Ava McDonnell
If long drives to the Keys or boat trips off the Gulf leave you feeling a little green, you’re not alone. A new study by travel platform GuruWalk has revealed that Florida ranks as the fourth-most affected state in the nation for travel sickness, with 55.56 average monthly searches per 100,000 residents looking for relief. That’s more than 30% higher than the national average.
According to the report, Floridians frequently turn to Google for answers about “motion sickness,” “motion sickness pills,” and “motion sickness medication.” With year-round road trips, cruises, theme park rides, and flights to tropical getaways, it’s no surprise that so many residents and tourists alike are searching for ways to curb queasiness while in motion.
The Most Affected States
While Florida made the top five, Hawaii topped the national list as the state most concerned about motion sickness, followed by Alaska, California, and then Florida. GuruWalk’s researchers noted that island states like Hawaii and Alaska rely heavily on boats and planes, making residents more prone to motion sickness than those in landlocked regions.
Rounding out the top ten were Nevada, New York, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington which are all states with heavy travel or commuter lifestyles.
On the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia ranked as the least worried about travel sickness, followed by Mississippi and Montana.
Between Orlando’s twisting theme park coasters, cruise ports like Port Canaveral, and weekend drives up and down the coast, Central Floridians experience more motion variety than most. Add in humid conditions, long travel times, and busy roads, and motion sickness becomes an all-too-familiar travel companion.
Carolina Martinez of GuruWalk explained, “Geographically isolated states like Hawaii and Alaska are naturally more prone, but states with strong commuter and tourism cultures — like Florida — see increased awareness and concern. From daily car commutes to ferry rides and amusement park attractions, it’s no wonder motion sickness searches are high here.”
Expert Tips to Avoid Motion Sickness
GuruWalk also shared practical, travel-friendly advice for those looking to enjoy their journeys nausea-free:
Before You Travel:
Skip heavy or spicy meals before your trip — opt for lighter snacks like crackers or bananas.
Stay hydrated with water instead of sugary or caffeinated drinks.
Choose seats that minimize motion: near the front of a bus, over the wings of a plane, or midship on a boat.
During Your Journey:
Fix your gaze on a stable point on the horizon to give your brain a steady visual cue.
Avoid reading or scrolling on screens, which can worsen dizziness.
Try chewing gum or mints to reduce nausea through saliva production.
Bring along ginger biscuits/ginger ale — ginger naturally soothes the stomach and helps prevent vomiting.
Whether you’re heading to a theme park, taking a road trip down A1A, or cruising out of Miami, it’s worth taking a few small precautions to ensure your trip stays enjoyable.
With a little preparation (and maybe a few ginger cookies), Floridians can keep their motion sickness in check and make the most of their adventures across the Sunshine State.
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