Book expert shares surprising way to stop travel sickness without medication
Key Points
- Book expert reveals the simple trick travellers can use to curb motion sickness without relying on tablets
- Scrolling on your phone or reading can make symptoms worse — but one hands-free method keeps nausea at bay
- Taskeen Ahmed explains why certain types of audiobooks are best for distracting the brain from feeling sick
Feeling queasy on a long journey is something most people can relate to – whether it’s a winding car ride, a bumpy train, or a turbulent flight. The dizziness, nausea and that rising sense of regret that you didn’t pack travel sickness pills can quickly turn excitement into misery.
And while many reach for their phones or try to distract themselves with music, these go-to solutions often backfire. Reading can make symptoms worse, and staring at a screen can confuse the brain even more.
But according to Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, a UK-based sustainable bookseller, there’s one underrated solution that could help settle your stomach – without needing medication or staring out the window for hours.
Here, Taskeen reveals that audiobooks might just be the secret weapon for tackling motion sickness, especially when you pick the right type of story.
Why Audiobooks Work (When Other Distractions Don’t)
Motion sickness happens when your eyes and inner ears send conflicting messages to the brain. Reading a book or staring at your phone makes this worse because your eyes are fixed on something still, while your body feels like it’s moving. That disconnect can make your brain panic – and your stomach turn.
But audiobooks don’t demand visual focus. They keep your mind active, pulling you into a storyline without triggering that sensory conflict.
“Audiobooks let you escape into a narrative while your eyes stay free to rest or look out the window,” says Taskeen. “Unlike music, which fades into the background, a good audiobook keeps your brain engaged. Plus, that mental focus can distract you from feelings of nausea.”
And while some may try podcasts, Taskeen says structured storytelling tends to work better. “Podcasts can be hit-and-miss depending on the topic or tone. With audiobooks, you get a consistent, immersive experience, which is what your brain needs to stay grounded when the motion gets rough.”
The Best Audiobook Genres for Travel
Not all audiobooks are created equal when it comes to travel sickness. Some genres are far more effective than others at drawing listeners in and keeping the mind occupied.
So, what works best?
Thrillers: With fast-paced plots and cliffhanger chapters, these are ideal for keeping your attention locked in. Think twisty crime stories or gripping survival tales.
Biographies: Especially those read by the person themselves, they combine storytelling with a sense of intimacy and connection.
Mystery and True Crime:These spark curiosity, encouraging your brain to follow clues and stay mentally engaged.
Humour: Light-hearted memoirs or comedic fiction can lift your mood and help override feelings of discomfort.
“A good rule of thumb is to pick something you’d genuinely binge; a book you’d ‘just listen to one more chapter’ of,” says Taskeen. “The more absorbing the narrative, the more effective it is at holding your brain’s attention away from how your body feels.”
Taskeen’s Pro Tips For Listening On The Go
While audiobooks do the heavy lifting, there are a few ways to get the most out of your listening session:
- Download before you travel to avoid streaming issues mid-journey
- Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise
- Start listening before symptoms begin, not once you’re already feeling sick
- Stick to a familiar narrator if you’re easily distracted by voices or accents
“Prevention is key,” Taskeen adds. “If you wait until you feel awful, you’re playing catch-up. Start the book as soon as the journey begins – it helps train your focus away from the motion before your body reacts.”
Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, comments:
“Audiobooks are such a powerful tool for travel because they engage your imagination without demanding anything from your eyes. When you’re listening to a story, your brain fills in the visuals, getting involved in solving mysteries, picturing characters, or following along with a journey. That kind of cognitive engagement helps override the conflicting signals that typically cause motion sickness.
“We’ve heard from customers who say audiobooks have completely transformed their experience of long journeys. Not only are they entertained – they’re more comfortable, more relaxed, and able to enjoy the ride instead of dreading it. And unlike visual entertainment, there’s no risk of triggering that nauseous, disoriented feeling. It’s a small change with a big payoff, especially if you travel often.”
