Travel Sickness

Travel sickness (also known as motion sickness) happens when the movement that we are looking at conflicts with what our inner ear can sense. This mismatch causes symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. This can happen on any form of transport such as cars, planes, boats, trains, or any rides which involve motion.

There are several effective options to help prevent and relieve travel sickness symptoms.

Medications such as Stugeron (cinnarizine) and Kwells (hyoscine hydrobromide), which help to relieve or prevent nausea and dizziness. Available following short consultation and to be taken either in advance to travelling or during travel.

Some people find relief in natural remedies such as ginger supplements or acupressure wristbands.

Your doctor, or our clinicians can advise on which treatment is most suitable for you taking into account your usual symptoms and travel plans.

Symptoms of travel sickness usually improve once the motion stops, though it can take a few hours for your body to fully recover. Our travel sickness treatments can be taken in advance to travelling to avoid symptoms from occurring, or during travelling to relieve symptoms while in motion. If you experience ongoing dizziness or nausea after travelling, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

There are ways to reduce your chances of feeling travel sick by:

• Sitting facing forward, or where movement is least felt (eg. over the wings in a plane, midship on a boat, or front seat of a car)
• Looking at the horizon or at a fixed point
• Avoiding reading or screen time while in motion
• Getting plenty of fresh air
• Eating light meals before travelling and avoiding alcohol or heavy, greasy foods.

Motion sickness – NHS

Travel Sickness Self Care.pdf