No Road Trips from Hell: How to Avoid Getting Car Sick

Some people can ride in a car all day without issue; for others, a road trip can sound like a demon punishment. For me, I am fine if I am driving or if it is certain a time of the day, with certain drivers. For the majority of the time, I am okay, but under certain conditions I can be as miserable as a brand new puppy. There is not one method that words every time for me, but there are some that work better than others. Of course, knowing what triggers your car sickness can do a lot to alleviate some of the nausea, so pay attention to what you are doing when you feel okay, and what you are doing differently when you do not.

As I said, driving helps for me, giving me something to focus on rather than blankly staring out the window as the scenery whips past. If you are not a driver, or will be switching off during a long road trip, consider turning slightly away from the passenger window to avoid the disconcerting vision of the endless cornfields or what have you that melds together in one big nauseating optical illusion. Try not to fixate on the road ahead of you either, it can make you dizzy, which leads to that feeling of sickness as well. Make sure that you are staying well hydrated and try to aim for stretching breaks, especially if the plan is to drive straight through to your destination. Factor in these breaks just as you would gas station and bathroom breaks when you plan your itinerary. Take these breaks religiously, and actually get out of the car, drink some liquids and stretch for at least ten minutes.

Keeping your mind occupied can help, but consider whether trying to read or work a puzzle in a bouncing car will help or hinder. (For me it's a very bad idea.) A better idea is crochet or knitting projects that are simple enough not to become frustrating, but interesting enough to keep your mind occupied. The added bonus is that at the end of a long road trip, you might have a gift to give.

If you know that a car trip of any length will make you miserable, consider the over the counter medication Dramamine, or something similar, or call your doctor for a prescription. If you take other medication for any type of physical or mental condition, please call your doctor and ask about drug interactions before trying the over the counter meds.