Anne Travels

With the popularity of cheap ferries and self-drive holidays enjoying a happy resurgence in the U.K, more families than ever are heading off on festive European adventures in search of winter sun, Christmas markets, great piste and winter wonderland adventure! U.K waters can be a fickle, which means choppy crossings are a real possibility even in summer months. Seasickness needn’t be too much of a problem on a short crossing like some of the Stena Line Ireland crossings (around two hours) but it can present an extremely uncomfortable problem on longer journeys.

•             Invest in sea sickness tablets. Some can cause drowsiness, but a timely nap is often preferable to hours of feeling nauseous!

•             Keeping the horizon in sight (don’t stare too hard) can help, although this does mean staying next to a window awake throughout the trip. Avoid spending too much time looking at anything the brain considers stable, e.g. books, the wall, the floor, a TV screen etc.

•             Take regular walks and spend time outside – fresh air can be incredibly beneficial!

•             Caffeine can aggravate sea sickness by causing headaches. Avoid it during the hours before ferry travel. Similarly, alcohol can seriously exacerbate sea sickness, even if it’s just a small drink to sooth nerves.

•             Ginger can be a great natural way to combat seasickness. Visit an organic foods store for ginger biscuits, crystals or candy.

•             Avoid acidic or greasy foods before and during travel. Anything that could upset the stomach is a big NO!

•             Staying in the middle of the boat can minimise the “rolling” sensation.