How to Stop Sickness on a Lakewood Charter Bus

No one wants motion sickness to ruin their bus trip — especially when you’re headed out with a crowd of colleagues, classmates, or friends. The good news? Motion sickness is preventable and manageable, even if you have a history of queasiness in cars, buses, or boats. With some simple strategies, you can keep your group feeling great from departure to arrival. Here’s how to stop motion sickness on a charter bus from Lakewood Charter Bus Rental.

Quick Answer

If you need the fast version: Sit near the front of the bus and look straight ahead at a fixed point (like the road or horizon). Avoid reading, screens, or anything that forces you to focus up close. Keep the air fresh by cracking a window or using the overhead vent. Snack lightly on bland foods (think crackers or pretzels) and sip water or ginger ale. If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, consider an over-the-counter remedy like Dramamine or Sea-Bands, or check with your doctor about prescription options. But most importantly, relax! Anxiety makes symptoms worse.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is what happens when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ear (vestibular system), and body. On a moving vehicle, your inner ear senses motion, but if you’re focused on something stationary (like a book or phone), your eyes don’t register the movement. This sensory mismatch confuses your brain and triggers nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. It’s extremely common on buses, especially for people sitting in the back or those sensitive to motion in general.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

The root cause is sensory conflict. You’re more likely to experience it if you:

Have a personal or family history of motion sickness or migraines
Are under age 12 (kids are more susceptible)
Sit facing sideways or backward
Read or look at screens while in motion
Ride in the rear of the vehicle, where swaying is more pronounced
Smell strong odors (fuel, food, perfume, etc.)
Travel on winding roads or routes with frequent stops and starts
Are anxious or overtired before travel
Have eaten a heavy, greasy, or acidic meal beforehand

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Fortunately, you can do a lot to stop motion sickness before it starts. Here are six proven strategies that work — whether you’re organizing a field trip to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, a company outing to Dodger Stadium, or a family reunion at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Sit Near the Front and Face Forward

On a bus, the ride is smoothest near the front and over the axles. Sitting here reduces the amount of swaying and jostling your body feels. Always face forward and look through the windshield or side window at a distant, stable object (like the road or horizon). This aligns your visual input with your sense of motion, minimizing confusion in your brain. Never sit facing backward or sideways unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Avoid Reading or Screen Time

Tempting as it is to scroll social media, watch movies, or catch up on emails during the ride, focusing on a fixed object inside the bus worsens sensory conflict. If you must use your phone or tablet, limit it to short intervals and pause if you feel any nausea. Audiobooks, podcasts, or music are better alternatives because they occupy your mind without forcing your eyes to stay still. Encourage students or employees to save homework and work tasks for after the trip.

Keep Fresh Air Circulating

Stale, stuffy air intensifies nausea and headaches. Open a window slightly or use the bus’s overhead ventilation system to maintain a steady flow of fresh air. Many modern charter buses offer individual climate controls so passengers can adjust airflow to their liking. If you’re sensitive to smells, ask fellow riders to avoid strong perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented snacks. A subtle spritz of peppermint oil on your wrist or mask can also help ease queasiness.

Eat Light and Stay Hydrated

A full stomach increases the likelihood of motion sickness, but traveling on an empty stomach isn’t ideal either. Eat a small, bland meal or snack an hour or two before departure. Good choices include plain crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, or low-fat yogurt. Avoid fried, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods (like orange juice or coffee). During the ride, sip water or ginger ale in small amounts. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy — ginger chews, tea, or capsules can be effective. Skip alcohol altogether as it dehydrates and irritates your stomach.

Try Natural Remedies or Medications

If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, consider preventive measures before you board. Over-the-counter antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) are widely used and generally safe for adults and children over 12. Take them 30-60 minutes before travel for best results. They may cause drowsiness, so read labels and use caution if you need to be alert upon arrival. Sea-Bands or similar acupressure wristbands apply gentle pressure to the P6 point on your inner wrist and can reduce nausea for some people. Consult your doctor about prescription patches or other medications if OTC options aren’t enough.

Distract Yourself and Relax

Anxiety about getting sick often creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, try to relax and distract yourself with enjoyable activities. Listen to calming music, chat with your seatmate, play word games, or practice deep breathing exercises. Some people find that chewing gum or sucking on hard candy helps settle their stomach. If you start to feel queasy, close your eyes, recline your seat slightly, and focus on slow, steady breaths. Most important: Don’t panic! Remind yourself that motion sickness is temporary and will subside once the bus stops moving.

Plan Ahead With Lakewood Charter Bus Rental

At Lakewood Charter Bus Rental, we understand that passenger comfort is paramount, especially for long-distance trips across California. That’s why our fleet includes spacious, well-equipped buses with features designed to minimize motion sickness: panoramic windows for easy horizon viewing, advanced climate control systems, and cushioned reclining seats. When booking, let our team know if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness. We can recommend the best bus model for a smooth ride and suggest optimal seating arrangements.

Ready to plan your next group outing with confidence? Call us at 562-724-9610 or get an instant quote online. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help you choose the perfect charter bus and answer any questions about onboard amenities or special accommodations. Whether you’re shuttling students to El Dorado Nature Center, organizing a corporate retreat in Orange County, or coordinating wedding transportation in downtown LA, we’ll make sure everyone arrives happy and healthy.

Don’t let motion sickness derail your travel plans. With a little preparation and the right charter bus partner, your group can enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey every time!