How to Stop Sickness on a Newton Charter Bus

Motion sickness is the last thing you want to deal with when you’re on a long bus ride. Even though charter buses and minibuses are some of the smoothest ways to travel, a few passengers in your group might still feel queasy—especially if you’re taking a winding route through an area like Newton Upper Falls or heading out on I-95 toward Boston. If you’re worried about anyone in your group feeling sick during your trip, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent motion sickness from ruining your day.

Quick Answer

The best way to avoid motion sickness on a charter bus is by reserving a seat at the front of the bus over the wheels, facing forward, and looking out the window at a fixed point in the distance (like the horizon). Avoid reading, looking at screens, or focusing on close-up objects. Keep cool air flowing from the overhead vent, snack on bland foods like crackers, sip water or ginger ale, and consider natural remedies like ginger chews or acupressure wristbands. For severe cases, take non-drowsy medication such as meclizine or use a scopolamine patch before departure—and always have a small bag handy just in case!

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common condition that happens when your brain gets conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ears, and body. On a moving vehicle like a bus, your inner ear senses the motion, but if your eyes don’t see it—for example, if you’re reading or looking at your phone—your brain can get confused. This sensory mismatch causes symptoms like dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, and even vomiting. It can happen to anyone, but some people are more sensitive than others. Children, pregnant women, and people prone to migraines tend to be more susceptible. The good news is that there are many ways to manage and prevent motion sickness so you can enjoy your bus ride without worry.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is caused by a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. When you’re riding in a bus, especially on curvy roads around places like Newton Centre or Auburndale, your body can sense the movement, but your eyes may not. For example, if you’re reading a book or scrolling through your phone while the bus is in motion, your inner ear detects turns and bumps, but your eyes are focused on something stationary. This conflict confuses your brain and triggers symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sweating. Things like strong smells, stuffy air, or anxiety about getting sick can make it worse. Even if you’ve never had motion sickness before, a particularly bumpy or winding route could bring it on.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

If you know someone in your group tends to get motion sickness, or if you’re just worried about it popping up unexpectedly, there are several things you can do to help keep everyone comfortable. Here are six practical tips you can use on any charter bus ride, whether you’re shuttling students to a field trip at the Newton Free Library or taking wedding guests from hotels in Needham to a reception venue in Boston.

Pick the Best Seat

Where you sit on the bus makes a big difference. The seats over the front wheels—usually near the front of the bus—experience the least amount of movement. Sitting here helps minimize the rocking and swaying that can trigger motion sickness. Always face forward and try to look out the front window, keeping your eyes on a stable point in the distance, like the road ahead. This helps align the signals your eyes and inner ear send to your brain, reducing the chance of feeling sick. Avoid sitting in the back of the bus, where you’ll feel more bumps and sways, or sideways, which can make symptoms worse.

Keep Cool Air Flowing

Fresh air can do wonders for preventing nausea. If your bus has adjustable overhead vents, aim them towards your face to keep cool air circulating. If you start to feel warm or stuffy, ask to open a window for some extra ventilation. Stale or hot air, especially if mixed with strong odors, can make motion sickness worse. Some buses offer climate control, so don’t hesitate to request a lower temperature if it means your group will be more comfortable. A cool, well-ventilated environment helps everyone breathe easier and keeps nausea at bay.

Avoid Reading or Screens

It’s tempting to pass the time by reading a book, checking emails, or watching videos on your phone, but focusing on close-up objects while the bus is moving is a surefire way to get motion sick. When you read or look at a screen, your eyes are telling your brain that you’re stationary, while your inner ear senses motion. This sensory conflict is one of the main triggers of motion sickness. Instead, encourage everyone to look out the window at passing scenery or listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Keeping your gaze on something far away, like the horizon, helps your brain reconcile the signals from your eyes and ears, making it less likely you’ll feel sick.

Snack Smart

Traveling on an empty stomach can make motion sickness worse, but so can eating heavy, greasy, or spicy foods right before or during the trip. The best bet is to eat a light meal or snack before boarding, choosing bland foods like crackers, pretzels, or plain bread. Bananas and applesauce are also gentle on the stomach. During the ride, sip on water or ginger ale to stay hydrated and calm your stomach. Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea—ginger candies, ginger tea, or ginger chews can all help. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products, as these can upset your stomach further. If anyone starts to feel queasy, offer them a small snack and encourage slow, steady sips of water.

Try Natural Remedies

Many people find relief from motion sickness with natural remedies. Ginger, as mentioned earlier, is one of the most effective options. You can bring along ginger candies, ginger tea bags, or even fresh ginger slices to chew on during the trip. Peppermint is another soothing option—suck on peppermint candies or drink peppermint tea to settle your stomach. Acupressure wristbands, like Sea-Bands, are designed to apply pressure to a specific point on your wrist that’s believed to relieve nausea. While scientific evidence is mixed, many travelers swear by them, and they’re inexpensive and easy to pack. Even something as simple as inhaling a calming scent, like lavender or lemon essential oil, can help distract your brain from feelings of nausea.

Use Medication if Needed

If natural remedies and preventative measures aren’t enough, over-the-counter medications can provide reliable relief. Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine) are commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness. They work best if taken 30-60 minutes before your trip begins. Be aware that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so choose a non-drowsy formula if you need to stay alert. For longer trips or severe cases, a prescription scopolamine patch worn behind the ear can offer up to 72 hours of protection. Remind everyone to follow dosing instructions carefully and check with a doctor if they have any health conditions or are taking other medications. It’s always a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit with motion sickness supplies, just in case.

Book With Charter Bus Rental Newton

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your group’s bus ride. By choosing the best seats, keeping the air cool and fresh, avoiding screens, snacking smart, trying natural remedies, and using medication if needed, you can help everyone stay comfortable and enjoy the journey. At Charter Bus Rental Newton, we want your trip to go smoothly from start to finish, whether you’re heading to a school event at Newton North High School, a corporate outing at Riverside Center, or a wedding in downtown Boston. Our team is available 24/7 to help you plan every detail, from selecting the right bus to customizing onboard amenities. Call us today at 857-578-4460 to get a free quote and let us handle the transportation, so you can focus on having a great time with your group. With the right preparation, your next charter bus trip will be motion-sickness-free and memorable for all the right reasons!