Dizzy No More: 12 Helpful Tips for Motion Sickness

Always bring a motion sickness bag.
by Ina Louise Manto | November 02, 2023

Picture this: you’re finally going on a trip but to get there, you’ll have to travel for hours and board at least two forms of transportation. While this might seem peanuts for many since the destination is going to be worth it anyway, some folks instantly feel sickly the moment they enter a bus or car. No one wants to feel uncomfortable during travel, and we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to avoid and manage motion sickness:

1. Drink Bonamine one hour before you travel

If you’re looking for guaranteed relief from motion sickness, head to your local pharmacy and get yourself some Bonamine. It prevents and relieves nausea, dizziness, and vomiting that are associated with motion sickness.

While others will tell you that the typical way to drink it is to chew the table until it’s powdered, it’s stated in its product monograph that the tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed.

2. Bring your favorite inhaler

Here’s an essential in every Tita kit: White Flower Oil. It’s just one of those Asian medicines that has a lot of uses, one of which is for motion sickness. You can apply it directly onto your skin or place a few drops on cotton or your handkerchief. If you don’t have a handkerchief, apply it directly to your palms, rub it, and inhale the vapor.

Other popular inhalers include Poy Sian, Vicks, and Katinko.

3. If you have room, lie on your side

One Reddit user, a teacher who travels with students, shared that they ask their students to lie on their sides to combat motion sickness during field trips. It works, apparently. They also left a tip for those who can’t help but vomit. Using a milk tea cup, place plastic inside. This contains the vomit without the added mess and makes disposal easier.

4. Play calming music

When medications and other techniques don’t work, trust the power of calming music. A study was conducted in 2014 where participants were asked to listen to music while watching a video taken during a bicycle ride. The clip alone might make participants feel queasy due to the shakiness of the clip, but the study found that regardless of the music, those who listened to a song while watching the clip had reduced the severity of motion sickness.

5. Avoid using your phone

Sure, using your phone is one of the common ways to pass time, especially during long drives, but this is one of the worst things to do when you’re prone to motion sickness. You feel sick when you’re using your phone since it sends mixed signals, causing dizziness and nausea.

6. Wear a mask

Some people get sick from certain smells, like air fresheners (especially the pine cone ones in taxis) and food smells in buses. To avoid having your tummy instantly flip upside down, one user recommends wearing a mask to help you block off the smell. If you don’t have a mask, use a towel or handkerchief.

7. Eat menthol candy

Many Reddit users on the thread were against eating a huge meal before traveling as it might make you vomit, but eating minty candy will help you manage the nausea. Some effective mint candy includes Snowbear, Dynamite, and Mentos; any menthol candy will do! Mint-flavored lozenges might work as well.

Another user also stated avoiding chewing the candy but letting it melt in your mouth to keep you distracted.

8. Pick the right seat

Calling dibs on the right seat will not eliminate motion sickness, but you’ll feel more comfortable while traveling. Here are the most comfortable seats for different modes of transportation:

• Car – shotgun seat or beside the driver
• Bus – front seats, as much as possible
• Train – window seat
• Airplane – if you’re paying extra to select seats, go for the rows directly on the wings. You won’t feel the sensation of turbulence as much as you would in other areas of the plane.

9. Keep your eyes on the road

Keep your eyes on the road, toward the direction of where you’re headed. This helps reorient your inner sense of balance; plus, you’ll appreciate the scenery as well.

10. Get fresh air

Another temporary remedy against motion sickness is getting fresh air. If possible, keep the windows open as getting fresh air will help let your body know that you’re moving. In vehicles like airplanes, open the air conditioning above and direct it toward you.

11. Try taking melatonin and sleep it all away

It makes sense to just induce sleep so you won’t feel the motion sickness at all. There are different sleep-inducing medicines you can buy over the counter; some in the form of tablets or gummies. This method is best for longer travel, like road trips and long-haul flights.

12. Bring a motion sickness bag, just in case

This is the best advice you shouldn’t skip. It’s better to come prepared with something you can vomit into, just in case all else fails. Just be mindful of how you’ll manage especially when you’re in a public vehicle and remember not to make a mess.

Do you experience motion sickness when you travel? Share your tips in the comments!

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