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Travel sickness

This factsheet is for people who get travel sickness, or who would like information about it.

Travel or motion sickness is a condition some people get when travelling where they feel sick, vomit or feel dizzy. It can happen during any form of transport but common examples include car or sea travel. Travel sickness can be reduced or even prevented by taking certain medicines before travelling.

Read below for more information about travel sickness or go to our Travel health page.

Published by Bupa's Health Information Team, March 2010.

Ship deck horizon

About travel and motion sickness

Travel sickness isn't only restricted to car and sea travel, you can also get it on train journeys and air travel as well as on fairground rides and swings.

Travel sickness is most common in children. However, many children become less susceptible as they get older.

Symptoms

If you have travel sickness you may have several symptoms, including:

  • feeling sick
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • a headache
  • sweating
  • looking pale
  • rapid breathing
  • drowsiness

Symptoms get better when the motion stops. They also tend to get better or go away completely on long trips, such as on a ship, as you're likely to adapt to the motion and gradually recover.

If you find you get severe or frequent travel sickness, see a doctor.

Causes

Although travel sickness isn't fully understood, research suggests that it's caused by movements when travelling, such as tilting and shaking, which can confuse your brain.

Normally, your vestibular system, which is located in your inner ear, keeps track of your body, head and eye movements. This helps you to change position and control your balance. However, during travel, the motion your vestibular system senses doesn't match what you see. This conflict between the senses is thought to cause travel sickness. Anyone can get travel sickness and no one knows why some people are more sensitive than others.

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  • This information was published by Bupa's Health Information Team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by appropriate medical or clinical professionals. Photos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended only for general information and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.