How to Stop Sickness on a Burbank Charter Bus

Motion sickness is no fun, but it doesn’t have to ruin your next group trip. At Charter Bus Rental Burbank, we’ve helped thousands of travelers have comfortable and enjoyable bus rides, whether you’re heading to Universal Studios Hollywood, the Burbank Aviation Museum, or anywhere else in Southern California. We understand that some passengers are more sensitive to motion than others and that feeling sick can put a damper on your day. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide—to help you prevent and manage motion sickness so you can focus on the fun ahead.

Quick Answer: How Do I Stop Motion Sickness on a Charter Bus?

The best way to stop motion sickness is to plan ahead and use multiple strategies. Choose a seat near the front of the bus where there’s less movement, face forward, and keep your eyes on the road or horizon. Avoid reading or looking at screens, as these can make symptoms worse. Eat light meals before travel—bland snacks like crackers or ginger chews are great choices. Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, and avoid alcohol or heavy foods. For natural relief, try acupressure wristbands or suck on peppermint candy. If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking over-the-counter medications like meclizine or dimenhydrinate before your trip starts. By combining these techniques, you can significantly reduce your chances of feeling queasy and enjoy your charter bus ride around Burbank and beyond.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common condition that occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body about movement. On a moving vehicle like a bus, your inner ear senses motion, but if your eyes are focused on something stationary (like a book or phone), your brain gets confused. This sensory mismatch triggers symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. Anyone can experience motion sickness, but some people are more susceptible than others. It’s especially common in children, pregnant women, and those with a history of migraines or vestibular disorders. While it’s not dangerous, it can make travel uncomfortable and less enjoyable. The good news is that with the right precautions and remedies, most cases of motion sickness can be prevented or managed effectively.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is primarily caused by a disconnect between what your inner ear (which controls balance) senses and what your eyes see. When you’re riding in a charter bus through the winding streets of Griffith Park or up the hills toward Mulholland Drive, your inner ear detects the motion of the vehicle. However, if you’re looking down at your phone or reading a brochure about Warner Bros. Studio Tour, your eyes signal to your brain that you’re stationary. This conflict confuses your brain and activates the area responsible for nausea and vomiting. Other factors that can contribute include strong odors (like food or fuel), anxiety about travel, dehydration, low blood sugar, and even genetics. Some people are naturally more prone to motion sickness due to differences in their vestibular system. Understanding these causes can help you take targeted steps to minimize your risk during bus trips.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Preventing motion sickness on a charter bus is all about preparation and smart choices during your trip. Here are six proven tips to keep queasiness at bay:

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely: Sit near the front of the bus or over the wheels, where there is less up-and-down movement. Facing forward helps your body align with the direction of travel, reducing sensory conflict. If possible, select a window seat so you can look out at the passing scenery instead of focusing on close objects inside the bus.
2. Focus on the Horizon: Keep your gaze fixed on a stable point in the distance, such as the road ahead or the skyline. This helps synchronize the motion detected by your inner ear with the visual input from your eyes, minimizing confusion in your brain. Avoid looking down at books, phones, or tablets, as this can worsen symptoms.
3. Eat Light and Stay Hydrated: Before your trip, opt for small, bland meals that are easy on your stomach. Crackers, toast, bananas, and applesauce are good choices. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Sip water or electrolyte drinks throughout the journey to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural defenses against nausea.
4. Try Natural Remedies: Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for motion sickness. Bring ginger candies, ginger ale, or ginger tea on board to help settle your stomach. Acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) point on your wrist, may also provide relief for some people. Sucking on peppermint candy or inhaling peppermint oil can help soothe your stomach and mask unpleasant odors.
5. Get Fresh Air: If possible, open a window or use the overhead vent to allow fresh air to circulate around you. Stale or stuffy air can make nausea worse, while cool, fresh air can help you feel better. If you start to feel queasy, take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
6. Consider Medication: If you know you’re prone to motion sickness and other methods haven’t worked, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications. Meclizine (Bonine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine patches are commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness. These work best when taken before symptoms begin, so follow the instructions carefully and be aware of potential side effects like drowsiness.

Optimize Your Seating and Posture

Where you sit on the bus can make a big difference in how you feel during the ride. The front of the bus experiences less motion than the back, especially when navigating curves on roads like Laurel Canyon Boulevard or turns around Lake Hollywood Park. Sitting over the wheels further reduces vertical movement. Always face forward and keep your head still, resting it against the seat if possible. Reclining your seat slightly can help stabilize your head and neck, lowering your chances of getting dizzy. If you start to feel unwell, gently adjust your posture or stand up briefly (when safe) to reset your sense of balance. Aligning your body with the direction of travel helps your brain process movement more accurately, reducing the sensory mismatch that leads to motion sickness.

Control Sensory Inputs

Minimizing conflicting signals from your senses is key to preventing motion sickness. Keep your eyes on the road or a distant object, rather than focusing on nearby items inside the bus. If you need to distract yourself, listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks instead of watching videos or reading. Close your eyes and practice slow, deep breathing if you start to feel queasy—this activates your body’s relaxation response and can help suppress nausea. Use the bus’s ventilation system to maintain a flow of fresh air, or bring a personal fan for extra comfort. Pleasant scents like peppermint or lavender can also help counteract triggers from strong odors. By controlling what you see, hear, and smell, you can create a more comfortable environment that supports your body’s ability to adapt to motion.

Snack Smart and Stay Hydrated

Your diet before and during the bus ride plays a significant role in how your stomach handles motion. Stick to light, bland foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, rice cakes, plain bread, or apples. Avoid fatty, fried, or acidic foods that can upset your stomach. Ginger is particularly effective—bring ginger snaps, ginger tea bags, or crystallized ginger pieces to snack on. Staying hydrated is equally important; drink small sips of water or an electrolyte beverage regularly. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to nausea, so avoid alcohol and limit caffeine intake. If you start to feel sick, nibble on dry crackers and continue sipping fluids slowly. Proper nutrition and hydration give your body the resources it needs to combat motion sickness naturally.

Non-Drug Aids and Complementary Therapies

Many travelers find relief from motion sickness using non-drug methods and complementary therapies. Acupressure wristbands, which target the P6 point on your inner wrist, are a popular choice—they’re inexpensive, drug-free, and can be worn throughout your trip. Peppermint and chamomile are known for their soothing properties; suck on hard candies or sip herbal teas to calm your stomach. Aromatherapy with essential oils like peppermint, ginger, or lavender can help mask unpleasant smells and reduce nausea. Vitamin C supplements or citrus fruits may also offer mild benefits. While scientific evidence varies for these remedies, they are generally safe and worth trying alongside other prevention strategies. Experiment with different options to see what works best for you, and combine them for maximum effectiveness.

Pharmacological Options

If natural and behavioral methods aren’t enough, medication can provide reliable relief for motion sickness. Over-the-counter antihistamines like meclizine (Bonine) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) are widely used to prevent and treat symptoms. Take them 30–60 minutes before your bus departs for best results. These drugs work by blocking signals in the brain that trigger nausea, but they can cause drowsiness in some people. Scopolamine patches, available by prescription, are another option—apply one behind your ear several hours before travel for up to three days of protection. Newer medications like tradipitant show promise for severe cases, especially in rough conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication, especially if you have underlying health issues or are taking other drugs. Combining medication with other preventive measures often allows for lower doses and fewer side effects.

Long-Term Prevention and Habituation

If you frequently experience motion sickness, consider long-term strategies to build your tolerance. Gradual exposure to motion—such as taking short, regular bus rides around Burbank or practicing balance exercises at home—can help desensitize your vestibular system over time. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, guided by a specialist, may include head movements, balance training, and eye exercises to improve your brain’s ability to process motion. Start with mild provocations that cause minimal discomfort, let symptoms subside, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exposure. Consistency is key—regular practice leads to neural adaptation and lasting symptom reduction. Incorporate these exercises into your routine weeks before a planned trip to build resilience and confidence. With patience and persistence, many people find that their susceptibility to motion sickness decreases significantly.

Enjoy Every Mile with Charter Bus Rental Burbank

At Charter Bus Rental Burbank, we want every passenger to have a comfortable and enjoyable journey, whether you’re exploring the city’s studios and museums or traveling across Southern California for business or leisure. By understanding what causes motion sickness and implementing a combination of seating strategies, sensory control, smart snacking, natural remedies, and medication when necessary, you can prevent or manage symptoms effectively. Remember that everyone responds differently, so experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. Our team is here 24/7 to answer your questions, customize your travel package, and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth ride. Don’t let motion sickness hold you back—call us today at 747-588-6340 for friendly advice, instant quotes, and expert support on your next charter bus adventure. With the right preparation, you can conquer queasiness and enjoy every mile of your trip.