A Guide to Preventing Travel Sickness This Easter Holiday

As the Easter holidays approach, many families across the UK are preparing for getaways — whether it’s a scenic road trip through the Lake District, a ferry to France, or a long-awaited flight to warmer shores. While holidays are meant to be relaxing, travel sickness can quickly put a damper on your plans.

At Bourne End Pharmacy, we regularly support patients experiencing motion sickness and understand how disruptive it can be — especially for children. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide to help you prevent and manage travel sickness, both at home and abroad, so you can make the most of your Easter break.

What Causes Travel Sickness?

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when your inner ear (which controls balance) sends signals to your brain that conflict with what your eyes see. This sensory mismatch can lead to nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and even vomiting.

It can affect anyone, but children aged 2–12 are particularly susceptible, as are pregnant women and those prone to migraines. The good news is there are plenty of strategies — from natural remedies to pharmacy-recommended products — that can help.

When to Take Travel Sickness Tablets

One of the most effective ways to prevent motion sickness is with anti-sickness medication, such as hyoscine hydrobromide (e.g. Kwells) or certain antihistamines (such as cinnarizine).

Tips for use:

Timing is crucial – Tablets work best when taken before travel begins. Hyoscine, for example, should be taken about 30–60 minutes before your journey.

Check age suitability – Some products are not suitable for young children or people with certain health conditions.

Beware of drowsiness – Some anti-sickness tablets can cause sleepiness, so they may not be ideal if you’re driving or need to stay alert.

If you’re unsure which product is best for your family, pop into Bourne End Pharmacy and speak with one of our trained team members. We’ll recommend the safest and most effective option for your needs.

Travel Sickness Bands: A Drug-Free Alternative

Travel sickness bands are an increasingly popular choice, especially for children, pregnant women, and those seeking a non-medicinal approach. These reusable wristbands work by applying pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) acupressure point on the inner wrist — a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine.

How to use them:

• Locate the P6 point: three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between two tendons on the inner arm.

• Place the band so the pressure stud is positioned directly on this point.

• Wear one band on each wrist for best results.

• Put them on before the journey starts, and keep them on throughout travel.

Travel sickness bands are safe, easy to use, and can be particularly helpful on boats, coaches, or on winding car journeys. They can also be used when flying – in which case, altitude sickness tablets may also be of use.

At Bourne End Pharmacy, we stock a range of options in both adult and child sizes. Just ask in store.

Dietary Tips Before and During Travel

What you eat before your journey can also make a difference. A heavy, greasy meal can make symptoms worse, especially when combined with movement.

Try this instead:

• Eat a light, bland meal about an hour before departure — toast, crackers, or bananas are ideal.

• Avoid spicy, fried, or rich foods.

• Stay hydrated, but avoid too much caffeine or fizzy drinks which may increase nausea.

Pack dry snacks (like oatcakes or rice cakes) and sips of water to keep nausea at bay during the journey.

General Travel Tips to Prevent Sickness

Beyond medication and bands, a few simple travel habits can go a long way:

Sit where movement feels minimal – front seats in cars, near the wings on a plane, or midship on a boat.

Face forward and look at the horizon when possible.

Keep the air flowing – fresh air or air-con can help.

Avoid reading or screens – they confuse your brain and worsen motion sickness.

Keeping the mind occupied with conversation, music, or audio books can also help distract from symptoms.

When to Speak to Your Pharmacist

If someone in your family regularly experiences severe travel sickness, or if you’re travelling for the first time with a child or during pregnancy, it’s worth having a quick chat with our pharmacy team before you go.

At Bourne End Pharmacy, we’re here to help you choose the right combination of products and strategies — whether that means medication, travel sickness bands, or both. We can also advise on interactions with other medicines and recommend what to keep in your travel health kit for longer trips.

Safe Travels This Easter

Don’t let travel sickness spoil your Easter break. With a bit of planning, the right tools, and advice from your local pharmacy, you can enjoy smoother journeys and better holidays.

Contact Bourne End Pharmacy Travel Clinic today to stock up on travel sickness remedies — and set off feeling confident, prepared, and nausea-free.

This blog was written on behalf of Bourne End Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.