When you're travelling around the world, there's nothing worse than being on a long-distance journey and getting travel sickness. Dizziness, nausea, cold sweats?it's not ideal really, is it?.Here are a few ways of preventing problems before they happen. And, if you are prone to a bit of travel sickness, we've included some possible cures below. Perhaps you can plan in advance, just in case?.
Preventing travel sickness.Alcohol and fizzy drinks
Try to avoid them where possible. Not only can they dehydrate the body, they can also cause bloating which doesn't help. Being in the air can have the same effect as tripling the amount of alcohol you've consumed.
Eating
Try not to have an empty stomach when you get on the plane. At the same time, try not eat too heavy a meal. Dairy products, or meals with high calories, salt or protein content are not advisable.Fresh air
This usually helps, so try and top up before you board.
If you're a smoker, it helps if you don't light up immediately before you leave.Seating
Sitting in the middle of the plane (near the wings) often helps to reduce the effect of movements in the air, including turbulence if you're unlucky enough to experience it.If you get travel sickness.Water
Try to take sips of water if you can. Travel sickness can result in dehydration, so this will combat the effects.
Relaxing
It might be easier said than done, but if you can keep relaxed it usually helps to decrease sickness effects. Is there any way you can take you mind off your sickness ? listening to music, reading or looking out of the window, for instance? Alternatively, reclining your seat, keeping still and closing your eyes can help.Medication
You can get travel sickness pills over the counter at your local pharmacist ? antihistamine drugs containing cinnarizine or anti-sickness drugs with hyosine.In most cases, you'll need to take a dose a couple of hours before you take off, and you may have to take more later if you're on a long journey.
If you really suffer badly with sickness, it might be worth investing in sickness patches (again, available from a pharmacist). Stick one behind your ear and it can last for up to 72 hours.Ginger or peppermint
Some people swear by ginger as a natural remedy for travel sickness. You can buy ginger crystallised or ginger tea, gum or tablets. Peppermint might also help.
You can find both in natural health shops.Acupressure band
An alternative to medication is an acupressure bands which you wear around the wrist. This works by pressing on a point in the middle of the inner wrist and about 3cm above the wrist skin crease.
You could try this yourself if you're feeling the effects.
.Haydn Wrath is the owner at round the world flight specialists Travel Nation. Travel Nation have a wealth of experience in putting together round the world itineries.For more information visit Travel Nation.
By: Haydn Wrath
