How to prevent travel sickness in a car (and what to do if it starts)

travel

11 Dec

‍Travel sickness has never really been a big problem for me.

At most, I’d feel a little discomfort on fast, winding uphill roads, where the car keeps turning and climbing at the same time.

But recently, something different happened.

On the North–South Highway – a road I’ve travelled countless times – I suddenly started to feel it. A dull headache creeping in during the drive. No sharp turns, no mountain roads, just a normal highway journey.

It made me wonder if motion sickness can appear with age, or if sometimes our bodies simply decide to react differently than before.

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling queasy, dizzy, or unexpectedly uncomfortable during a journey, you’re definitely not alone. Travel sickness can show up in cars, buses, trains, or even planes. It usually happens when your brain receives mixed signals from your eyes and inner ear about movement.

I’m definitely not immune to it – and some of the tips below are reminders for myself too – but here are some simple travel sickness tips that I’ve found useful to prevent travel sickness and make long journeys more comfortable.

How to prevent travel sickness in a car

1. Get enough rest beforehand

It’s easy to overlook this, but it makes a difference.

If you’re thinking about how to prevent travel sickness, it’s not just about what you do in the car. How you feel before the journey matters too. Being overly tired seems to make motion sensitivity worse – at least, that’s how it feels when you’re already a bit off and then add movement on top of it.

Start rested when possible; even a short nap beforehand helps.

2. Eat light

What you eat before a journey can make things better – or noticeably worse.

Heavy, greasy, or very spicy meals tend to sit in your stomach longer, which can make that uneasy feeling worse once the car starts moving.

Opt for lighter, simpler foods instead. If you’re wondering what to eat to avoid travel sickness, think along the lines of plain meals rather than anything too rich or oily.

3. Stay hydrated

This is one of those basic tips that’s easy to ignore. Even mild dehydration can make dizziness and headaches feel worse, which doesn’t help when your body is already trying to adjust to movement.

Sip water regularly throughout the journey instead of waiting until you feel thirsty.

It also helps to be mindful of what you’re drinking. Caffeine, alcohol, and very sugary or strongly flavoured drinks (like some sodas) can make symptoms worse for some people.

4. Choose the most stable seat

If you’re thinking about how to prevent car sickness, this is probably the easiest place to start. Where you sit makes a bigger difference than you might expect.

The front passenger seat is usually the best option, especially if you’re prone to feeling unwell in the car. It gives you a clear, forward view of the road, helping your brain make sense of the movement.

In general, the closer you are to the direction of travel, the better.

If you’re able to, driving the car yourself can help even more. It might sound counterintuitive, but being in control lets you anticipate turns, braking, and acceleration. That alone can reduce the mismatch between what your body feels and what your eyes see – which is often what causes motion sickness in the first place.

If sitting in front isn’t possible, aim for the next most stable option. On buses, that’s usually near the front. On planes, it’s around the wings. The principle is the same no matter the mode of transport.

5. Keep cool, ventilated, and scent-free

Fresh air can help you feel more grounded and less nauseous. If you can, open a window or direct the air vent towards you. Even a slight airflow can make the space feel less heavy and easier to tolerate, especially on longer journey.

On the other hand, warm, enclosed environments tend to make things worse. Stuffy air, strong smells from food, or even perfume can quickly turn a manageable ride into an uncomfortable one.

6. Keep your head supported and still

How should you sit? Keep your head supported and as still as possible. Use the headrest, lean back slightly, and avoid turning around or leaning from side to side too much.

You don’t need to sit perfectly still the entire time. But keeping your movements gentle and your head supported can reduce that feeling of disorientation that often leads to nausea.

7. Look ahead at a fixed point

‍One of the simplest ways to avoid motion sickness while travelling is to try focusing on the road ahead, the horizon, or a distant, stable point. It helps your brain make sense of the movement instead of working against it.

You don’t have to stare straight ahead the entire journey. But the more often you bring your focus forward, the easier it is for your body and vision to stay in sync. Even glancing at the road ahead every now and then can make a difference.

If you want something a bit more engaging, you can turn it into a small distraction. Play a version of “spot the landmark” – notice road signs, buildings, or anything in the distance. It gives your eyes a stable reference point without feeling forced.

8. Limit screen time

Sometimes the discomfort or headache isn’t just from the movement itself, but from what you’re doing while moving.

Looking down at your phone, reading, or focusing on anything close-up can make it harder for your brain to process motion properly. Your eyes are fixed on something still, while your body feels movement, and that mismatch is what often leads to nausea.

If you notice that scrolling or reading for long periods makes you feel worse, it’s worth cutting back.

Try switching to something that doesn’t require visual focus – music, podcasts, or just looking out ahead – and see if it makes a difference.

Okay, that’s one of the more common culprits. But one more prevention tip here…

9. Try natural remedies if you’re prone to it

If you already know you’re prone to motion sickness, a few simple remedies can help take the edge off before the journey even begins.

Ginger is probably the most common one – whether as tea, candies, or chews. Peppermint is another option some people find calming. Acupressure bands are often used as a low-effort, wear-and-forget solution.

These aren’t guaranteed fixes, and they don’t work the same for everyone. But taken in advance, they can be small, practical ways to prevent travel sickness.

How to stop or get rid of travel sickness once it starts

Once it starts, the goal is to reduce the intensity as quickly as you can. A few things that help…

Stop looking at your phone or anything close-up. This is usually the first thing to fix.
Refocus ahead or close your eyes. Either give your brain a stable point (like the road ahead), or remove visual input completely. Closing your eyes for a while, or trying to nap, can help.
Adjust your position. Sit upright with your head supported, or recline slightly if that feels better.
Get fresh air immediately. Open a window or direct the air vent towards you.
Cool yourself down. A handheld fan or a cool, damp cloth on your forehead or neck can help bring heat down.
Sip water slowly. Take small sips – cold water, if available.
Take a break if it’s a road trip. If you can, step out of the car, walk around, and give your body a moment to reset before continuing.
Use natural remedies. If you’ve taken something before the journey, you’ll probably have a bit more on hand. Ginger (tea, candies, or chews), peppermint (tea to sip, or oil to inhale), or even light snacks like crackers can help take the edge off.

At the end of the day, travel sickness is one of those things that feels unpredictable – until you start noticing patterns. What makes it worse, what helps a little, what actually makes a difference.

I’m not one to turn to medication first whenever I feel unwell. I tend to rely on small adjustments and simple remedies instead. But everyone’s different, and it’s worth finding what works for you.

Some of these tips might help immediately. Others might take a bit of trial and error. Either way, the goal is to make the journey more manageable. Maybe even comfortable.

For more travel tips,you might also like reading…