How to prevent seasickness on a small boat

Don’t let seasickness ruin your chances of a blissful holiday at sea. If you suffer from seasickness easily or you’re nervous about the effect of an extended stay at then follow our tips to avoid that queasy feeling.

Face forward and keep an eye on the horizon

Facing forward in the direction the boat is moving will reduce the sensation of unsteadiness. Look at the horizon every now and then without staring at it. Staring at one thing continually can actually make you feel worse and your eyes will become confused by the motion of the object.

Don’t read for long periods of time

Most of us love to read while on holiday but if you suffer from seasickness we encourage you to do something else during the travel portions of your stay on the boat. Trying to read a book when it’s shifting with the motion of the boat could make you feel very sick.

Stay cool and hydrated

Allowing yourself to get too hot is dangerous. It can cause heat exhaustion which can lead to heat stroke. It’s also likely to make your seasickness worse. Stay cool by staying out of the sun at the hottest times of the day (11am to 3pm) and by drinking plenty of cold water little and often. Siestas are common in hot countries such as Turkey so why not go native and take an afternoon nap. You’ll save yourself from the sun and have a lot more energy for the evening.

Get fresh air

There’s no need to shut yourself up in your bunk though. Fresh air is a great cure for seasickness. Rest in the shade outside with your eye closed and take deep, relaxing breaths. You’ll soon get used to the gentle rocking of the boat.

Feelings of seasickness are purely brought on by mental factors. Your eyes and ears become confused by the motion of the boat, causing dizziness and nausea. As your brain adjusts the feelings of sickness will subside and you can get on with enjoying your holiday.

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