How to Prevent Seasickness

Traveling on the water can be an exhilarating and therapeutic method of commuting unless you find yourself prone to seasickness. If ferries, cruise ships or passenger boats are in your travel future, follow the tips below to prevent and combat water travel–induced nausea.

If you’re island hopping, take advantage of the fresh air on the deck. Getting enough oxygen is crucial for proper brain and cell function.

Before your trip, invest in some over-the-counter anti-nausea medication like Dramamine. Take the recommended dose approximately one hour before water travel. Drowsiness is one of the possible side effects, but feeling a little tired certainly outweighs the nausea and vomiting that can come with seasickness.

If the vessel you have boarded is large, like a cruise ship, try to book a room as low as possible on the boat. Rooms closer to the water mean there will be less bobbing and rocking in the case of unruly waters.

Although you’re on vacation and may want to indulge in a mai tai or margarita, it is best to avoid alcohol as it can disturb your equilibrium, contribute to dehydration and make you feel even worse while floating through the sea.

If all else fails and you’re willing to try anything, purchasing a pressure bracelet is an alternative, non-medicinal method that may be worth the money. The bracelet features an elevated area that presses down on a pressure point just above the wrist. Similar to the effect of acupuncture, applying pressure to this point is believed to prevent and assuage seasickness and nausea.