eWire
March 22, 2002
Where's The Rail
Geoff Edwards
Geoff Edwards
geoffe@usa.net
Member of SATW
Member of EWNB
As a travel writer and cruise critic, I am frequently asked how to prevent seasickness. I always give this advice. Don't get a patch. The patches contain scopolamine, a drug used as a truth serum during the days of WWII. Older people can get very confused with this drug seeping into their blood, and the vacation winds up as pretty much of a blur. Some older people simply fall down. Newlyweds should think twice about the consequences of going within 100 yards of truth serum.
Then there are the pills. They settle the stomach somewhat, but mostly just put you to sleep.
Believe it or not, a lot of people, even some with a good deal of brains, tout the wristbands that apply pressure to certain points on the wrist, and thus, it is said, stop motion sickness. I haven't tried them, but, hey why not? At least the wristband won't interfere with your drinking.
I have tried ginger capsules that can be bought at any health food store. No side effects, and even some doctors recommend them. Do they work? I have no idea. I took it once on a World Cruise when it was getting rough, but the waters calmed before the capsule dissolved. I did, however, dream about Thai food. By the way, some travelers even use ginger to ward off jet lag. Two capsules before and two after the flight.
And then, there's Motion Eaze. If this stuff doesn't satisfy, you can get your money back. It works on the inner ear. It is there, not the stomach, where all the trouble actually starts. A few drops behind each ear when symptoms begin, and you can laugh at the others as they weave towards the rail. No side effects either, and if people scoff at you, tell them to stick it in their ear. Find out about Motion Eaze at www.motioneaze.com. Now, if they only mixed it with an alluring perfume that would be the perfect product for those single parties at sea.
Be assured that on the new mega ships, there is hardly any discernable motion, so seasickness will not be likely to strike. Never the less, it is a good idea to be prepared, because when it hits, it is truly miserable. I never eat anything I am afraid to see again, and Bon Voyage.