How to Stop Sickness on a Portsmouth Charter Bus

If you’ve ever felt queasy while rolling down I-95 or Route 1 in a charter bus, you know motion sickness can put a damper on even the most exciting group trip. Whether you’re shuttling your wedding guests to a ceremony at Strawbery Banke, taking students on a field trip to the USS Albacore, or joining friends for a brewery tour around Market Square, nausea doesn’t have to be part of the itinerary. At Charter Bus Rental Portsmouth, we’ve helped groups travel comfortably across New Hampshire for over a decade. Here’s our comprehensive guide to preventing and managing motion sickness so everyone arrives feeling their best.

Quick Answer

Motion sickness is caused by conflicting signals between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. On a moving bus, this mismatch can lead to dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. To prevent it, choose a seat near the front where there’s less movement, face forward with your gaze fixed on the horizon, keep fresh air circulating, avoid reading or screens, snack on bland foods like crackers or ginger candies, stay hydrated, and consider natural remedies or over-the-counter medications if needed. With these strategies, you can help reduce or eliminate motion sickness symptoms on your next Portsmouth charter bus ride.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain receives mixed messages from your senses about movement. On a bus, your inner ear detects motion as the vehicle accelerates, turns, or bounces, but if your eyes are focused on something stationary—like a book, phone, or the seat in front of you—they signal that you’re not moving. This sensory conflict triggers symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others, but anyone can experience it under the right conditions, especially during winding routes through places like the Seacoast or sudden stops in city traffic.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

The primary cause of motion sickness is the disconnect between your visual input and your vestibular system (the balance organs in your inner ear). When these two systems send different information to your brain about whether you’re moving or still, your body reacts with discomfort. Factors that can worsen motion sickness include sitting in seats with more motion (like the back of the bus), poor ventilation, strong odors, dehydration, skipping meals, reading or using screens while in motion, and anxiety about travel. Bumpy roads like those leading to Odiorne Point State Park or frequent stops along busy routes can also increase the likelihood of symptoms.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

To stop motion sickness before it starts, plan ahead and use a combination of behavioral, dietary, and environmental strategies. Here are six proven tips:

Pick the Right Seat

Where you sit on the bus makes a big difference. Choose a seat near the front, ideally over the wheels, where the ride is smoothest. Facing forward is crucial—never sit facing backward if you’re prone to motion sickness. If possible, sit by a window and look out at the road ahead. Fixing your gaze on a stable point in the distance, like the horizon or passing scenery, helps align your visual and vestibular cues. Avoid seats at the very back, which tend to sway and bounce more, especially on uneven roads heading toward destinations like Rye Beach.

Control the Air and Smells

Fresh air can work wonders for nausea. Open a window or use the overhead vent to keep cool air flowing around you. Stale, warm, or stuffy air exacerbates symptoms, as do strong smells like food, perfume, or cleaning products. Ask your group to avoid bringing pungent snacks or heavily scented items aboard. If you start feeling queasy, take slow, deep breaths and focus on inhaling clean air. Some people find relief by smelling peppermint or lemon essential oil, which can mask unpleasant odors and soothe the stomach.

Avoid Screens and Reading

Looking down at a book, tablet, or phone while the bus is moving increases the disconnect between your eyes and inner ear. Save reading, texting, or watching videos for when the bus is stopped. Instead, listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks with your eyes closed, or chat with fellow passengers. If you must use a device, try to raise it to eye level and glance up frequently to reorient yourself. Many charter buses now have WiFi and power outlets, but limit screen time if you’re sensitive to motion.

Eat Light and Stay Hydrated

Your choice of food and drink can affect your susceptibility to motion sickness. Eat a small, bland meal an hour or two before departure—think plain toast, crackers, apples, or bananas. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods, as well as heavy dairy, which can upset your stomach. Bring ginger candies, ginger ale, or ginger tea, as ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy. Sip water regularly to stay hydrated, but don’t chug large amounts at once. Skip alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you and can worsen symptoms. If you start to feel sick, nibble on dry snacks and take small sips of fluid.

Try Natural Remedies and Acupressure

Many travelers swear by natural treatments for motion sickness. Ginger is the most researched and widely recommended—it’s available as capsules, chews, teas, or even raw slices. Peppermint and chamomile teas may also calm the stomach. Acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) point on your inner wrist, are another non-drug option. While scientific evidence is mixed, some people find these bands effective for reducing nausea. You can also massage the same spot yourself if you don’t have a band. Aromatherapy with peppermint or lavender oil may provide additional comfort.

Use Medication if Needed

If you have a history of severe motion sickness or natural methods aren’t enough, consider over-the-counter or prescription medication. Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) are commonly used and should be taken 30-60 minutes before travel for best results. They can cause drowsiness, so use caution if you need to stay alert. Scopolamine patches, placed behind the ear several hours before departure, offer up to three days of protection and are less sedating. For children or those with medical conditions, consult a healthcare provider before using any medication. Always test a new remedy before your trip to check for side effects.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Charter Bus Rental Portsmouth offers a range of bus options with amenities that can help prevent motion sickness. Request a bus with reclining seats so passengers can rest and stabilize their heads. Overhead vents allow individual control of airflow, and tinted windows reduce glare and visual strain. If your group is sensitive to temperature, ask for climate control settings that maintain a cool, comfortable cabin. Pack extra sick bags, tissues, and sanitizing wipes just in case someone does get ill—being prepared reduces anxiety, which can itself be a trigger for symptoms.

Plan Rest Stops and Distraction Activities

For longer trips, schedule regular breaks to let everyone stretch their legs, get fresh air, and reset their senses. Even a five-minute stop at a rest area or scenic overlook can make a difference. During the ride, organize activities that distract from discomfort without requiring close visual focus. Play audio trivia games, share stories, or hold a sing-along. Some groups bring coloring books or fidget toys for tactile engagement. The key is to keep minds occupied and moods positive, which helps minimize the perception of nausea.

Summary

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your group’s charter bus experience in Portsmouth or anywhere in New Hampshire. By choosing the right seat, keeping air fresh, avoiding screens, eating light, trying natural remedies, using medication if necessary, and creating a supportive environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of nausea and enjoy the journey. Charter Bus Rental Portsmouth is committed to making every trip comfortable and safe—if you have passengers who are prone to motion sickness, let us know when booking, and we’ll help accommodate their needs. With the right preparation, everyone can arrive ready to explore historic sites, attend events, or celebrate special occasions without the burden of queasiness. Contact our team today at 603-605-0130 to learn more about our customizable packages and how we can support your group’s health and comfort on the road.