· By Dustin James
Travel Sickness Survival Guide: Stay Comfortable on the Go
Why Travel Makes You Sick
Motion sickness happens when your sensory systems disagree. Your inner ear detects movement; your eyes (focused on a book, phone, or the seat in front of you) say you're still. The brain interprets this conflict as a sign of poisoning and triggers nausea as a protective response.
It affects up to 1 in 3 people to some degree — and it can strike on planes, boats, cars, trains, buses, and even in VR headsets. The good news: it's highly manageable with the right preparation.
Your Pre-Travel Checklist
The night before:
- Get a full night's sleep — fatigue significantly worsens motion sickness
- Avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you and disrupts your vestibular system
- Pack your remedies so you're not scrambling at the airport or dock
The morning of:
- Eat a light, bland meal — an empty stomach worsens nausea, but a heavy meal makes it worse too
- Take ginger 20-30 minutes before departure — it works best as a preventive
- Stay hydrated
During travel:
- Choose your seat strategically (more on this below)
- Keep your eyes on the horizon or a fixed distant point
- Avoid reading or looking at screens
- Get fresh air when possible
The Best Seats for Motion Sickness
| Transport | Best Seat |
|---|---|
| Car | Front passenger seat |
| Plane | Over the wing (least movement) |
| Boat | Middle of the ship, lower deck |
| Train | Forward-facing seat near the front |
| Bus | Front seats, near the driver |
Natural Remedies That Work
Ginger — the gold standard Ginger has more clinical evidence for motion sickness than almost any other natural remedy. A landmark Lancet study found it outperformed dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) for reducing motion sickness — without drowsiness. Take it 20-30 minutes before travel and repeat every few hours on longer trips.
Peppermint — for sensory and GI relief Peppermint's menthol relaxes GI muscles and provides sensory relief through aroma. It's particularly useful if your motion sickness comes with cramping or if smells are a trigger. Keep a peppermint lozenge handy for the moment nausea starts.
Acupressure (P6 point) & Horizon Glasses Applying continuous pressure to the P6 wrist point, which has clinical evidence for motion sickness relief. It is drug-free, reusable, and work well combined with ginger. Horizon glasses have a liquid layer that helps the brain reduce the jarring effects of vection and the mismatch of your inner ear that says you are moving and eyes that say you are not.
Fresh air and fixed gaze Cracking a window, sitting near an air vent, or stepping outside during a rest stop can interrupt the nausea cycle. Fixing your gaze on a stable distant point (the horizon, a mountain, a fixed point on the road ahead) helps resolve the sensory conflict that causes motion sickness.
Avoid screens and reading Both force your eyes to focus on something stationary while your body moves — the exact conflict that triggers motion sickness. Audiobooks and music are better alternatives on long trips.
How Tummydrops Can Help
Tummydrops are purpose-built for situations like this — small enough to fit in any pocket or carry-on, TSA-friendly, and made with certified organic ginger and real peppermint. No water needed, no large capsules to swallow when you're already feeling off.
Best options for travel:
- Organic Natural Ginger Tummydrops, 33 ct — full-strength ginger, the classic travel companion
- Organic Ginger Strawberry, 33 ct — mild and approachable for sensitive stomachs
- Organic Double Ginger Peach, 33 ct — maximum ginger potency for severe motion sickness
- Natural Peppermint, 33 ct — for sensory relief and GI cramping
- Italian Ginger & Peppermint Pack — the ultimate travel combo
Browse the full Ginger collection or Mild Flavors collection.
Pro tip: The 18-count bags are perfect for a weekend trip; the 33-count bags are better for longer travel or keeping a stash at home.
What to Do If Nausea Hits Mid-Trip
Even with preparation, nausea can still strike. Here's what to do:
- Stop what you're doing — put down the phone, close the book
- Fix your gaze on a stable point — the horizon, a distant landmark
- Take a ginger or peppermint lozenge immediately — don't wait for it to get worse
- Get fresh air if possible — open a window, step outside at the next stop
- Breathe slowly and deeply — shallow breathing worsens nausea
- Recline slightly if possible — lying back reduces the vestibular conflict
The Bottom Line
Motion sickness doesn't have to be the thing that ruins your trip. With the right seat, a little preparation, and ginger and peppermint in your bag, most people can travel comfortably — even those who've struggled with motion sickness their whole lives.
Pack smart. Travel well.