Calling all travel enthusiasts! If motion sickness is playing spoilsport with your wanderlust, worry not! Your journey doesn't have to be a rollercoaster of nausea and discomfort. Let's make your travel dreams a reality without the unwelcome twists and turns of motion sickness with our top 5 prevention tips. 

First, what causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness, though common, remains a mysterious adversary for many avid travelers. The root cause lies in discord between what our eyes perceive and what our inner ears sense. When the brain receives conflicting signals from these two crucial sources – visual input and the body's vestibular system – it can trigger feelings of nausea and discomfort. 

For instance, during car rides, your eyes may witness the passing scenery suggesting movement, but if you're reading a book or staring at a screen, your inner ears may sense stillness. This sensory mismatch confuses the brain, leading to motion sickness symptoms.

Say goodbye to travel troubles with these 5 hacks that will have you navigating your adventures with pure confidence and unbridled joy. 

5 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness

1. Peppermint Oil Pulse Point Roll-On

Peppermint oil, revered for its therapeutic benefits across generations, holds a unique power when its invigorating aroma is inhaled. Peppermint is known for its soothing properties, making it a popular choice for combating motion sickness. The key lies in its ability to activate the brain's limbic system, the hub of emotional control. This activation initiates a soothing response, effectively quelling anxiety and stress – common culprits that intensify motion sickness symptoms.

By applying a peppermint oil pulse point roll-on to your wrists or temples, you immerse yourself in this revitalizing fragrance. This not only provides relief from nausea but also elevates your travel experience into a genuinely enjoyable journey.

Our recommendation: Tub Therapy Mrs. Fixit Peppermint Roll On’s compact size allows for easy portability in your pocket, making it accessible whenever needed, $28 each

The roller ball applicator of adds a practical touch, facilitating smooth application on your wrists, behind your ears, nape, and temples. Moreover, the incorporation of CBD adds an interesting dimension. CBD is known for its potential calming and anti-nausea effects, which could complement peppermint in providing relief from motion sickness symptoms.

2. Motion Sickness Wristbands

Embrace technology with a fashionable twist! Motion sickness wristbands, or acupressure or nausea relief bands, operate on the principle of acupressure therapy. These wristbands have a small plastic stud or button that applies pressure to the Nei Kuan acupressure point located on the inner side of the wrist, near the forearm.

The Nei Kuan point is believed to be associated with alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms. Worn like any regular accessory, these wristbands exert continuous pressure on this point to rebalance the body's energy flow and reduce the signals that contribute to nausea.

RELIEFBAND® Premier, $279.99

3. Scopolamine Transdermal Patches

Introducing a discreet and effective solution – Scopolamine patches. Scopolamine is a pharmacological agent employed to mitigate nausea and vomiting induced by motion sickness or medications administered during surgical procedures. Classified as an antimuscarinic medication, scopolamine operates by inhibiting the impact of a specific naturally occurring substance, acetylcholine, on the central nervous system.

KUNHAOH Motion Sickness Patches 24 count from Amazon.com, $14.99 each

Apply these patches behind your ear before your journey, and let them work their magic. They release medication gradually, offering prolonged relief from motion sickness without the need for constant attention.

4. Ginger 

Ginger has long been celebrated for its anti-nausea properties. Incorporate this natural remedy into your travel routine by sipping on ginger tea or taking ginger supplements. Ginger can help calm an upset stomach and alleviate motion sickness symptoms. Pack some ginger candies or snacks for an on-the-go solution that's both tasty and effective.

5. Medication

Over-the-counter options like dimenhydrinate (Benadryl) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine),  can effectively alleviate motion sickness symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider to find the right medication for your needs and follow the recommended dosage. Medication provides a reliable and quick solution, ensuring you can enjoy your travels without the discomfort of motion sickness.

Other tips to prevent motion sickness

The optimal approach to preventing motion sickness is to steer clear of situations that trigger it, although this may not always be feasible, especially during travel. Here are some extra tips to add to your arsenal, helping you either navigate around or dial down the effects of motion sickness.

• Choose your seat wisely

Your choice of seat can significantly impact your motion sickness experience. Opt for a seat near the front of the vehicle or over the wing when traveling by plane. In cars, choose the front seat or take control of the wheel. 

• Whenever possible, consider lying down, closing your eyes, catching some sleep, or gazing at the horizon

Motion sickness often arises from disparities between visual and vestibular signals. When you minimize visual input or focus on a stable reference point like the horizon, you enhance the synchronization between what your eyes perceive and the motion sensed by your inner ear. 

• Stay well-hydrated with water, and cut back on alcoholic and caffeinated drinks

Refrain from indulging in a hearty meal before or during your journey. Steer clear of acidic, spicy, or greasy foods, and opt for modest servings of simple, plain fare. Consume small, frequent meals to keep nausea at bay.

• Steer clear of smoking; even a brief break can make a difference

Nicotine can exacerbate symptoms of nausea and dizziness, common components of motion sickness. Smoking may also intensify sensory conflicts, as it introduces additional stimuli that can contribute to the disorientation associated with motion sickness. 

• Engage in distracting activities like listening to music

By immersing yourself in music or other distractions, you provide an alternative stimulus for your brain to process, reducing the emphasis on conflicting sensory information related to motion. 

• Keep some snack bites on hand for moments of nausea

Our verdict?

Don't let motion sickness dictate the terms of your travels. Arm yourself with these tried-and-true methods to reclaim the joy of exploration. Whether it's the calming scent of peppermint, the stylish defense of a motion sickness wristband, or the natural power of ginger, these remedies can empower you to conquer motion sickness and embrace the wonders that await your next journey. Safe travels!