How to Stop Sickness on a Santa Fe Charter Bus

Charter buses are one of the most comfortable ways to travel around New Mexico. And for most people, they’re also one of the easiest modes of transportation to avoid motion sickness. However, if you do have a queasy stomach, there are still steps you can take to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Read on for tips from Charter Bus Rental Santa Fe, and give us a call at 505-628-2910 if you need a reliable bus rental in Santa Fe or anywhere statewide.

Quick Answer

Motion sickness happens when your eyes, inner ears, and body send conflicting signals about movement. On a charter bus, this often means your ears sense motion while your eyes focus on a stationary object like your phone. To prevent symptoms like nausea and dizziness, sit near the front of the bus, look out the window at the horizon, avoid reading or using screens, and keep fresh air flowing. Ginger candies, acupressure wristbands, and over-the-counter medications like meclizine can also help. If you start to feel sick, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on steady breathing until symptoms pass.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common condition that arises when your brain receives conflicting information from your eyes, inner ears (vestibular system), and body about movement. This sensory mismatch triggers symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and fatigue. On a moving vehicle like a charter bus, your inner ears detect motion while your eyes may focus on stationary objects inside the bus, leading to confusion in your brain and resulting in motion sickness.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

The primary cause of motion sickness is the disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ears sense. For example, if you're reading a book or looking at your phone while the bus moves, your inner ears feel the motion, but your eyes are fixed on a non-moving object. This conflict sends mixed signals to your brain, which can trigger the symptoms associated with motion sickness. Factors such as anxiety, strong odors, lack of ventilation, and even genetics can increase your susceptibility to motion sickness during your journey.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

If you're prone to motion sickness, you don't have to let it ruin your bus ride. Here are six effective strategies to prevent or minimize motion sickness on your next charter bus trip in Santa Fe:

Choose the Right Seat

Where you sit on the bus matters. Opt for a seat near the front of the bus, ideally over the wheels, where there is less motion compared to the back. Facing forward and looking out the windshield allows your eyes and inner ears to receive consistent information about the direction and speed of travel. If possible, reserve these seats when booking your charter bus to ensure a smoother ride.

Focus on the Horizon

Keep your eyes on a stable point in the distance, such as the horizon. Looking out the window at passing scenery helps synchronize the movement your inner ear senses with what your eyes see, reducing the likelihood of motion sickness. Avoid activities that require close-up focus, like reading or using electronic devices, as these can exacerbate symptoms.

Ensure Good Ventilation

Fresh air can significantly alleviate motion sickness. Use the overhead vents to direct airflow towards you, or open a window slightly if the weather permits. Avoid strong odors from food, perfumes, or cleaning products, as these can trigger or worsen nausea. Maintaining a cool, well-ventilated environment helps keep symptoms at bay.

Eat Light Before and During Travel

Consume light, bland foods before your trip, such as crackers, toast, or bananas. Greasy, spicy, or acidic foods can irritate your stomach and increase the risk of nausea. Staying hydrated is equally important—sip water or clear fluids throughout the journey, but avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you and make symptoms worse.

Use Natural Remedies

Ginger is a natural antiemetic that can help prevent and relieve motion sickness. Bring ginger candies, ginger tea, or ginger ale on board. Acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) point on your wrist, have also been shown to reduce nausea for some people. These remedies are safe and easy to use without causing drowsiness.

Consider Medication for Severe Cases

If you know you're highly susceptible to motion sickness, consider taking over-the-counter medications like meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) before your trip. These antihistamines are effective at preventing symptoms but can cause drowsiness. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or are taking other medications.

Book Your Charter Bus in Santa Fe

With these practical tips, you can enjoy your charter bus journey across New Mexico without the discomfort of motion sickness. Whether you're heading to Taos, Albuquerque, Roswell, or beyond, Charter Bus Rental Santa Fe is committed to providing a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Ready to plan your next group trip? Call our team anytime at 505-628-2910 or get a quick online quote to find the perfect charter bus rental in Santa Fe!