How Can You Prevent Holiday Travel Sickness?

The holidays are almost here, which means it’s time to dust off the suitcases, plan those road trips, book flights, and get ready for a little adventure! Whether you’re driving across East Tennessee to visit family, catching a flight at McGhee Tyson Airport, heading toward the mountains for a cozy getaway, or booking a cruise, traveling can be one of the best parts of the season. 

Of course, there’s one unwelcome guest nobody wants to bring along: travel sickness. 

Motion sickness on winding roads, nausea during a bumpy flight, or headaches after arriving at a high-altitude destination can put a damper on even the most exciting getaway. Fortunately, a little preparation can help you enjoy more of the journey and spend less time feeling queasy. 

Before you hit the road from the Chapman Highway area, here’s what to know about preventing motion sickness, air sickness, seasickness, and altitude sickness during your holiday travels. 

Visit AFC Chapman Highway today.  

Why Does Travel Make You Feel Sick? 

Travel sickness can take several forms, and understanding the differences can help you prepare for your trip. 

Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. It can develop during car rides, bus trips, boat excursions, and other activities involving motion. 

Air sickness is a type of motion sickness that occurs during air travel. Turbulence, movement, and difficulty focusing on a stable point can contribute to symptoms, particularly if you’re already prone to feeling queasy. 

Seasickness is another form of motion sickness that occurs when you’re on a moving boat or cruise ship. The rocking motion of the water can confuse your brain’s balance signals, leading to nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. 

Altitude sickness is different. It can develop when you travel to higher elevations before your body has had enough time to adjust to lower oxygen availability. If your holiday plans include exploring mountain destinations or visiting higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains such as Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, it’s worth understanding the risks. The park’s elevations vary considerably, so check conditions and plan ahead before setting out. 

Although these conditions have different triggers, their symptoms can overlap. You might experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, headaches, fatigue, or a general feeling of being unwell. 

The good news? There are several ways to reduce your chances of feeling miserable before you even reach your destination. 

Road Trip Ready: How to Prevent Motion Sickness 

A road trip can be a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery, create a playlist of your favorite songs, and spend time with family. East Tennessee offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, but winding roads and stop-and-go traffic can leave some passengers feeling green around the gills. 

Try these simple strategies before your next drive: 

• Choose your seat wisely. Sitting in the front passenger seat, when appropriate, may help you feel less motion. Children should always use an age-appropriate, properly installed car seat. 
• Keep your eyes on the road ahead. Looking toward the horizon gives your brain a more consistent visual reference than watching scenery rush past the side windows. 
• Take a break from screens. Reading, texting, and scrolling on your phone can make motion sickness worse. Save the holiday movie marathon for when you arrive! 
• Eat a light meal. A small, bland snack is often easier on your stomach than a heavy, greasy meal before departure. 
• Get some fresh air. Turn on the air conditioning or take a safe break outside if nausea starts creeping in. 
• Stay hydrated. Sip water throughout the journey, especially if you’re spending several hours in the car. 

Traveling with little ones? Pack wipes, extra clothes, water, and a few bags just in case. A little preparation can make an unexpected queasy moment much easier to manage. 

Flying for the Holidays? Keep Air Sickness at Bay 

Airports can be hectic enough during the holidays without adding an upset stomach to the mix. If flying tends to make you nauseated, a few adjustments may help you feel more comfortable. 

When booking your flight, consider a seat near the wings, where aircraft movement is often less noticeable. A window seat can also help if looking outside at the distant horizon settles your stomach. 

Once you’re on board, keep your head supported against the headrest, aim your overhead air vent toward your face, and take slow, steady breaths. Avoid reading or staring at your phone if you begin to feel dizzy or nauseated. 

It’s also smart to skip heavy meals immediately before flying and limit alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration and make you feel worse. Instead, choose light foods and sip water regularly. 

When departing from the airport, reviewing the airport’s travel guidance before leaving home can help you prepare for the logistics of your trip, leaving you more time to focus on feeling comfortable during the flight. 

Taking a Cruise? Don’t Let Seasickness Spoil the Fun 

Cruises offer a chance to relax, explore new destinations, and enjoy time away from everyday routines. However, the movement of a ship can cause seasickness, even for travelers who rarely experience motion sickness in a car. 

If you’re planning a cruise this season, consider booking a cabin near the middle of the ship and on a lower deck, where movement may feel less pronounced. When possible, spend time outdoors looking toward the horizon, eat smaller meals, and drink water regularly. 

Some travelers find that ginger or acupressure products help ease queasiness, although results vary. If you’re considering medication to prevent seasickness, ask an AFC healthcare professional or pharmacist which options may be appropriate for you, especially if you take other medications or have underlying health concerns. 

Preparing before departure can help you spend less time worrying about an upset stomach and more time enjoying the experience. 

Heading to the Mountains? Understanding Altitude Sickness 

A mountain getaway can be a wonderful way to experience winter scenery, enjoy outdoor activities, or take a break from your usual routine. However, traveling rapidly to a much higher elevation can cause altitude sickness in some people. 

Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can resemble motion sickness, so consider your destination and how quickly you’ve gained elevation when deciding what might be causing them. 

To reduce your risk, ascend gradually when possible, allow time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity while adjusting to a higher elevation. Check local weather and road conditions before setting out, particularly when traveling through mountainous areas. 

Remember that altitude sickness can become serious. Confusion, difficulty walking straight, or shortness of breath while resting are warning signs that require emergency medical attention. Move to a lower elevation if it is safe to do so and seek emergency help. 

When Should You Seek Medical Care for Travel Sickness? 

Most mild motion sickness symptoms improve after the movement stops. However, persistent nausea or vomiting can interfere with your plans and may lead to dehydration, especially if you’re unable to keep fluids down. 

Consider seeking medical care if symptoms are severe, keep returning, or don’t improve after your journey ends. An AFC healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and help determine appropriate next steps. If you experience severe symptoms such as confusion, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care rather than waiting for an urgent care visit. 

If you’re concerned about how travel may affect your health, the team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway is here to help. Walk in or book online before your next trip. 

Enjoy More of the Journey This Holiday Season 

Travel should be about making memories, reconnecting with family, and experiencing something new, not spending the entire trip trying to settle your stomach. Wherever you may be traveling this holiday season, a few thoughtful preparations can help make the journey more comfortable. 

If travel-related symptoms are getting in the way of your plans, AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway is available for non-emergency medical concerns. You can walk in or use the clinic’s online pre-registration option to get started. 

Here’s to safer travels, smoother journeys, and a holiday season filled with the moments that matter most!