As a child, I remember feeling sick when we traveled by car.  My oldest son followed in my footsteps with the same problem.  Although he doesn’t mind a rollercoaster or being on a boat, I on the other hand cannot handle any of the above without feeling sick.

Wikipedia describes motion sickness or “kinetosis, also known as travel sickness, as a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system’s (sensory system) sense of movement.  Depending on the cause it can also be referred to seasickness, car sickness, simulation sickness, airsickness or space sickness”.

“Dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are the most common symptoms of motion sickness.  Sophie syndrome in which a person feels fatigued or tiredness is also associated with motion sickness.  If the motion causing nausea is not resolved, the sufferer will frequently vomit.  Unlike ordinary sickness, vomiting in motion sickness tends not to relieve nausea.”

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Here are a few ideas to make your trips a little easier:

  • Don’t travel on an empty stomach.  Pack a bag with snacks like crackers or pretzels and ginger ale.  Sucking on peppermint candy can help relieve nausea.
  • Curves in the road can make symptoms worse, so go a little slower.
  • Sitting in the front seat helps during bumpy or curvy roads.
  • Eliminate reading and playing video games which can make symptoms worse.
  • Place a couple of wet washrags in baggies and keep in a small cooler.  Use on the back of the neck when feeling sick.
  • Stop periodically for fresh air breaks.  If weather permits open your window for fresh air.
  • Try taking a natural ginger root tablet or consult with your doctor if symptoms are severe.

Most important—don’t forget to pack a small bag with wet wipes, heavy plastic bags, and a change of clothes just in case someone becomes ill during the trip.  I learned that lesson the hard way!

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