Navigating the Road to Wellness: Avoiding Travel Sickness

Travelling should feel exciting, not exhausting. If motion makes you feel unwell, a few smart steps can help you stay comfortable and enjoy the journey.

What is travel sickness

Travel (motion) sickness happens when your inner ear senses movement that your eyes do not, or vice versa. That mismatch can lead to nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. It can occur in cars, buses, boats, planes, and even with virtual reality.

Prevention tips that work

• Choose steadier seats: front passenger seat in a car, near the front on buses, over the wings on planes, and mid‑ship on lower decks for boats.
• Look outside: focus on the horizon or a distant fixed point. Avoid reading or scrolling during bumpy parts of the trip.
• Fresh air and ventilation: keep cool air flowing and avoid strong odours when possible.
• Eat light and hydrate: choose small, bland snacks and sip water. Avoid very heavy, greasy, or spicy meals before and during travel.
• Build in breaks: short stops, gentle stretches, and facing forward can settle your balance system.
• Consider simple supports: some people find ginger products or acupressure wristbands helpful.

Questions about your plan or a child’s routine. Call Hamish Barham Pharmacy Shop at 06 364 8860. We can tailor tips to your trip.

Treatment options

• Over‑the‑counter choices: motion sickness tablets or chewables can be effective when taken 30 to 60 minutes before travel. Many can cause drowsiness. Do not combine with alcohol or other sedating products, and check age limits and dosing carefully.
• Prescription options: for longer journeys or persistent symptoms, your prescriber may recommend a patch or other medicine. Suitability depends on your health, regular medicines, and itinerary.
• Non‑medicine measures: cool air, closing your eyes to reduce sensory mismatch, resting your head against a headrest, and calm breathing can all help.

Not sure which option fits you. Bring your medication list to Hamish Barham Pharmacy Shop or call 06 364 8860 for personalised guidance.

Special situations

Pregnancy, children, and older adults may need different approaches. Some medicines are not suitable with certain health conditions. Ask our pharmacist to help you choose safe options and plan timing for time‑zone changes.

When to seek medical advice

• Vomiting that continues or signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness, faintness)
• Severe headache, chest pain, confusion, high fever, or neck stiffness
• Motion sickness that disrupts travel despite preventive steps and correct dosing
• You need a plan for a cruise, long‑haul flight, or frequent work travel

We can help you prepare a simple schedule and packing checklist. Call 06 364 8860 or visit us in store.

Contact Hamish Barham Pharmacy Shop

We are here to help you travel well. Call us, visit in store, or message us for personalised advice.

Hamish Barham Pharmacy Shop

80 Main Street
Otaki 5512
Wellington
New Zealand

Phone: 06 364 8860

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your individual medical needs.