Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car

If you are anything like me, the mere thought of road trips make you queasy. Ever since I was a child, I've never been able to handle long road trips in the car without at least an inkling of motion sickness. Over the years, however, I've picked up a few tips for preventing motion sickness in the car.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Gum & Candy
First of all, it's never a good idea to eat a large meal before getting in the car if you suffer from motion sickness. A full stomach will simply help to increase feelings of nausea. However, if you bring along a pack of gun or a bag of candies, you'll be able to keep saliva from building up in your mouth. I've always opted for the gum, but when my wife and I take road trips with the kids, we carry along a bag of peppermints for the kids, which keeps the motion sickness away.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Avoid the Back Seat
Obviously, it there are three people in the car who suffer from motion sickness, everyone can't sit in the front, but people who genuinely get sick in the car should avoid the back seat wherever possible. Sitting in the front gives your eyes a focal point and also puts you in direct line of air flow from the vents.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Don't Look Back
Twisting your head to look out the sides of the car or toward the back will increase motion sickness. Instead, keep your eyes trained through the front windshield whenever possible. If you must look around, avoid quick movements that will jar your field of vision and increase the likelihood of motion sickness.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Drink Clear, Carbonated Sodas
Clear liquids - particularly carbonated beverages - will help to settle your stomach on long car trips. Keep a cooler filled with Ginger Ale, 7-Up and Sprite behind the front seat of the car, and have someone pass you a can whenever you begin to feel sick. If you don't like any of the clear liquids, Coke and Pepsi will suffice.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Create Air Flow
A constant breeze from the air conditioning (or heating) vents in your vehicle will help to ease the motion sickness. If you're driving in a car with inadequate ventilation, open the window a crack to allow fresh air into the vehicle.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Take Benadryl
Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl will help to ease the motion sickness, and will even help you to sleep in the car. You can also take medications like Dramamine and scopolamine to help in the battle against motion sickness.

Preventing Motion Sickness in the Car: Take Breaks
Schedule rest stops during the drive so you can get out of the car, walk around and breathe fresh air. Although you shouldn't do this every ten miles, a break will help to get your feet on solid ground and to allow your stomach to calm itself.