How to Stop Sickness on a Longview Charter Bus

Motion sickness can hit even the most experienced charter bus travelers, but with a plan and a few preventive strategies, you’ll be able to keep everyone feeling their best from Longview to Austin or anywhere else in Texas! Whether you’re shuttling students to Pine Tree High School for a field trip, organizing a family reunion at Lake O’ the Pines, or taking your church group for a retreat in Dallas, our team at Charter Bus Rental Longview has seen it all—and we know how to help. Call 430-323-4580 anytime if you have special requests or want to book a bus with specific amenity needs!

Quick Answer

If you’re planning to rent a charter bus, school bus, or minibus, there are several ways to prevent motion sickness among passengers. Book a bus with fresh air options, such as a PA system to remind people to use overhead fans or open windows. Onboard restrooms are also helpful for those who feel sick during the ride. Remind passengers to eat light, bland snacks like crackers before and during travel, and encourage them to sit near the front of the bus where movement is less noticeable. If someone starts feeling queasy, suggest they focus on the horizon or close their eyes and take deep breaths. You can also bring ginger candies or acupressure wristbands as natural remedies. For severe cases, over-the-counter medications like Dramamine may be necessary, but always consult a doctor first. With these tips, your group can travel comfortably and enjoy the journey!

What Is Motion Sickness?

Long rides through East Texas or hours on I-20 heading west can leave anyone feeling a little green around the gills. Nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and headaches are the classic symptoms of motion sickness—and they can make any group outing miserable. Kids on school trips, adults on corporate shuttles, or sensitive seniors on church outings might be especially prone to queasiness when the road gets winding or bumpy.

The good news: whether you’re on a quick shuttle to LeTourneau University or a long haul to Houston, there are plenty of ways to minimize motion sickness and keep everyone comfortable. We’ve helped groups of all ages and backgrounds travel without worry, so your itinerary stays on track and every passenger arrives ready for fun.

What Causes Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness happens when your brain gets mixed signals from your inner ear (which senses movement), your eyes (which see what’s happening), and other parts of your body. On a moving charter bus, your inner ear feels the swaying, stopping, and starting, but if you’re looking down at a book or phone, your eyes tell your brain you’re sitting still. This sensory mismatch confuses your brain, which can trigger nausea, dizziness, sweating, and even vomiting.

Anyone can get motion sick, but it’s more common in children, pregnant women, and people prone to migraines or anxiety. The good news? Most symptoms fade once the bus stops and your senses realign, but there’s no reason to suffer during your trip. Our buses have amenities and options that can help, and we’ll share traveler-tested tips below to keep everyone feeling well.

6 Tips to Prevent Motion Sickness

Tip 1: Choose the Right Seat

Where you sit matters! On a charter bus, the seats nearest the front wheels experience the least up-and-down motion. Sitting here helps align your visual and vestibular senses, reducing confusion in the brain. Encourage passengers prone to motion sickness to snag these spots. Facing forward and gazing out the window toward the horizon can further stabilize their perception of movement.

Tip 2: Maximize Fresh Air and Ventilation

Stale, stuffy air can make nausea worse. Our modern motorcoaches and minibuses feature strong climate control systems and many have windows that open. Request a vehicle with these features when booking. During the trip, use the overhead vents to direct cool air toward those feeling ill, or crack open windows if weather permits. Fresh air helps dissipate odors and provides relief from queasiness.

Tip 3: Watch What You Eat and Drink

Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods before and during the ride. These can upset the stomach and increase the risk of nausea. Instead, opt for bland, easy-to-digest snacks like crackers, pretzels, or bananas. Sipping water or clear fluids keeps you hydrated and can soothe an uneasy stomach. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you and worsen symptoms.

Tip 4: Distract Your Mind

Focusing on the sensation of movement can intensify motion sickness. Bring along distractions like music, podcasts, or audiobooks to engage your mind. However, avoid reading books or using screens for extended periods, as this can worsen the disconnect between your eyes and inner ear. If you must use a device, look up frequently and try to keep your gaze outside the vehicle.

Tip 5: Try Natural Remedies

Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. Bring ginger candies, ginger ale, or ginger tea to sip during the trip. Some passengers find relief using acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to the Nei-Kuan point on the wrist. While scientific evidence varies, many travelers swear by these methods for preventing or reducing symptoms.

Tip 6: Consider Medication for Severe Cases

If you know you’re prone to severe motion sickness, over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine can be effective. These work best if taken 30-60 minutes before the trip begins. Be aware of potential drowsiness or other side effects, and consult your doctor if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications. Prescription options are available for those with persistent issues, but discuss these with a healthcare provider.

Book a Charter Bus That Keeps Your Group Comfortable

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your next group trip from Longview! By choosing a charter bus rental with the right amenities and following these prevention tips, you can keep everyone feeling their best from departure to arrival. Whether you’re headed to Shreveport for a casino night, Dallas for a conference, or staying local for a day at the Gregg County Fairgrounds, Charter Bus Rental Longview is here to help. Our reservation specialists will match you with the perfect bus, answer any questions about onboard features, and provide a free, no-obligation quote—all in just a few minutes. Ready to plan a smooth, sickness-free journey? Call 430-323-4580 today!