Here Are The 5 Best Ways To Avoid Getting Seasick

This one may seem obvious, but trying to avoid situations where you might be subjected to roiling seas is the best way to prevent sea-sickness. Book tickets for any ferry rides or boat trips only after checking the weather report, and don’t be shy about calling the harbor office on the day of your planned excursion to get their forecast for the day.

Though your first instinct when it comes to avoiding seasickness might to hole yourself away from the sight of the heaving waves, that’s actually the worst thing you can do. Going below decks to a room without windows only confuses your body more – your inner ear is telling your brain that you’re in motion, but your eyes are telling it something else. Stay outside, breathe the fresh sea air, and keep yourself close to the rail. Just in case.

Modern medicine is one of your best defenses against seasickness. Drugs like Dramamine, Meclizine, or diphenhydramine are over-the-counter solutions that produce minimal side effects, though drowsiness is a common one. You can also talk to your doctor about receiving a Transderm Scop patch, which goes behind your left ear at least eight hours before your trip and can be effective for up to three days.

It may sound unhelpful when you’re feeling sick to your stomach, but trying to focus your attention on something other than how terrible you’re feeling really does help. If you’re on a whale watch, try concentrating all your attention on scanning the seas for whales. If you’re on a cruise, try to catch an outdoor show or just tune out in a beach chair with a pair of headphone and a good podcast. Get your mind off the unpleasantness in your tummy.

If you have the option, jumping into the water is often the best cure for seasickness around. When your body is moving in time with the water, the cause of seasickness is often eliminated. The refreshing coolness of the sea is also helpful, as is the need to focus your attention on staying afloat.