Printable checklist
The family road-trip checklist
Pack, prep, and in-car routine for road trips with someone who gets car sick. Built from what we’ve learned the hard way.
Before you leave (24 hours out)
- Confirm seating: kid in the middle back seat where they can see straight ahead
- Pack ginger chews or candied ginger (not gummies, real ginger)
- Charge headphones; load calming audiobooks or instrumental music
- Print or cache offline an audio playlist (no screens in motion)
- Light, low-fat dinner the night before; avoid greasy or heavy foods
- Cool the car interior the night before if parking outside
Morning of
- Eat a small, plain breakfast 60–90 minutes before departure (banana, toast, plain crackers)
- Hydrate, but don't over-water, sip water rather than chug
- Decide on first stop in advance (every 60–90 minutes recommended)
- Open the windows for a fresh-air interior before loading up
- Confirm everyone has a paper bag or designated container, just in case
In the car
- Eyes on the horizon, point out things ahead, not to the side
- No reading, no screens, no looking down
- Cool, fresh airflow on the face
- Music or audiobook instead of conversation that requires concentration
- Take a break at the first sign of pale skin, cold sweat, or quiet (kids often go quiet before getting sick)
- If symptoms start: pull over, fresh air, sip water, ginger chew, rest 10–15 minutes before continuing
Emergency kit
- 2–3 sealable paper bags (sturdier than plastic and don't crinkle)
- Wet wipes
- Backup change of clothes for the kid
- Towel and gallon of water
- Plastic bag for soiled items
- Sealable bag of ginger chews
- Sea-Band or pressure wristband (worn before symptoms start)
© 2026 nocarsick. For personal use. Not medical advice, talk to a clinician for individualized guidance.