How to Stop Sickness on a Redlands Charter Bus

If you’re gearing up for a field trip, sports tournament, or group tour and worried about motion sickness, you’re not alone. At Charter Bus Rental Redlands, we’ve helped countless travelers manage motion sickness during bus rides—and most of the time, it’s easy to prevent with some planning. If you have people in your group prone to nausea, headaches, or dizziness while traveling, read on for practical tips to keep everyone comfortable from pickup to drop-off. Have questions or want a free quote? Call our 24/7 team at 840-300-7560.

Quick Answer

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets mixed signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. This sensory mismatch can cause nausea, dizziness, sweating, and vomiting—especially if you’re reading, using a screen, or sitting in the back of a bus. To prevent it: sit near the front, face forward, look out the window at the horizon, get fresh air, avoid heavy meals, stay hydrated, try ginger or acupressure bands, and use over-the-counter meds like Dramamine if needed. Planning ahead and choosing the right seat are key to keeping queasiness away!

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common condition where your brain receives conflicting information about movement from your eyes, inner ear (which controls balance), and body. On a moving vehicle like a charter bus, this mismatch can trigger symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headache, cold sweats, fatigue, and in severe cases, vomiting. It affects people of all ages but tends to be more common in children, women, and those with a family history of motion sickness.

The good news? Most cases are mild and can be prevented or managed with simple strategies—especially on modern buses that offer smooth rides, climate control, and flexible seating options.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is triggered by a “sensory conflict”—when what your eyes see doesn’t match what your inner ear feels. For example, if you’re reading a book or looking down at your phone in a moving vehicle, your eyes tell your brain that you’re stationary, while your inner ear senses movement. This confusion can lead to the classic symptoms of motion sickness.

Factors that increase the risk include:

• Sitting in the rear of the bus, where there’s more sway
• Focusing on close-up tasks (reading, screens)
• Poor ventilation or strong odors
• Traveling on winding roads or hilly terrain
• Skipping meals or eating greasy foods before travel
• Anxiety or anticipation of getting sick

Fortunately, you can address almost all these triggers with proper planning and onboard choices.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Choose Your Seat Wisely

On a charter bus, the smoothest ride is usually near the front and over the wheels. These seats experience less sway and bounce compared to the back, where motion is amplified. If possible, request front-row seats for passengers prone to motion sickness—they’ll thank you later! Facing forward is also crucial; never choose a rear-facing seat or one where you can’t see out the front window.

Look Out the Window, Not at Screens

Encourage passengers to keep their eyes on the road or distant scenery. Looking at the horizon helps align visual input with the sensation of movement from the inner ear, reducing sensory conflict. Avoid activities like reading, texting, or watching movies on a screen, especially during curvy or bumpy stretches. If you must use a device, take frequent breaks to look up and reorient.

Get Fresh Air and Avoid Strong Odors

Stale air, diesel fumes, or strong food smells can worsen nausea. Open a window slightly (if allowed) or ask the driver to adjust the ventilation system for more fresh air. Onboard restrooms should be well-ventilated and cleaned regularly to prevent lingering odors. If someone is sensitive to smells, consider bringing a small fan, essential oil (like peppermint), or scented handkerchief for relief.

Eat Light and Stay Hydrated

Avoid traveling on an empty stomach, but don’t overeat either. A light meal or snack before departure—such as crackers, bread, bananas, or applesauce—can help settle the stomach. Skip greasy, spicy, or acidic foods, which are harder to digest and may trigger nausea. Encourage sipping water throughout the trip; dehydration makes symptoms worse. Carbonated drinks like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda may also help.

Try Natural Remedies Like Ginger and Acupressure Bands

Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. Bring ginger candies, chews, tea bags, or capsules on board and offer them to anyone feeling queasy. Another option is an acupressure wristband (sold as Sea-Bands or similar brands), which applies gentle pressure to the P6 point on the inner wrist. Some studies suggest these bands reduce nausea, though results vary by person. Both remedies are safe, drug-free, and worth trying.

Use Over-the-Counter Medications if Needed

For those who know they get motion sick despite non-drug measures, over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can be effective. These antihistamines work best if taken 30-60 minutes before travel and last several hours. Be aware that drowsiness is a common side effect, so use with caution if alertness is needed. Scopolamine patches (prescription only) are another option for longer trips. Always consult a doctor before using medication, especially for children or people with health conditions.

Plan Ahead for a Comfortable Ride

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your group’s charter bus experience. By following these tips—choosing the right seat, managing sensory input, eating smart, staying hydrated, using natural remedies, and taking medication if necessary—you can prevent or minimize symptoms for most passengers. Our team at Charter Bus Rental Redlands will work with you to accommodate any special needs or requests, such as reserving specific seats or making extra stops for fresh air. We want everyone to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Ready to book a stress-free ride? Call 840-300-7560 or use our online tool for an instant quote. We’re here 24/7 to help plan the perfect trip for your group, whether you’re heading to Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, or anywhere else in California. Safe travels!