Unlocking the Secret Behind Maximum Relaxation While Traveling

Travel sickness is not just a rumor. Roughly one-third of individuals experience motion sickness, yet the exact cause remains uncertain. The prevailing belief is that it is triggered by an inadequate perception of movement.

Traveling to and from summer vacations particularly seem to increase the likelihood of falling victim to this sneaky sickness. Those of us who are inclined to experience travel sickness are more frequently ill during these specific trips compared to our regular travels.

Many travelers often experience fatigue, drowsiness, apathy, or lack of energy, even without engaging in physically demanding activities. These symptoms indicate mild motion sickness, affecting a larger population than expected.

Why are vacation trips seemingly more susceptible to this condition? There are numerous factors at play. Compared to regular travel, these trips involve certain conditions that can amplify the frequency and intensity of symptoms. Below are explanations and recommendations to reduce the risk.

Long journeys – repetition of movements that make you queasy

In a car, the further one travels, the more likely one is to feel ill, as shown by a number of mathematical models which predict motion sickness.

The accumulation of uncomfortable movements leads us to reach a point where we experience symptoms. This threshold can be reached quickly for certain individuals, while for others it occurs more gradually. It is only during long journeys, after spending hours on the road, in the air, or on a boat, that the latter group surpasses their limit and begins to feel unwell.

Engaging in activities to pass the time during a long journey may contribute to feelings of queasiness. Oftentimes, individuals occupy themselves by reading a book, watching a film, playing video games, or scrolling through social media. However, these visually stimulating activities divert our attention from the visual cues that enable our brain to perceive the vehicle's motion. This confusion in the perception of movement makes it much easier to experience motion sickness.

The people who live inside airplanes

Journey conditions: risks adding up

During the summer, the temperature inside a vehicle becomes challenging to regulate due to the intense heat from the sun. This situation tends to exacerbate the symptoms of motion sickness.

In hot weather, our body struggles to maintain its temperature, often resorting to methods such as sweating or increased breathing. These signals, known as "primary symptoms," can further contribute to the emergence of more severe symptoms such as blood vessel dilation, sickness, nausea, or vomiting, depending on the individual.

Switching on the air conditioning to counter these effects may actually worsen the situation for passengers who are highly susceptible to motion sickness. The ventilation and cabin air systems can also push individuals closer to their nausea thresholds.

Unpleasant odors are another contributing factor that can exaggerate car sickness symptoms. Traffic fumes, cigarette smoke, foul air, and even the smell of leather have been identified as the second most common causes of car sickness. These factors pose a greater risk at the beginning of the summer travel season, when air pollution levels regularly peak and the sun's rays heat up materials. It is also known that a specific region of the brain called the area postrema or chemoreceptor trigger zone can trigger excessive saliva production and nausea when certain smells are detected. This reflex acts as a protective mechanism against toxins and other harmful substances.

Strong smells can cause or amplify nausea.

Kyryl Gorlov/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Traffic: a physical and mental imposition

Content must be

In a car, it is not the speed itself that causes discomfort, but rather the sudden changes in speed. Accelerating and braking movements have a greater impact on the human body than making turns.

In reality, drivers often have no choice but to experience variations in speed due to factors such as road regulations (speed limits, intersections, traffic signals) and the flow of traffic. When a car is stuck in traffic congestion, it is forced to constantly accelerate and decelerate at unpredictable intervals, which can be frustrating even at low speeds.

Traffic congestion also has a psychological aspect. The prolonging of a journey, which may have already been excessively long, coupled with the growing uncertainty of arriving at the scheduled time, fatigue, stress, and frustration can all contribute to a significant decline in the passengers' mood. It has been noticed that these factors greatly influence the severity of motion sickness symptoms. It is advisable to handle these setbacks in a composed manner and maintain a relaxed mindset, although this is certainly easier said than done.

In a heartwarming moment, a child posed alongside his father, who happens to be a pilot, inside an airplane. Nearly three decades later, they recreated the same photograph.

Heat, abrupt gear changes and traffic jams contribute to the phenomenon.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

Some tips to limit the damage

If youre driving with passengers with a tendency to be car sick, or youre susceptible yourself, some adjustments to your travel habits might help you.

For the driver:

- It is recommended to take regular breaks to allow passengers to rest and alleviate their symptoms. Symptoms may take some time to completely disappear, but typically 15-30 minutes of rest is sufficient.

- It is advisable to minimize hard acceleration and braking. Maintaining a consistent speed and adopting a smooth driving style, even during overtaking or braking, can help reduce discomfort for passengers.

- It is important to avoid taking corners too sharply, especially on winding roads, in order to minimize jolts experienced by passengers in their seats.

• Position yourself in the front seat of the vehicle for optimal comfort and absorption of movement. Being in the driver's seat minimizes the chances of experiencing car sickness as you have control over the vehicle's movements.

• Avoid focusing on screens or other visual distractions, especially when the vehicle is not moving at a consistent speed. Instead, direct your attention towards the outside window and the horizon.

• Close your eyes or try to nap to calm your body and reduce activity.

• Adjust your seat to a reclined position to minimize the discomfort caused by the vehicle's motions.

• Engage in enjoyable car games with fellow passengers to alleviate boredom and divert attention from queasiness. Traditional favorites like "I Spy," singing songs, or counting cars of a specific color or make have proven to be effective in passing the time.

Please note that the emergence and disappearance of symptoms are primarily influenced by the psychological aspect.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that placebo effects can benefit passengers experiencing queasiness. Offering simple remedies such as a sweet treat, a piece of chewing gum, a sip of water, or a breath of fresh air while emphasizing their effectiveness can provide a boost to your fellow travelers.

Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels, with ideal journey conditions, as best as possible.

William Emond, a PhD student specializing in alleviating carsickness at the University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, France. Translated from French to English by Joshua Neicho.