University of Glasgow

Vehicle passengers using VR headsets to pass the time during travel could be set to enjoy games which move at 'ludicrous speed' without experiencing motion sickness, researchers say.

A team of human-computer interaction specialists from the UK and Canada have developed the first system to manage motion sickness in VR which also allows users to feel like they're moving much faster or much slower than the real-life vehicle they're traveling in. The team's paper, titled ''From Slow-Mo to Ludicrous Speed: Comfortably Manipulating the Perception of Linear In-Car VR Motion Through Vehicular Translational Gain and Attenuation," will be presented at the Association of Computing Machinery CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in May 2024.

Their results suggest that controlling travelers' perceptions of speed in virtual reality can provide experiences that could make games more exciting, or make it easier to focus on tasks like reading or working, while mitigating the potential for motion sickness.

Motion sickness is caused by a mismatch between the physical motion sensed by a person's vestibular system and what is in front of their eyes. If the feeling of movement doesn't match up to the perception of movement, it can make some people feel unwell very quickly.

Some VR systems currently on the market promise to reduce or eliminate motion sickness during travel by matching the physical movements of the vehicle to the perceived movement inside the headset—translating a real-world turn, for example, into a virtual equivalent of identical direction and duration.

The team set out to establish whether further manipulating VR users' impressions of movement could provide enjoyable virtual experiences without making them feel unwell. The results of their study are set to be presented as a paper at an international conference next month.

The outcome of their research is the first travel-focused system to be built on the well-established VR principles of translational gain and attenuation, where real-world movements are turned into virtual perceptions in ways that don't have a one-to-one equivalence.

In translational gain, a half-meter step in a users' living room can be translated into a five-meter movement in a virtual space, generally without causing motion sickness. In translational attenuation, the process works in the opposite direction, shrinking large real-world movements into smaller virtual ones.

Dr. Graham Wilson, of the University of Glasgow's School of Computing Science, is one of the paper's lead authors. He said, "VR technology is becoming more widely accepted and adopted for use in entertainment and productivity applications, but it can still make some people feel unwell, particularly in vehicles.

"Exactly mapping real-world movements to virtual ones does a good job of reducing that feeling of sickness, but it limits the available types of experiences users can have, and reduces the range of feelings those experiences can create. It's more difficult to make a movement-based game seem exciting if it's constantly stopping and starting at traffic lights. Similarly, it's hard to focus on writing an email if you're feeling distracted by moving at motorway speeds.

"Translational gain and attenuation hold a lot of potential for more expanding the scope of VR experiences during travel. In this study, we set out to explore how that potential might be realized in real-world situations."

In the study's first phase, 17 study participants wearing VR headets were driven on a 2km stretch of road in Glasgow's west end at a speed of around 50 kilometers per hour, providing an experience similar to a typical urban journey. Inside their headset, they were presented with a virtual city street overlaid with some text they were asked to read as they moved through real city streets, followed by multiple choice questions based on the content.

Their perceived speed was set to match the movement of their vehicle, and then to move faster and slower, over the course of three hour-long sessions. In the faster-than-real-life study, their virtual speed was accelerated over four sections from 72km/h to 338km/h—seven times faster than the real world. In the slower-than-real-life study, they moved through the virtual city at reduced velocities, from 32km/h to 7 km/h—just 14 percent of their actual speed.

Dr. Katharina Pöhlmann, of the KITE Research Institute in Canada, the paper's other lead author said, "Our participants reported that the accelerated sections of the study didn't make them feel any more discomfort than the speed-matched sections, and that they didn't feel the task was more challenging when they perceived they were going faster.

"They did report feeling more aware of motion sickness during the slower-than-real-life sections, but that they felt safer, more relaxed and more able to focus than they did during either the matched or accelerated velocity experiments."

In the second phase, they were presented with a game in which they flew through a trench on a space station shooting at enemy ships flying towards them. Their in-game velocity was set to match the real-world speed for a short while. Then, it shifted every 300m between a range of faster and slower perceived movements from 14% of real-world velocity to 950%, which the team dubbed 'ludicrous speed'.

Dr. Pöhlmann added, "Here, the participants told us that they most enjoyed the 'ludicrous speed' sections of the study, which they felt helped increase the excitement and intensity of the action without making them feel sick. Switching between perceived speeds, however, reduced their enjoyment of the game.

"In both sections of the study, the participants said that their perception of how far they'd traveled in real life was affected by how fast or slow they were moving in VR."

The team's paper includes a series of recommendations that could help drive future developments in applying translational gain and attenuation to VR experiences for travelers.

Those insights include that while faster virtual speeds will feel more enjoyable during games, slower virtual experiences can increase relaxation, making them better suited for productivity applications. Changes in perceived speed, the team suggest, should be applied during periods when the vehicle is stopped rather than in motion.

Professor Stephen Brewster leads the Multimodal Interaction Group at the University of Glasgow and is a co-author of the paper. He said, "This study shows for the first time that passengers' perceptions of speed can be significantly altered without making them feel any more unwell than systems which match their real-world movements to their virtual ones, and that perceived velocity can induce excitement or relaxation in ways that current systems aren't able to.

"There are limitations to the study—our study route was deliberately a straight line rather than a more complex one, for example—but it's an important first step to learning how we can manipulate virtual experiences for travelers to provide additional immersion while managing motion sickness."

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IMAGES

Tips on Avoiding Travel Sickness
Infographic: 21 Ways to Beat Travel Sickness
Beat Travel Sickness The Natural Way
What is travel sickness and how to stop it
7 Proven Ways To Avoid Travel Sickness During Travelling • Rosy Melissa
How To Stop Travel Sickness

COMMENTS

Motion sickness (travel sickness): Causes, remedies, and symptoms
Scopolamine - the most commonly prescribed medication for motion sickness. It must be taken before symptoms start. It is available as a patch that is placed behind the ear 6-8 hours before ...
Motion Sickness: Surprising Causes and Symptoms
Most people see a healthcare provider for motion sickness ahead of planned travel, in order to seek preventive treatment, but other situations do arise. The most common complications of motion sickness include vomiting that leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances , which can be treated easily.
Prevention and Treatment of Motion Sickness
To prevent and reduce symptoms of motion sickness, passengers should look forward at a fixed point on the horizon and avoid close visual tasks. C. 2 - 5. To prevent and reduce symptoms of motion ...
Motion sickness: First aid
Motion sickness: First aid. Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.
Motion Sickness: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Motion Sickness. Motion sickness is a common condition that happens when you're in motion, like riding in a vehicle, while sitting still. It happens when your eyes, inner ear and body send conflicting messages to your brain. Symptoms include nausea, breaking out in cold sweat or headache. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent motion sickness ...
Treatments to prevent travel sickness: a quick look
In this short blog, Dr Robert Walton looks at the evidence on treatments to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness). Take-home points. The new evidence on antihistamines comes from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published in October 2022) and is relevant to adults.. Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common problem, and many people experience nausea for example ...
Motion Sickness: Best Fixes If Traveling Makes You Ill
In the hours before you travel, avoid alcohol and greasy foods but make sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. While traveling, eat dry crackers and avoid cigarette smoke. If your ...
Why am I so tired after traveling? How to avoid this potential culprit
Adamian said when it comes to motion sickness, "prevention is usually the best medicine.". If you know you are prone to the syndrome - or just worried about it - sucking on hard ginger ...
Motion Sickness (Travel Sickness): Prevention and Treatment
Ondansetron. Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone.
Why travel can make you exhausted just by sitting still
Travel sickness isn't just hearsay. Nearly a third of people experience motion sickness - and to this day we don't exactly know what causes it. The prevailing theory suggests it is triggered ...
Motion sickness
Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train. The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell. Find out more about motion sickness, an unpleasant combination of ...
After Travel Tips
If you have any injuries, scratches, or bug bites. Health care or medications you received during your trip. Close contact with other people, including sexual encounters. If you got any tattoos or piercings. If your healthcare provider has trouble determining why you are feeling sick, you may want to ask to speak with an infectious disease ...
Travel Sickness
Watching something on a tablet like a TV show or a film can often help with travel sickness by helping you to avoid the moving horizon or the view out of the side window. Avoid alcohol and eating too much as this can make feelings of travel sickness much worse. Travel Sickness. 8. Things That Have Helped Me.
How To Travel When You Suffer From Motion Sickness
How To Prevent Motion Sickness. In a car or bus, sit at the front with a clear view of the road ahead. When flying, choose a window seat over the front of the wing. On a cruise ship, choose a cabin in the middle and near the waterline. Face the direction of travel and sit next to the window on a train.
The science behind travel sickness, and how to avoid it
However, greasy, fatty and spicy food can cause nausea and trigger or worsen travel sickness. Likewise, alcohol can act as a diuretic and dehydrate you - further exacerbating your motion ...
How to Get a Refund If You're Too Sick to Fly
Step 4: Think ahead. Find yourself stuck with a fee? The next time you're booking an expensive trip, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which could reimburse you if you get ...
This Is Why You Get Sick Every Time You Travel
The stomach bug is raging these days, too. According to CDC data, there were 225 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S. between August 1, 2022 and January 8, 2023, a 30 percent increase in cases ...
How to Avoid Getting Sick During Holiday Travel
Keep COVID-19 rapid tests handy. Using rapid COVID-19 antigen tests two or three days prior to your trip and again on the day of is another good precaution, he said. Though antigen tests aren't perfect, they're very good at indicating when you're not infectious anymore, so they're particularly helpful if you've recently been sick with ...
During Travel
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Avoid contact with people who are sick. If you get sick during travel, stay in your accommodations, unless you need ...
Traveler's diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is a digestive tract disorder that commonly causes loose stools and stomach cramps. It's caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Fortunately, traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious in most people — it's just unpleasant. When you visit a place where the climate or sanitary practices are ...
You Suffer From Travel Sickness? Here's What You Can Do About It
This refers to a variety of symptoms that occur due to disturbance of balance. Travel sickness is triggered by stimuli of movement. For example, by traveling in a car, airplane or on a ship. Dizziness, nausea or vomiting are the most common symptoms. The technical term for motion sickness is "kinetosis" and is derived from the Greek word ...
Flu-like Symptoms After Traveling Explained
Leisure sickness. This post-vacation fatigue can also be known as leisure sickness, a psychological effect where those who do not take time to relax regularly often fall ill on vacations or weekends. Leisure sickness, though not recognized by all psychologists, has similar symptoms to the flu including body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
The death of the Republican party is not a tragedy to be celebrated
Richard Nixon infected the modern Republican party with a sickness that would kill it - Donald Trump has finished the job Last Sunday, on ABC's This Week, host George Stephanopoulos asked ...
Nurses took an average of one week off sick for stress in 2023
In total, the illnesses accounted for 24.3 per cent of days lost to sickness in 2023. This is more than double the prevalence of any other kind of illness, with cold or flu being the next largest ...
NASA's CloudSat Ends Mission Peering Into the Heart of Clouds
Launched in 2006, it provided the first global survey of cloud properties before being decommissioned in March 2024 at the end of its lifespan. NASA/JPL Over the course of nearly two decades, its powerful radar provided never-before-seen details of clouds and helped advance global weather and climate predictions.
New tech could help traveling VR gamers experience 'ludicrous speed
A team of human-computer interaction specialists from the UK and Canada have developed the first system to manage motion sickness in VR which also allows users to feel like they're moving much faster or much slower than the real-life vehicle they're traveling in. The team's paper, titled ''From Slow-Mo to Ludicrous Speed: Comfortably Manipulating the Perception of Linear In-Car VR Motion ...

Clinical Presentation

Behavioral Interventions

MINIMIZE VESTIBULAR MOTION

HABITUATE TO MOTION

SYNCHRONIZE THE VISUAL SYSTEM WITH THE MOTION

ACTIVELY SYNCHRONIZE THE BODY WITH THE MOTION

REDUCE OTHER SOURCES OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL DISCOMFORT

Medications

SCOPOLAMINE

ANTIHISTAMINES

OTHER MEDICATIONS

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

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Treatments to prevent travel sickness: a quick look

Take-home points

Making a choice? Think BRAIN!

Medicines to prevent travel sickness

What are the risks?

What are the other options?

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Traveling can be exhausting: How to prevent this debilitating symptom

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Motion sickness

In this article :

Is motion sickness normal?

Triggers for motion sickness

Prepare for your journey

Plan where you sit

Breathe fresh air

Use your eyes and ears differently

Treat your tummy gently

Try alternative treatments

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Antihistamines

Hyoscine patch

Prochlorperazine

Metoclopramide

Domperidone

Ondansetron

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Next review due: 14 Mar 2028

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Travel Sickness – 36 Tried and Tested Tips to Help You

What is travel sickness?

1. Travel Sickness – What Is It Like?

2. Can You Cure Travel Sickness?

3. How Long Does Travel Sickness Last?

4. How Do You Stop Travel Sickness?

5. Reducing Car Sickness

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