Travel Sickness & Ferry Travel

Practical advice for a smoother journey to and from Islay

For many visitors, the ferry crossing is part of the Islay experience. However, rough weather, strong winds or choppy seas can sometimes make the journey uncomfortable.

Travel sickness is common and can affect adults and children. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take before and during your journey to help reduce symptoms.

What is travel sickness?

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, happens when your brain receives mixed messages from your eyes, inner ear and body about movement.

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling sick or nauseous
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Headache
• Tiredness or feeling generally unwell

Tips to help reduce travel sickness

Before you travel

• Avoid large, heavy meals before travelling
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid too much alcohol before your journey
• Try to get a good night’s sleep before travelling
• Consider taking travel sickness medication before the journey, if suitable for you

During the ferry crossing

• Sit where movement feels less noticeable, often towards the centre of the vessel
• Look towards the horizon rather than reading or looking down at a phone
• Get fresh air on deck if it is safe and conditions allow
• Avoid strong smells if they make you feel worse
• Sip water regularly
• Try to stay calm and breathe steadily

Travel sickness treatments

Islay Pharmacy can advise on travel sickness products that may help prevent or reduce symptoms.

Options may include:

• Travel sickness tablets
• Pressure-point travel bands
• Products that may help with nausea
• Advice for children, adults and people taking other medicines

Some travel sickness medicines can cause drowsiness or may not be suitable for everyone. Please ask our pharmacy team for advice, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, buying for a child, taking other medication or have a medical condition.

Forgotten your travel sickness tablets?

If you have arrived on Islay and forgotten your travel sickness medication, don’t worry. Visit Islay Pharmacy and our team will advise on suitable options where appropriate.

Travelling with medicines

If you are travelling to Islay with regular medication, it is sensible to plan ahead.

• Bring enough medicine for your full stay
• Keep medicines in their original packaging
• Carry essential medicines with you rather than packing them away in luggage
• Keep inhalers, insulin, adrenaline pens and other urgent medicines easy to access
• Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time before travelling

When to seek medical advice

Travel sickness usually settles once the journey ends. However, you should seek medical advice if:

• You cannot keep fluids down
• You are showing signs of dehydration
• You have severe dizziness or confusion
• Symptoms continue long after travel has ended
• You are concerned about a child, older adult or someone with an existing medical condition

Need help during your visit?

Our team can help with travel sickness advice, forgotten medication, minor illnesses, first aid essentials and general healthcare support during your stay on Islay.

Islay Pharmacy
42 Main Street
Bowmore
Isle of Islay
PA43 7JJ

Telephone: 01496 301591

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