One in ten French people suffers from motion sickness during car, coach, boat, or plane travel, notes Dr. Véronique Warnod, author of *The Traveller's Medical and Health Guide*. Our expert advice to help you avoid it. Motion sickness, known medically as kinetosis, is a common yet uncomfortable condition. It arises from a mismatch between your body's position in space and signals from balance receptors in the eyes, inner ear, and muscles.
The brain gets conflicting messages: your body feels stationary while the vehicle moves. This disorientation triggers nausea and dizziness.
Motion sickness is worsened by intense movements like hairpin bends, air pockets, or rough seas. As Dr. Véronique Warnod explains in her book The Traveller's Medical and Health Guide, "it's amplified by anxiety, fatigue, and unpleasant odors like tobacco, exhaust, or oil."
Before full-blown vomiting, early signs include a queasy stomach, headache, pallor, and drowsiness. To stop it progressing, pull over if possible, get fresh air, walk briefly, then lie down to settle your system.
Never travel on an empty stomach if prone to motion sickness, as it intensifies nausea. Opt for a light meal with solid foods over liquids, which can rise faster.
Antihistamine medications (available over-the-counter at pharmacies) effectively prevent nausea, says Dr. Warnod, though they may cause drowsiness and are not suitable for drivers. Take them about an hour before departure, and space doses at least six hours apart if needed during travel.
Alternatives include scopolamine patches (for adults only) or homeopathic options like Cocculine granules.
When nausea strikes, turn to ginger—its anti-nausea effects are scientifically proven. The World Health Organization recognizes gingerol, a key compound, for easing vomiting from pregnancy or motion sickness. Chew fresh ginger or ginger gum (like Sea-Band) for relief in 20-30 minutes.
Peppermint and lemon essential oils also help by relaxing stomach muscles. Place a drop on a tissue and inhale deeply until symptoms ease.
Acupressure wristbands lack strong evidence, but wearing one may reduce stress and discomfort through placebo effect.
On planes or boats, select middle seats where motion is minimal compared to the sides.
In cars or coaches, choose front seats. Stabilize your head against the headrest (or use a neck pillow) to minimize rocking. Avoid reading or closing your eyes—instead, fix your gaze on the horizon or a fixed external point, as aerobatic pilots do.
To combat anxiety-fueled escalation, distract yourself by singing or chatting en route.
(*) The Traveller's Medical and Health Guide, Dr. Véronique Warnod, Ed. Le Cherche Midi.
Read also:
