Effective Ways to Stop Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can turn an exciting trip into a miserable experience fast. Whether you’re driving through the mountains, flying across the country, or setting sail on open waters, that familiar wave of nausea, dizziness, and sweating can hit hard.

The good news? There are proven ways to stop motion sickness in its tracks and even better ones to prevent it from starting in the first place.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals from your inner ear, eyes, and body. If your body feels movement but your eyes don’t see it (or vice versa), your brain gets confused and that’s when symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting start.

This mismatch can happen on:

• Car rides

• Boats and cruises

• Airplanes

• Trains and buses

• Virtual reality experiences

• Theme park rides

In rare cases, motion sickness can occur even when you’re not moving, especially if triggered by anxiety, migraines, or vestibular (inner ear) disorders.

How to Stop Motion Sickness Once It Starts

Ideally, you want to prevent motion sickness before it begins. But if you’re already queasy, these quick remedies may help reduce symptoms:

Shift Your Position

• In a car: Sit in the front seat and focus on the road.

• On a plane: Choose a seat over the wings.

• On a boat: Stay low and centered, near the waterline.

• On a train: Face forward and sit near the front.

Look at the Horizon

Fix your eyes on a stable point in the distance. It helps your brain align visual input with the motion your body feels.

Close Your Eyes or Lie Down

This reduces conflicting signals to the brain and may help calm your nervous system.

Hydrate and Snack

Drink small sips of water. If you're hungry, eat small portions of bland foods like crackers, plain toast, or pretzels. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or greasy foods.

Try a Ginger Lozenge or Hard Candy

Ginger has been shown to reduce nausea in some people. Peppermint may also help.

Listen to Music or a Podcast

Distraction can work. But avoid reading or screen time, which often make nausea worse.

Use Medication (If Needed)

If you're already experiencing symptoms, OTC antihistamines can help (more on that below). Take them with food and water if possible.

Which Motion Sickness Medications Work Best?

Most over-the-counter options for motion sickness are antihistamines. For best results, take them 30–60 minutes before your trip begins.

Tip: Bonine is best for all-day coverage, while Dramamine may work faster for sudden symptoms.

Home Remedies & Alternative Options

While not always backed by strong research, some people find relief from:

• Ginger supplements or tea

• Acupressure wristbands (e.g., Sea-Bands)

• Essential oils (peppermint, lavender, or ginger)

• Homeopathic tablets

Results vary widely, so use with caution and don’t rely on them for severe symptoms.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness Before It Starts

The key to avoiding motion sickness? Plan ahead. Take steps before you even board your ride:

Choose Your Seat Wisely

• Plane: Near the wing

• Car: Front seat

• Boat: Low and center

• Train: Forward-facing near the front

Avoid Smoking

Nicotine can worsen symptoms, even hours before traveling.

Take Preventative Meds Early

Use antihistamines 30–60 minutes before travel for best results.

Skip Alcohol and Caffeine

They dehydrate you and can worsen dizziness or nausea.

Don’t Read or Look at Your Phone

Keep your eyes focused on something stable, like the horizon.

When to Talk to a Doctor

For most people, motion sickness is temporary. But if it happens frequently or gets worse consult your healthcare provider. You may have an underlying vestibular issue or need prescription medication, like scopolamine patches.

See a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist after movement stops

• OTC medications don’t work

• You experience motion sickness frequently

• Symptoms interfere with travel, work, or daily life

The Bottom Line

Motion sickness can show up without warning, but with the right strategies and treatments, you can manage (or prevent) it. Whether you’re crossing the ocean or just taking a long drive, remember to prep early, watch your position, and avoid visual distractions.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with kids or someone prone to nausea, keep ginger chews, Bonine, or Sea-Bands handy in your travel bag.

Ready for a smoother trip? For more travel health tips, subscribe to our newsletter.