It was supposed to be the perfect start to the vacation: a fully packed car, excited children in the back seat, the first few miles on the highway - and then that familiar queasy feeling in the stomach. Who hasn't experienced it? Motion sickness affects children and adults alike, and it often strikes at the worst possible moment. In this guide, you will learn why the stomach rebels while traveling, what really helps against it - and why a simple sick bag is one of the smartest things you can pack.
What causes motion sickness? The science behind it
Motion sickness - medically known as kinetosis - is caused by conflicting signals that the brain receives simultaneously from different sensory organs. The vestibular organ in the inner ear registers every movement of the vehicle, while the eyes - for example when reading or looking at a phone - signal stillness. The brain cannot resolve this contradiction, leading to an excessive response in the vomiting center: nausea, dizziness, paleness, cold sweats, and, in more severe cases, vomiting are the result. Interestingly: The driver is almost never affected because their gaze automatically follows the road and the movement - the eyes and inner ear work in sync.
Who is particularly susceptible?
According to Stiftung Warentest, around 5 to 10 percent of all people are affected by kinetosis. Women are affected more often than men, and children between the ages of two and twelve are particularly sensitive. In babies, visual impressions and movement are less closely linked, so most of them sleep undisturbed in their infant car seats. From adolescence onward, sensitivity generally decreases again - the brain learns to process conflicting stimuli better. Anyone aware of a genetic susceptibility in the family should adapt their travel plans accordingly and plan ahead.
How does motion sickness announce itself?
Motion sickness usually begins subtly: The affected child appears tired, disinterested, and unfocused - a so-called sopite syndrome - yawns more frequently, and produces more saliva. The problem for parents: Young children often cannot yet describe physical discomfort well; they become quiet or complain of stomach aches. Anyone who recognizes these early signs and reacts promptly can often still do a great deal with simple measures - before the nausea escalates fully.
Preventing motion sickness: What really helps before setting off
Prevention is generally more effective for motion sickness than any treatment afterward. Anyone who knows that they or their child is susceptible can take targeted action before departure - and make the difference between a pleasant journey and an unpleasant experience. The following measures are particularly effective when combined.
The right seat - the underrated game changer
On buses, seats in front of the front axle are recommended; on airplanes, seats level with the wings; and on ships, ideally a seat in the middle of the vessel. In a car, the second-best seat is the passenger seat, with a good view of the horizon. For children, this option is usually ruled out for safety reasons. When motion sickness starts to develop, it is advisable for the affected child to sit in the middle of the back seat with an unobstructed view ahead, so they can focus their gaze into the distance. This simple measure costs nothing - and often works better than any medication.
Eating and drinking before the journey
Neither an overly empty nor an overly full stomach is ideal for traveling. With a completely empty stomach, people often become nauseous even more quickly, while rich, fatty meals are equally counterproductive. It is often helpful for the affected child to have a small snack beforehand, such as fruit and bread or muesli. Light carbohydrates such as pretzel sticks, oat cookies, or rusks help settle the stomach without burdening it. It is better to avoid coffee, black tea, and carbonated drinks before and during the journey - they irritate the stomach further. Herbal teas made from chamomile, fennel, or anise are a good alternative and have a mild antispasmodic effect.
Fresh air and screen-free distraction
Stuffy air, strong smells, or heat inside the vehicle can significantly worsen nausea. Make sure there is a steady supply of fresh air - by opening the window or properly adjusting the air conditioning. For children, audio-based distraction is especially valuable: audiobooks, audio dramas, and music provide distraction without forcing them to look at a screen - and that is precisely what matters. Tablets, books, or phones intensify the sensory conflict in the brain and should be off-limits on long journeys with children who are susceptible to motion sickness. Guessing games that require children to look out the window - such as “I Spy” or “guess the license plate” - are doubly helpful: They provide distraction while also training children to look into the distance.
Night journeys as an underrated trick
Sleep is the best preventive measure, because it switches off the sense of balance. That is why children who suffer from motion sickness can usually travel through the night without any problems. If you have the option of moving long journeys to the early morning hours or nighttime, you should seriously consider it. Sleep dampens the processing of conflicting sensory stimuli - and the morning at your destination begins without any memory of nausea.
Immediate measures: What helps when nausea has already set in?
Sometimes nausea comes on faster than expected - in the middle of a highway, during the climb after takeoff, or out at sea. In that case, reliable immediate relief is needed that can also be put into practice in the situation. The following methods can be used without preparation and can quickly improve the situation.
Fix your gaze and keep your head still
Fixing your gaze on a stationary point on the horizon is one of the most effective immediate measures of all. At the same time, keep your head as still as possible - a neck pillow is very helpful. Do not move your head; instead, press it against the headrest - this significantly reduces the rocking movements that place additional strain on the inner ear. Breathing deeply through your mouth also signals to the body that it can calm down.
Ginger - the natural remedy backed by scientific evidence
Ginger is one of the best-known and most thoroughly researched home remedies for motion sickness. It calms the stomach, counteracts nausea, and relieves dizziness. Powdered ginger root is also available from pharmacies and is intended to help with motion sickness. However, its effect is weaker than that of synthetic medications - with no significant side effects. Zintona® is a recommended preparation - capsules containing standardized ginger root powder - available over the counter from pharmacies. Its use is officially approved for adults. In children, it should only be administered after consulting a pediatrician, as the evidence for this age group is not yet conclusive.
Acupressure at the Nei-Kuan point
The so-called Nei-Kuan point is located about two centimeters below the wrist on the inner side of the forearm, between the two strongest tendons. Many people affected report that pressing this point noticeably relieves nausea. Although the scientific evidence is not quite as clear here as it is for medications, acupressure is considered a low-risk method with no side effects. Apply steady pressure for at least one minute - then switch arms. If you do not want to keep applying pressure yourself, you can use acupressure wristbands from a pharmacy, which stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist and are also available in children's sizes. They are a useful addition to a travel first-aid kit - especially for longer journeys.
Essential oils and fragrances
Peppermint oil, bergamot, or citrus oils can naturally ease discomfort. Drip a few drops onto a cotton pad or tissue and seal it in a small glass - your personal aromatherapy is ready for travel. It is important not to overstimulate the senses. The goal is a subtle, pleasant level of fragrance - not an intense cloud of scent in the vehicle. Peppermint also has a mild antispasmodic effect on the gastrointestinal tract and can also be used as a candy or chewing gum.
Warning: Peppermint oil and other essential oils are not suitable for infants and toddlers under three years of age - they can cause breathing difficulties and even respiratory arrest. Therefore, use them only for older children and adults, and never apply them directly to the skin of toddlers.
Medications for motion sickness: What is actually recommended
When natural remedies are not sufficient, pharmacies offer well-studied products. Stiftung Warentest tested 18 products containing various active ingredients and arrived at clear recommendations. It is worth knowing them - and, if in doubt, discussing the matter with your family doctor or pharmacist before traveling. As a rule, all medications should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before departure so that they can take effect in time.
Diphenhydramine - the first choice for adults
According to Stiftung Warentest, the H1 antihistamine diphenhydramine is suitable for adults and adolescents. It belongs to the group of antihistamines that are typically used for allergies. It is sufficient to take 50 milligrams half an hour before departure - equivalent to one Emesan® tablet. Like almost all such remedies, Emesan® causes drowsiness. After taking it, those affected should therefore not drive a car or operate a boat themselves. Please consult your family doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
Dimenhydrinate - widely used, but with limitations
The best-known tablets for motion sickness are probably Vomex® tablets, which can relieve nausea through their active ingredient dimenhydrinate. They are available over the counter at pharmacies - as tablets, suppositories, syrup, and chewing gum. Stiftung Warentest found no additional benefit over diphenhydramine alone. The reason for this assessment is that dimenhydrinate is often offered in combination with caffeine (e.g. Vomex® A), and the evidence for use in children is not as strong as it is for diphenhydramine. Nevertheless, it is generally an effective and well-established active ingredient. For many travelers, it is still a practical option - especially Vomex® A syrup, which can be used from a body weight of six kilograms. Always consult a pediatrician before giving it to children.
Scopolamine patch - for severe cases and sea voyages
Stiftung Warentest considers the scopolamine-containing Scopoderm® patch suitable. Unlike the other medicines mentioned in the test, Scopoderm® is available only by prescription. The patch should be applied behind the ear about five to six hours before departure. It works for up to 72 hours - ideal for long cruises or multi-day sea voyages. Important: Not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Typical side effects include dry mouth and tiredness. Important to know: The patch is not suitable for people with narrow-angle glaucoma and an enlarged prostate with urinary retention. This medication is available only by prescription - please speak to your doctor in good time before your trip.
For children: Superpep® Travel Chewing Gum and Vomex® Suppositories
Ideal for children aged 6 and over and especially practical when traveling: Superpep® Travel Chewing Gum Dragees 20 mg. The active ingredient dimenhydrinate is dosed lower here than in other preparations, so the drowsiness is usually less pronounced - nevertheless, this product can also cause sleepiness. A major advantage: It can also be used once nausea has already set in, as the active ingredient is absorbed particularly quickly through the oral mucosa. For smaller children who cannot yet chew gum, Vomex® A Syrup or the Vomex® suppository is an option. Do not use travel sickness tablets or other medications in children under three years of age - and use them in older children only if all other measures fail. Always pay close attention to the recommended dosage and, if in doubt, consult your pediatrician's office.
The vomit bag: small aid, big impact
Despite all precautions, motion sickness cannot always be completely prevented. And that is precisely when an often underestimated aid comes into play: the vomit bag. It may sound like a niche product - but in reality, it is a well-designed, hygienic emergency item that should not be missing from any travel bag. Once you have needed one, you will definitely never forget it when packing again.
History and development of the vomit bag
As early as the beginnings of commercial aviation, simple bags were kept on hand in case of nausea. In 1949, Gilmore T. Schjeldahl invented the first plastic-lined bag - the so-called air sick bag - which was first used on Northwest Airlines flights. What began as a purely emergency solution on board at the time has since developed into a sophisticated aid. Today, vomit bags are standard equipment on passenger aircraft, hovercraft and in emergency medical services - and modern vomit bags from the medical sector offer far more than their historical predecessors: secure closure mechanisms, generous capacity and reliable odor resistance.
What makes a good vomit bag?
When buying, clear quality features matter. You can recognize a good product by the following characteristics:
- Capacity: At least 1.5 liters - sufficient even for more severe bouts of nausea, without the bag failing.
- Material: Tear-resistant, liquid-tight polyethylene (PE) - not paper that weakens or tears when wet.
- Closure: Secure twist or clamp closure that can be sealed odor-tight immediately after use.
- Latex-free: Particularly important for children and people with a known latex allergy.
- Compact size: Fits easily in a handbag, daycare backpack, glove compartment or side pocket of your luggage.
Anyone who wants to be on the safe side can keep a small supply at home - and naturally reach for it the next time they pack for a trip.
Why a vomit bag is better than any alternative
If you do not have a vomit bag at hand while traveling, you may resort in an emergency to supermarket plastic bags, garbage bags or - in the worst case - your own jacket. None of these options is clean, reliable or hygienic. A medical vomit bag remains leakproof even under pressure, can be securely sealed and disposed of discreetly right away. Especially in confined vehicles, aircraft cabins or on ships, where you cannot simply stop, this makes a decisive difference - for the person affected and everyone traveling with them.
Motion sickness in children: special considerations and practical tips for families
For families with small children, motion sickness is often the biggest concern before the summer vacation. The good news: With the right preparation, much can be prevented or at least significantly alleviated. Neither panic nor a fully stocked medicine kit helps - instead, targeted, simple measures that every family can implement.
Why children are so much more susceptible
Some doctors speak of a particularly sensitive balance organ in children. Others assume that children's balance organ has not yet been sufficiently trained. The fact that the brain is still developing could also mean that children's reaction to conflicting sensory impressions is even more pronounced than in adults. In addition, the unfavorable seating position in the back seat is a factor: For safety reasons, children usually sit sideways or have a limited view ahead - which further intensifies the sensory conflict in the brain.
Practical tips specifically for car journeys with children
Seat and direction of view: The most effective step is choosing the right seat. When motion sickness starts to develop, it is advisable for the affected child to sit in the middle of the back seat with an unobstructed view ahead, allowing them to focus on the distance. This helps the brain bring the eyes and inner ear back into sync.
Driving style: The driver should maintain a steady speed wherever possible and avoid winding roads. Pulling away and braking in traffic jams promotes motion sickness. Anyone who plans the route carefully and opts for motorways with smoother traffic is doing their child a real favor.
Snacks for the journey: If you have a longer journey ahead of you, it is best to pack light snacks to nibble on - for example, pretzels, salted breadsticks, rusks, crispbread, sliced raw vegetables or dried fruit. Chewing gum or peppermint-flavored sweets can also help relieve motion sickness. However, they are unsuitable for children under six, as they can easily be swallowed.
Distraction without a screen: Headphones can be useful when used to listen to calming music or audiobooks that distract from the nausea. Interactive games in which the child looks out the window are doubly valuable: They provide a distraction while also forcing the child to look outside - exactly where their gaze should be.
Plan breaks: Frequent, regular breaks in the fresh air are important. With solid ground under their feet, the balance organ can calm down and the nausea will subside. Plan breaks not just as a last resort, but as an integral part of the itinerary from the outset - this makes the journey more relaxing for the whole family.
What to do if it happens anyway?
If vomiting occurs despite all precautions, quick and calm action is required. The sick bag protects clothing, seats, and all fellow passengers - and should therefore always be kept within easy reach, not stored in the trunk. Immediately afterward, the second phase begins: hygiene. Hands and mouth should be cleaned immediately - preferably with disinfectant wipes, which should be kept within easy reach in the center console or travel bag. They reliably eliminate bacteria and viruses, dry quickly, and leave no unpleasant feeling of dampness - ideal when traveling, where a sink is rarely within reach.
Travel sickness on ships and planes: Particular features depending on the mode of transport
Not every means of transport is the same - and not every form of motion sickness feels the same. Knowing the specific characteristics allows you to take targeted countermeasures instead of hoping for a one-size-fits-all solution. The three most common scenarios - ship, plane, and train - differ significantly from one another.
Seasickness - the most intense form of motion sickness
At sea, the situation is particularly challenging because you simply cannot escape the rocking motion. On a ship, stay as close to the middle as possible: amidships, the movements are least noticeable. Fresh air on deck and looking at the horizon are the most effective countermeasures - whenever the swell permits. As a rule, your body acclimatizes after three to four days at sea, and the symptoms noticeably subside. Anyone who knows they are particularly sensitive on ships should ask their doctor to prescribe the scopolamine patch Scopoderm® early on - according to Stiftung Warentest, it is particularly well suited for sea travel.
Nausea on a plane - and why a sick bag belongs in your carry-on luggage
Nausea when flying occurs mainly during turbulence - and turbulence often comes without warning. If possible, choose a seat over the wings - this is where the aircraft's movements are least noticeable. An aisle seat also has the advantage that you can get up and walk around briefly from time to time. Airlines do provide their own bags, but these are often made of basic paper, lack a reliable closure, and are difficult to grab during turbulence. Anyone who keeps their own sick bag readily accessible in their carry-on luggage has a clear advantage - for themselves and all fellow passengers. Chewing gum also helps equalize pressure: chewing is particularly helpful during takeoff and landing - it reduces the pressure in your ears while also keeping nausea at bay.
Nausea on trains — the underestimated motion sickness
Traveling by train is generally considered the most comfortable and stomach-friendly way to travel, as trains usually travel at a constant speed along straight routes. Nevertheless, nausea can also occur on trains on winding mountain routes or when traveling backward. A window seat facing the direction of travel is recommended — preferably in the middle of the carriage, where the train's center of gravity is located and the angle of inclination is smallest. Use your eyes to fix on a stationary point in the distance, such as a forest or mountain peak on the horizon — not the trees or fence posts rushing past directly beside the track. What many people do not know: Those who travel frequently and consistently actually become less sensitive over time. The body gets used to contradictory stimuli — a good reason not to avoid traveling despite motion sickness, but to train yourself.
The anti-nausea travel medicine kit: What really belongs in it
A good travel medicine kit is not a suitcase full of medication — but a well-thought-out, compact selection prepared for every eventuality. Anyone who knows that travel sickness is an issue should ideally pack these essentials during the first suitcase check. The following list helps ensure that nothing important is forgotten — and provides a brief note for each product explaining why it deserves a place.
Vomit bags (min. 1.5 l, latex-free):
The indispensable emergency protection for all travelers — not in the trunk, but in the glove compartment or travel bag. A medical vomit bag with a secure closure reliably protects clothing, upholstery, and fellow travelers — and is ready to use in seconds.
Disinfectant wipes:
Immediately after an episode of nausea, the most important hygiene product when traveling. They clean hands, mouths, and surfaces without water, dry quickly, and leave no sticky feeling. Especially for children, they are an essential part of every travel bag.
Ginger capsules or candies:
The natural alternative to conventional medication. Ginger soothes the stomach and has been proven to relieve nausea — without causing drowsiness. Capsules are more effective than tea; ginger candies are ideal for children of school age and older.
Superpep® travel gum (for children aged 6 and over):
Low-dose, fast-acting, and pleasant to use. The major advantage: The medication still works even once nausea has already begun — because the active ingredient is absorbed particularly quickly through the oral mucosa.
Emesan® tablets (for adults):
The Stiftung Warentest recommendation for adults and adolescents. Take 30 minutes before departure; it causes drowsiness - therefore, do not drive yourself after taking it. Store it within easy reach in your carry-on luggage.
Acupressure wristband:
Without chemicals, without side effects, suitable for adults and children. It stimulates the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist and can noticeably reduce nausea. Particularly practical for people who do not want to or cannot take medication.
Peppermint oil on a cotton pad:
A few drops on a cotton pad, placed in a small glass - and aromatherapy for the journey is ready. Peppermint has a mild antispasmodic effect, soothes the stomach, and masks unpleasant odors in the vehicle. Do not apply directly to the skin of young children - in infants and children under three, peppermint oil can cause breathing problems.
Chamomile or fennel tea in a thermos:
The stomach-friendly companion for long journeys. Drunk warm, it has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract, without caffeine and without side effects. Chamomile, fennel, caraway, and anise are tried-and-tested combinations.
Neck pillow:
The underestimated comfort aid. A good neck pillow stabilizes the head, reduces swaying movements in the inner ear, and also makes it possible to fall asleep - the most effective of all countermeasures.
Light snacks:
Pretzel sticks, oatmeal cookies, rusks, apple slices, or carrot sticks keep the stomach settled without overburdening it. Fatty, sweet, or heavily seasoned snacks are off-limits - they further irritate the already sensitized stomach.
Overcome motion sickness - and become less susceptible in the long term
This may sound paradoxical at first: Anyone who wants to combat motion sickness should travel more often. Yet this is well supported by scientific evidence - the body and balance system are capable of learning. Just as a muscle becomes stronger through training, the inner ear can also learn to process conflicting sensory stimuli more effectively. Those who stick with it consistently will be rewarded in the long term.
Habituation through regular travel and targeted training
With increasing travel experience, the balance system becomes accustomed to unfamiliar movements, and the symptoms subside. This also applies in the long term: Those who regularly travel by car, bus, or ship notice over time that the symptoms become weaker or disappear completely. The brain learns to reweight conflicting sensory impressions - and eventually no longer responds with nausea, but with composure. In addition, balance-oriented activities such as swimming, cycling, climbing, or yoga can specifically promote the inner ear's ability to adapt - and also get you fit for your next trip.
Psychological factor: When anticipatory anxiety intensifies nausea
Stress and tension make you more susceptible - this is not your imagination, but neurology. Anyone who boards a vehicle afraid of becoming nauseated again releases more stress hormones, which further sensitize the vomiting center in the brain. A vicious cycle. Relaxation techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or simply having a relaxed conversation with fellow travelers can help break this cycle. Anyone who also travels well prepared - with a vomit bag close at hand, medication taken in good time, and the optimal seat chosen - automatically travels more relaxed. And that makes a measurable difference.
When should you see a doctor?
In mild or moderate cases, you generally do not need to see a doctor. A doctor's visit is advisable if the nausea persists despite all measures, if vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, or if signs of dehydration occur - dry mouth, no urination, persistent dizziness. If the symptoms do not subside after the journey ends, a doctor should rule out an infection or food poisoning. Anyone who regularly suffers from severe motion sickness can also discuss targeted medication-based prophylaxis or behavioral desensitization programs with their family doctor - because no one has to accept that every journey becomes an ordeal.
Hygiene on the go: The often-forgotten second step
Once the worst is over, a chapter that is often forgotten begins: hygiene. Especially in confined vehicles, airplane cabins, or ship cabins, quick and reliable cleaning is crucial - both for the well-being of the person affected and for everyone else on board. Being prepared not only prevents the spread of germs, but also helps the mood on board return to normal more quickly.
Hands, mouth, surfaces - all in one go
After vomiting, thorough handwashing is paramount. But on long journeys, on a plane, or at sea, the sink is often far away or simply inaccessible. This is exactly where disinfectant wipes come in: kept close at hand in your travel bag, they enable the immediate cleaning of hands, mouths, and surrounding surfaces - without water, without effort, and without delay. Medical disinfectant wipes work at a different level from simple wet wipes from the drugstore: They contain active ingredients that reliably kill bacteria and viruses, dry quickly, and leave no sticky feeling on the skin.
Neutralizing odors - the third step that hardly anyone considers
One of the unpleasant side effects of vomiting in confined spaces is the smell, which quickly settles into upholstery, textiles, and materials. Anyone using a good sick bag has already prevented the worst - the odor-tight seal ensures that the bag can be disposed of immediately and discreetly. It is also advisable to wipe nearby surfaces with disinfectant wipes and open all available ventilation vents. This not only maintains hygiene - the atmosphere inside the vehicle also recovers much faster.
Travel sickness in figures: What studies and statistics say
Travel sickness is not a marginal phenomenon - it affects millions of people every year and is widespread across all age groups. A look at the figures shows just how widespread the issue really is - and why it is worth addressing before the next journey begins.
Five to ten percent of all people react particularly strongly to the rocking movements in vehicles, aircraft, or ships - women more often than men. Children between the ages of two and twelve are affected most severely; from the age of 50, sensitivity decreases significantly again because the brain processes motion stimuli more slowly and in a more subdued manner. Pregnant women and people prone to migraines are also particularly affected. What many people do not know: Even those who have never experienced any problems while traveling can suddenly be affected - after an illness, during pregnancy, or when using an unfamiliar mode of transport for the first time. Travel sickness is not a personal weakness, but a physiological reaction - and there are effective remedies for it.
Conclusion: Well prepared is half the journey
Travel sickness is unpleasant - but manageable. Anyone who understands the mechanisms can take targeted preventive measures: by choosing the right seat, eating appropriately, using natural remedies such as ginger and acupressure and, if necessary, taking well-studied medication. Approaching the matter calmly and traveling prepared gives the body the best chance to adapt.
And anyone who still wants to be prepared for the worst-case scenario should pack a sick bag - not out of pessimism, but out of common sense. Because the best thing about a well-prepared journey is that you can simply enjoy it. Without fear of the next tunnel, the next bend, or the next bout of turbulence.
Have a safe journey - and arrive safely.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about motion sickness
What helps most quickly against motion sickness?
The following measures can help immediately at the first signs: focus on the horizon, stabilize your head with a neck pillow, and breathe deeply through your mouth. Ginger candies or capsules, peppermint oil to inhale, and acupressure on the Nei-Kuan point on the inside of the wrist can provide additional relief. If you have medication with you - such as Superpep® gum or Emesan® - you can still take it after nausea has begun, as the active ingredients are quickly absorbed through the mucous membranes. Please follow the instructions in the package leaflet and consult a doctor if necessary.
Why do I feel sick in the car but not when I am driving?
The driver always sees where the car is going - their gaze automatically follows the movement. This means that the eyes and inner ear work in sync; no conflict arises, and no nausea follows. Passengers, on the other hand, register every bend and braking maneuver with their inner ear, while their eyes are often focused on a stationary object - the book, the phone, or the back of the front seat. This exact conflict throws the vomiting center in the brain off balance. If you cannot drive yourself, you should sit in the front passenger seat and keep your eyes consistently on the road.
What can I do for my child's motion sickness - without medication?
The most effective non-medication measures for children are: choosing the right seat in the middle of the back seat with an unobstructed view ahead, listening to audiobooks or music instead of looking at a screen, taking regular breaks in the fresh air, and eating light snacks without fat or sugar. Ginger candies in a child-appropriate dosage and peppermint gum - from the age of six - may provide additional relief. Acupressure wristbands have no side effects, are also suitable for children, and are often surprisingly effective. If symptoms recur or are severe, you should always consult a pediatrician.
Which medications are recommended for motion sickness?
Stiftung Warentest recommends diphenhydramine for adults, available as Emesan®. For children aged six and over, Superpep® Reise Kaugummi-Dragées 20 mg is particularly suitable because it works quickly and is available in a low dosage. For severe motion sickness, the Scopoderm® patch containing scopolamine is available by prescription and works for up to 72 hours. All medications should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before starting the journey. Please always consult your family doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication - especially for children, during pregnancy, or in the case of pre-existing conditions.
Which foods should I avoid before traveling?
Foods high in fat, salt, or sugar can worsen symptoms — as can alcohol, coffee, black tea, and carbonated drinks. Foods particularly high in histamine, such as sauerkraut, red wine, or tuna, are also best avoided. Instead, easily digestible carbohydrates are recommended: rusks, oat cookies, apple slices, or carrots. Plan a small, balanced meal about an hour before setting off — travel neither on an empty stomach nor with a full one.
Does an emesis bag really help — or is a regular plastic bag enough?
A medical emesis bag is superior to a regular plastic bag in several respects. It has a sturdy mouthpiece that can be held securely even in stressful situations, and an odor-proof closure that can be sealed immediately after use. Regular plastic bags tear easily, have no closure mechanism, and are difficult to handle in an emergency — especially for children. A latex-free emesis bag with a capacity of 1.5 liters should therefore be part of the basic equipment in every travel bag — together with disinfectant wipes for hygiene afterward.
Can motion sickness be permanently cured?
Yes — in many cases, sensitivity can be significantly reduced through regular travel and targeted balance training. Many people affected report that their motion sickness becomes less severe over the years. For persistent cases, specialists in travel medicine also offer behavioral therapy approaches and targeted desensitization programs. An open conversation with your family doctor is the first step — no one has to permanently give up on enjoyable travel. Please consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Sources & Further Information
The medical information in this article is based on the following trusted sources:
- Apotheken Umschau — Motion Sickness: Tips and Medications https://www.apotheken-umschau.de/gesund-bleiben/reise/reiseuebelkeit-welche-tipps-und-medikamente-auf-reisen-helfen-1110625.html
- ADAC Health Guide — Motion Sickness in Children https://www.adac.de/gesundheit/gesund-unterwegs/strasse/reiseuebelkeit-kinder/
- Stiftung Warentest — Motion Sickness Medications Reviewed https://www.test.de/Mittel-gegen-Reisekrankheit-Hilfe-gegen-Uebelkeit-4107631-0/
Please note: The information in this article does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. In the event of persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a medical professional.
All information reflects the current state of scientific knowledge at the time of publication.
