How to Stop Sickness on a South Gate Charter Bus

If you’ve ever gotten queasy on a road trip, you know motion sickness can turn even the most scenic ride into a misery. Luckily, a few simple strategies can help you or your group keep it together—and enjoy every mile of the journey, whether you’re headed to a school field trip at the California Science Center or a concert at Crypto.com Arena.

Quick Answer

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets confused by mixed signals from your eyes and inner ear. To prevent it, sit near the front of the bus and look out the window at a fixed point on the horizon. Take slow, deep breaths, skip heavy meals before the trip, and snack on bland foods like crackers or ginger chews. Stay hydrated with water (not soda or juice), open a window for fresh air, and avoid reading or using your phone while moving. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or acupressure wristbands can also help if you’re prone to getting sick.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is your body’s reaction to conflicting sensory information. Your eyes see one thing (the inside of a moving bus), but your inner ear—which helps control balance—senses another (movement and acceleration). The result? Nausea, dizziness, sweating, and sometimes vomiting. It’s very common on winding roads through Griffith Park or along the Pacific Coast Highway, but it can happen anywhere a vehicle moves in ways your body isn’t expecting.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

The root cause is a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. On a bus, this often happens if you’re reading, looking down at your phone, or facing backward. Other factors that make it worse include stuffy air, strong smells (like diesel exhaust or food), anxiety about travel, and having an empty or overly full stomach. Some people are simply more sensitive to these triggers—kids ages 2-12, pregnant women, and anyone who has experienced migraines or vestibular disorders tend to be more susceptible.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Ready to conquer motion sickness and enjoy your next charter bus ride around South Gate or beyond? Here are six science-backed strategies that really work:

Sit Near the Front and Face Forward

The smoothest ride on any bus is over the front wheels. Sitting here minimizes up-and-down bouncing and side-to-side swaying, reducing the sensory conflict that causes nausea. Always face forward so your eyes align with the direction of travel. If possible, book these seats in advance—your stomach will thank you when cruising down I-5 or the 710.

Look Out the Window at the Horizon

Your best bet is to gaze out the windshield or side window at a stable object far away, like the skyline of downtown Los Angeles or distant mountains. This helps synchronize your visual input with your inner ear’s sense of movement. Avoid staring at close-up scenery zooming past, as this can make symptoms worse. If you start feeling queasy, close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths until it passes.

Keep Fresh Air Circulating

Stale or warm air makes motion sickness more likely. Open a window or direct an overhead vent toward your face to get a steady flow of cool, fresh air. If someone nearby is eating pungent snacks or wearing strong perfume, politely ask them to move or wait until the next rest stop. Clean, odor-free air is key to keeping your stomach settled during long hauls to destinations like Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood.

Avoid Reading or Using Screens

Looking down at books, tablets, or phones while the bus is moving is a surefire way to trigger motion sickness. The small text or images stay still while your body feels movement, confusing your brain. Save screen time for breaks or use audio options instead. Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks with your eyes closed—this keeps your senses in sync and distracts you from any mild discomfort.

Choose Your Snacks Wisely

An empty stomach can make you more vulnerable to motion sickness, but so can heavy, greasy, or spicy foods. Before departure, eat a light meal high in protein and low in fat, such as yogurt with granola or a turkey sandwich. Onboard, nibble bland snacks like saltines, pretzels, or plain bread. Ginger is a proven natural remedy—sip ginger tea, chew ginger candies, or try ginger capsules to calm your stomach.

Stay Hydrated — But Skip Sugary Drinks

Dehydration can worsen nausea, so sip water regularly throughout your trip. Avoid carbonated beverages (which can increase bloating), acidic juices, or caffeinated drinks that may upset your stomach further. Bring a refillable bottle and keep it handy, especially if your itinerary includes outdoor activities like hiking in Elysian Park or exploring Long Beach Aquarium.

Consider Medication or Natural Remedies

If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Bonine (meclizine) are effective when taken 30-60 minutes before travel. They may cause drowsiness, so don’t combine them with alcohol or other sedatives. Non-drug options include acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands), which press on a specific point on your inner wrist believed to relieve nausea, and aromatherapy with peppermint or lavender essential oils. Always test new remedies before your trip to ensure they agree with you.

Book Your Next Ride with Charter Bus Rental South Gate

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your next group trip. By following these tips and booking with Charter Bus Rental South Gate, you’ll set yourself up for a comfortable, enjoyable journey every time. Whether it’s a quick shuttle to LAX, a day-long excursion to Santa Monica Pier, or a multi-day tour across California, we’ve got the experience and fleet size to handle all your transportation needs. Call 562-232-7945 anytime for instant pricing, customizable packages, and friendly support that puts your comfort first. Let us take the wheel—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.