Preventing Motion Sickness: The Ultimate Guide for 2026

Preventing motion sickness is the key to a relaxed journey – whether on a plane, in a car, or on the high seas. Who doesn’t know it: As soon as you set off, you feel nauseous, you break out in a sweat, and the anticipation is gone. But there are many simple remedies and tricks to keep nausea from arising in the first place. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare optimally and which measures really help.

Preventing Motion Sickness: The Best Strategies for Every Type of Travel

Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, your inner ear, and your body. In the car, you might read while the landscape rushes past – your sense of balance reports movement, but your eyes report stillness. This chaos leads to nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. The good news: With the right preparation, you can prevent motion sickness and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

On the Plane

Flying is for many the most pleasant way to travel, but turbulence can throw even experienced flyers off track. To prevent motion sickness, choose a seat over the wings – that’s where movement is minimal. Avoid heavy meals before the flight and drink plenty of water, but no alcohol. If you’re prone to nausea, take a look at our current flight deals and plan your next trip relaxed.

In the Car

Driving is especially challenging for passengers. Anyone reading or looking at their phone quickly gets carsick. Sit in the front if possible and look into the distance. Fresh air through a slightly opened window also helps. Breaks every two hours with some movement in the fresh air prevent nausea. A proven home remedy is ginger – whether as tea, capsule, or chewing gum. Acupressure bands can also help calm the stomach. More tips for stress-free travel days can be found in our city breaks section.

On the Ship

Seasickness is probably the most well-known form of motion sickness. On cruises or ferries, you should stay as much as possible in the middle of the ship, where movement is minimal. Looking at the horizon stabilizes your sense of balance. Avoid the cabin below deck and prefer to stay on deck. Here too: light meals, plenty of water, and ginger. If you’re sensitive, you can take preventive medication – preferably before setting sail. Check with the Foreign Office about current entry requirements if you’re planning a ship trip abroad.

Preventing Motion Sickness: Proven Remedies and Home Remedies

There are numerous ways to prevent motion sickness. Some swear by medication, others by natural home remedies. The best method depends on your personal predisposition and the type of travel.

• Ginger: The root is a proven remedy for nausea. Whether as tea, capsule, or chewing gum – ginger calms the stomach and is also suitable for children.
• Acupressure: Bands like Sea-Bands apply pressure to the Neiguan point on the wrist and can alleviate nausea. The effect is scientifically controversial, but many travelers swear by it.
• Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines like dimenhydrinate or scopolamine patches can help. Note that they can cause drowsiness – especially counterproductive when driving.
• Homeopathy: Remedies like Cocculus or Nux vomica are often recommended, but their effectiveness is not proven.
• Relaxation: Stress and anxiety amplify symptoms. Breathe deeply and try to distract yourself – listen to music, an audiobook, or have a conversation.

An often underestimated detail: Even the smell of gasoline or food can trigger nausea. If you’re riding in a car, avoid eating during the trip. On a plane, you should avoid strong-smelling foods. Fresh air is also a miracle cure – open the window in the car, the air vent above you on the plane.

Motion Sickness in Children

Children are particularly susceptible to motion sickness. Plan more frequent breaks and provide distraction. For little ones, audio plays or light snacks like salt sticks are suitable. Ginger chewing gums are often popular and effective. For infants, you should avoid medication and instead rely on fresh air and breaks. More tips for relaxed family trips can be found in our beach deals section.

Preventing Motion Sickness: The Right Preparation

Good preparation is half the battle. Start your journey well-rested and with an empty stomach – but not hungry. A light breakfast with banana or rusk is ideal. Avoid alcohol and nicotine before the trip. Dress comfortably and not too warmly. If you’re prone to motion sickness, talk to your doctor about preventive medication. For flights, check our cheap flights from Germany and book early to avoid stress. Another tip: When checking in, choose a seat in the middle of the plane over the wings – that’s where movement is minimal. For car trips, the passenger seat is often better than the back seat, especially if you tend to nod off.

A proven remedy is also distraction: Listen to music, an audiobook, or chat. Avoid looking at screens or reading. On a ship, you should stay on deck and fix your gaze on the horizon. If it happens anyway: Get fresh air, breathe deeply, and drink small sips of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What works best against motion sickness?

Ginger, fresh air, and distraction are the most proven remedies. For severe susceptibility, medications like dimenhydrinate help. It’s important to act preventively before symptoms occur.

Can you prevent motion sickness?

Yes, with the right preparation you can often avoid motion sickness. This includes a light stomach, fresh air, a good seat, and distraction. Acupressure bands or ginger can also have a preventive effect.

Which seats are best for motion sickness?

On a plane over the wings, in a car in the passenger seat, on a ship in the middle and preferably on deck. It’s important to keep the horizon in view and not read.

Learn more: Preventing motion sickness on Wikipedia.