5 ways to deal with seasickness on a cruise
If the thought of a cruise or bumpy bus ride makes your stomach flip, you need to know these tips.
1. Pick the right spot
Where you are in the car, bus or ship can have a big impact on motion sickness. In vehicles, it’s always best to sit up the front, where you’ll be looking straight ahead at the moving road rather than having it rushing along beside you. When booking a cruise cabin, choose one closer to the middle of the ship where you will remain more stable during the voyage. It’s also best to book a cabin with a window or balcony so you’re able to look outside.
2. Plan ahead
If you suspect that you will suffer from motion sickness, prepare yourself in the days leading up to the journey. Avoid heavy and spicy foods, and stay away from alcohol. You want your stomach to be feeling as calm as possible. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest before you board. And even though you may feel like a few stiff drinks will make you feel better on the road, the opposite is usually true.
3. Look outside
If you’re feeling sick you might think that closing your eyes will help, but in fact the opposite is true. Look out of the window and focus on the road ahead or the horizon. Looking at the movement that’s happening outside will reorient your inner ear and alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. That also means you should avoid reading a book or playing on a device.
4. Try natural remedies
Ginger is known to assist with digestion and alleviate nausea, so it’s one of the most popular natural remedies for motion sickness. You can grate up the root and use it to make a tea or try an herbal supplement. Some people also swear by acupressure, so you can easily try to work your own pressure points. With your thumb, press on the inside of your arm about three finger widths down from your wrist crease for a few minutes until your nausea subsides. You can also try motion sickness wristbands that have a small bead that presses on the right spot.
5. Hit the chemist
If you want to call in the big guns, there are a lot of good over the counter medications available that will help with motion sickness. Travacalm is the most common brand and easily available from the chemist. Many antisthamines, like Avomine or Phenergan, are also recommended for motion sickness, though check with your doctor. It’s best to take them before you start feeling sick and be aware that many of these medications will also make you drowsy.