How to Stop Sickness on a Dothan Charter Bus

If you’ve ever felt queasy while traveling through Alabama, you’re not alone. Motion sickness is common—especially for those who aren’t used to riding in vehicles like charter buses. But don’t worry! A few simple strategies can help keep everyone comfortable on the road, whether you’re headed from Dothan to Montgomery for a conference or planning a school field trip to Birmingham.

The team at Charter Bus Rental Dothan has more than 10 years of experience helping groups travel across Alabama. We’ve seen it all and know what works when it comes to keeping passengers happy—and motion sickness at bay. With a fleet of over 100 buses, including sprinter vans, minibuses, charter buses, and party buses, we’ve got your ride covered. Call us anytime at 334-483-0133 for quick quotes and personalized service!

Quick Answer

To prevent motion sickness on a charter bus, choose a seat near the front, face forward, and focus on the horizon. Keep fresh air flowing, avoid reading or using screens, and snack on bland foods like crackers or ginger candy. Stay hydrated with water and consider natural remedies such as acupressure wristbands. If needed, take medication like meclizine or dimenhydrinate before your trip. These steps will help you stay comfortable and enjoy the journey across Alabama.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets mixed signals about movement. Your inner ear says you’re moving, but your eyes say you’re sitting still (like when reading a book or looking at your phone on a moving bus). This confusion can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or even lead to vomiting. It’s especially common on winding roads, during stop-and-go traffic, or when you’re focused on something close-up instead of the passing scenery.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

The main cause is sensory mismatch. When your eyes, inner ears, and body send different messages to your brain, it struggles to make sense of what’s happening. On a charter bus, this often occurs if you’re looking down at a screen or book while the vehicle moves. Other factors that can make it worse include strong smells, stuffy air, anxiety, or having an empty or overly full stomach. Some people are more sensitive to motion sickness due to genetics, age (kids are more prone), or certain medical conditions.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

With a little preparation, you can greatly reduce the chances of feeling sick on your next charter bus trip. Here are six effective tips:

Choose the Right Seat

Where you sit makes a big difference. The front of the bus experiences less motion than the back—it’s closer to the center of gravity and doesn’t sway as much. Sitting by a window lets you look out at the horizon, which helps align your visual and inner ear cues. Facing forward (not sideways or backward) also keeps your senses in sync. If possible, reserve seats in advance or ask your reservation specialist to save spots near the front for those prone to motion sickness.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Your pre-trip meal matters. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods that can upset your stomach. Instead, opt for light snacks like plain crackers, bananas, or toast. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy—try ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger candies. Stay hydrated with water, but don’t drink too much at once. Skip alcohol and limit caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and worsen symptoms.

Keep Fresh Air Circulating

Stuffy air and strong odors can trigger nausea. Open a window or use the overhead vent to keep fresh air flowing around your seat. If someone nearby is eating something with a strong smell, politely ask if they can move or wait until a rest stop. You can also bring along peppermint or eucalyptus oil to sniff if you start to feel queasy—these scents are known to soothe nausea.

Avoid Screens and Reading

Looking down at a phone, tablet, or book increases the disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. If you need to pass the time, listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks instead. If you must read or use your device, do so in short bursts and try to hold it up so your gaze stays level with the road ahead. Taking regular breaks to look out the window helps reset your senses.

Try Acupressure or Wristbands

Some people find relief from motion sickness by applying pressure to specific points on their wrists. The P6 (Neiguan) point, located about three finger-widths below your palm on the inner forearm, is commonly targeted. You can press on it with your thumb or wear a special acupressure wristband designed for motion sickness. While scientific evidence is mixed, many travelers swear by this method, and it’s safe to try alongside other strategies.

Consider Medication

If you know you’re prone to severe motion sickness, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription options. Common choices include meclizine (Bonine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), or scopolamine patches. These work best if taken 30-60 minutes before your trip begins. Be aware of potential side effects like drowsiness, especially if you need to be alert after arriving at your destination. Always follow dosing instructions and test the medication beforehand to see how you react.

Relax and Distract Yourself

Anxiety can make motion sickness worse. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises. Focus on positive aspects of your trip—the activities you’ll enjoy once you arrive, or the sights you’re passing outside the window. Engaging conversations with seatmates or listening to a favorite playlist can also take your mind off any discomfort.

Plan Rest Stops and Emergency Supplies

When booking your charter bus, request regular rest stops every 1-2 hours. Getting off the bus to stretch, use the restroom, and get some fresh air can help reset your system. If someone does feel sick, it’s good to have supplies on hand: small plastic bags, wet wipes, bottled water, and extra ginger candies or mints. Let your reservations specialist know if anyone in your group is especially prone to motion sickness—they can help plan routes with smoother roads or fewer sharp turns.

Book Your Alabama Charter Bus Today

Don’t let motion sickness ruin your group travel plans. With these tips, you can keep everyone comfortable and focused on enjoying the journey. Charter Bus Rental Dothan is here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right amenities to customizing your itinerary. Whether you’re organizing a school field trip, corporate event, wedding shuttle, or sports team transportation, we’ve got the experience and resources to make your trip smooth and stress-free.

Ready to get started? Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide instant price quotes, and help you choose the perfect bus for your needs. Call 334-483-0133 or visit our website to learn more. With Charter Bus Rental Dothan, you’re in good hands—so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!