Every year, millions of people in Indonesia travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Lebaran with their families. This tradition, known as mudik, often involves long journeys by car, bus, train, or plane. While the excitement of meeting loved ones makes the trip special, the long hours on the road can also be challenging for some travelers.
One common problem during mudik is motion sickness. Many people feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable during the trip, especially on long or winding roads. Understanding why motion sickness happens and knowing a few simple tips can help make your Lebaran journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Before learning how to prevent it, it is helpful to understand why our bodies react this way when we are in a moving vehicle.
Understanding Motion Sickness
In the medical world, travel sickness is known as motion sickness. This condition happens because the brain receives conflicting signals from the body’s sensory system.
For example, when you sit inside a moving car, your eyes may see the road and surroundings moving quickly. However, the inner ear, which controls balance, may feel that your body is actually sitting still. Because the brain receives different information at the same time, it becomes confused.
As a result, the brain sends signals to the stomach, which can trigger nausea and discomfort.
Preparing Before the Trip
Preventing motion sickness is always easier than treating it. With proper preparation before traveling, you can significantly reduce the chances of feeling nauseous.
1. Pay Attention to What You Eat
Do not travel on an empty stomach, but also avoid eating too much before the trip. An empty stomach can easily produce gas and cause discomfort, while a stomach that is too full can feel unstable when the vehicle moves. Try to avoid fatty foods, very spicy meals, and carbonated drinks because they take longer to digest and may increase stomach acid. Instead, choose light foods such as bread, biscuits, or simple carbohydrate snacks that are easier on the stomach.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Fatigue is one of the main triggers of motion sickness. That is why getting enough rest before traveling is very important. Try to sleep at least seven to eight hours the night before a long trip. A well-rested body can better tolerate movement and vibration during travel.
3. Choose the Right Seat
Your seat position can greatly affect how much movement your body feels. If you travel by car, sitting in the front passenger seat is usually the best choice because you can see the road clearly. This helps your brain adjust to the vehicle’s movement.On buses, seats in the middle section, especially near or slightly in front of the wheels, are more stable. Avoid sitting in the very back because the shaking is usually stronger there. For ships, the middle part of the vessel is the most stable during waves. Meanwhile, on airplanes, seats near the wings usually experience less turbulence.
Tips to Stay Comfortable During the Journey
Even with preparation, motion sickness may still happen. If you begin to feel uncomfortable during the trip, these simple steps can help reduce the symptoms.
1. Focus Your Eyes on the Horizon
One common mistake travelers make is using their phones or reading books while the vehicle is moving. These activities make your eyes focus on objects that stay still, while your body feels movement. This increases the sensory conflict in the brain and can worsen nausea.
Instead, look outside the window and focus on distant objects or the horizon. This helps your brain understand that your body is moving and reduces dizziness.
2. Maintain Good Air Circulation
Fresh air can help reduce nausea significantly. A closed space with strong smells—such as strong car perfume or smoke—can trigger motion sickness quickly. If possible, open the window slightly to allow fresh air into the vehicle. When using air conditioning, direct the airflow toward your face. It is also best to avoid smoking inside the vehicle because cigarette smoke is a common trigger for nausea.
3. Use Natural Aromatherapy
The sense of smell is closely connected to the nausea center in the brain. Certain natural aromas can help calm the stomach.
Many travelers bring medicated oil, fresh ginger slices, or lemon scent during long trips. Ginger contains a natural compound called gingerol, which may help relax the digestive system and reduce nausea.
4. Practice Deep Breathing
When nausea starts, people often breathe quickly and shallowly without realizing it. Unfortunately, this can reduce oxygen supply and make the feeling worse. Instead, try deep breathing. Slowly inhale through your nose, hold your breath for about three seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique can help relax your body and calm your nervous system.
Medication: The Last Option
If natural methods are not effective enough, medical help can also be used. However, timing is important. Antihistamine medications such as dimenhydrinate are commonly used to prevent motion sickness. These medicines work best when taken 30–60 minutes before the trip, not after nausea has already started. Many of these medications can cause drowsiness, which may actually help because sleeping can make the journey easier. Another option is motion sickness patches or medicated stickers that are placed behind the ear. These patches help reduce nausea signals sent to the brain.
Things to Avoid During Holiday Travel
Holiday travel seasons, especially during Lebaran, are often crowded and involve long journeys. If you are prone to motion sickness, there are several habits you should avoid.
- Do not keep your head down for too long, such as when constantly looking at your phone.
- Avoid eating heavy meals when the vehicle is moving on winding roads, because sudden turns can worsen nausea.
- Strong smells inside the vehicle should also be avoided. Aromas like durian, oily fried food, or very strong perfumes can easily trigger nausea during travel.
Special Tips for Children
Children are often more sensitive to motion sickness than adults. If you travel with young kids who easily get car sick, try to keep them engaged with activities that do not require focusing on close objects.
For example, you can play simple games such as guessing the colors of passing cars or singing songs together. These activities help children look outside rather than focusing on screens.
It is best to avoid giving children tablets or letting them watch movies for long periods during the trip because their eyes are more sensitive to sensory conflicts.
Motion sickness can be unpleasant, but it should not stop you from enjoying your trip or visiting loved ones during the holidays.
With proper preparation, the right seat choice, healthy eating habits, and simple techniques during the journey, you can greatly reduce the chances of feeling nauseous.
A comfortable trip will help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, happy, and ready to celebrate special moments with family and friends.
