How to Avoid Seasickness

Yacht on rough water. Photo by irabel8.

I have struggled with motion sickness my whole life, and sometimes, I can be miserable on a boat, even while others think the water is nice and smooth.

So over the years, I have found that a triple threat strategy works well for me:

Meclizine. Sorry, Dramamine, but you’ve never done anything for me. Meclizine has been much more effective in my experience for combating nausea. You can buy it over-the-counter in the U.S., sometimes under the brand name of Bonine. It saved me in the Galapagos Islands.

Patches. My doctor prescribed Scopolamine patches for me that I place behind my ear. One patch lasts for 72 hours, and I have to say these really work! Highly recommended if you’re prone to seasickness and have no contraindications. (Check with your doctor.)

Reliefband. This wristband (there are different models) provides a pulse on the underside of the wrist that hits a point, which purportedly signals the brain to reduce nausea. I’m not sure how it works, but it seems to. I don’t love the feeling of the pulse, but you can control the intensity level. No matter what, it beats feeling like you want to throw up.

There you have my tips for smooth sailing! I can’t guarantee they will work for you, but you might decide they’re worth a try.

Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 39 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

The Lure of Turin

The Lure of Turin

“The best thing about Milan is that it is on the way to Turin,” said one Torino to me. We were driving alongside the magnificent Alps that are a backdrop to Turin. This sophisticated, bustling city lies between better-known Milan and Bologna.

read more
Broadway Guide: What To See in NYC This Summer

Broadway Guide: What To See in NYC This Summer

I see almost all shows on Broadway (some more than once), and I can rattle off the names of numerous Broadway creatives from actors to choreographers to ensemble dancers to composers and more. I also used to photograph the Tony nominees every year for another publication. So I thought you might find it useful to hear my recommendations for Broadway shows to see this summer if you’re coming to New York.

read more