Question about Motion Sickness in the Dolomites & the Amalfi Coast

Yes to both. Sorry to hear that for you. Wish I could suggest something.

Sheron, first, do not delay talking to your doctor about it. Second, I had motion sickness (for the first time ever) on a very winding-road trip through Tuscany and Umbria. I went to a pharmacy and the pharmacist gave me a packet of motion-sickness pills (pharmacists in Italy can prescribe many more medications than they can here). Solved the problem immediately. Tell the pharmacist about any allergies or concerns about side effects, and have a happy trip.

I take Bonine which was recommended to me by 2 pharmacists friends. Minimal side effects with mild drowsiness.

Yes - driving the Dolomite and Amalfi Coast will consist of many twists and turns. I've had motion sickness all my life so am used to dealing with it. Are you driving these roads yourself? I don't get carsick if I am the one driving. And the second best is to sit in the front passenger seat. If you were going to be on a bus (hope not - these are the worst for me), then closing your eyes is the final best option - that way your brain and body are both in sync. My daughter also gets carsick and Dramamine works best for her. Unfortunately it also makes you tired. I wouldn't use the patch for a driving trip myself - but really, if you are planning to rent a car, then be the driver on the twisty roads portion of the trip - I've never gotten the least bit carsick with that option.

as someone who travels often and suffers from motion sickness I have found Dramamine to be my drug of choice. It will make you drowsy but not knocked out and you will feel a little dehydrated after taking it. Once you get to your destinations drink some extra water for a day or two. good luck
it's no fun getting sick, especially on vacation

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately it's not an option for me to be the driver...I'm not a good driver & would be a nervous wreck if I drove whereas my husband is a calm & good driver & he enjoys driving. I have tried Dramamine & Bonine but the drowsy side effects interfered with my plans. Thank you for the suggestions. I'm trying to find a doctor who can diagnose whether it's an inner ear problem or not. If I can't get a handle on this, I'm thinking about cancelling the Dolomites for sure.

You might think about taking the boat from Salerno down the Amalfi coast. It was an amazing boat ride and we had to spend two awful hours in Positano on our way to Sorrento. We were stuck in a cafe, drinking wine and watching the beach. Terrible. But, sarcasm aside, the boat ride is great.

I agree with John regarding the Amafli coast, the boat ride is very smooth and calm and provides much better views than the bus. The bus ride is cramped, hot and almost dangerous-seeming. I'd always done the bus for a few years until I discovered the boat, and have never done it any other way now. You can just book when you get there (depending on when you go, during the Summer the ferries run many times a day, less frequently in the fall/winter/spring). http://www.amalficoastweb.com/amalfi/english/amalfi_coast_ferries.html http://www.costadiamalfi.it/Amalfi_Kuste/traghetti_orari.htm MM is Metro del Mare, who's website seems to be broken, this is the only schedule I could find. Also, here are some schedules: http://www.visitingeu.com/western-europe/italy/2010/06/ferries-from-sorrento-to-amalfi.html

I can't speak for the Dolomites, but having just returned from the Amalfi coast, I would say that there is a strong likelihood that the bus ride would cause motion sickness. (I saw two people with motion sickness get sick on the bus). If the ferry is still running, that would be a much better ride for you. There are several good prescription motion sickness medications with minimal side effects, but you should seriously consider contacting your physician since this is a new phenomenon. This could be caused by a side effect from other medication or herbal treatment, virus, too much salt ingestion, meniere's disease, cochlear tumor, or other issue. Do yourself a favor and see a Physician before going.

Thank you for all the replies; they are very helpful. I love the idea of taking the boat down the Amalfi Coast instead of the bus; I'm sure it will be more scenic anyways. I tried Bonine for the flight last week coming home from Hawaii & it didn't work...I'm trying to get to a doctor to see what's causing this. I'm concerned about the long flights to/from Italy & the Dolomites portion of the trip. Thank you again for your input.

Long flights are unlikely to cause motion sickness in severe forms because 90% of the time they are, for all purposes of the body", 'still' - no lateral or vertical acceleration As for the Dolomiti, yes, there are many mountain passes and curves. It's hard to drive 1 mile without at least 2 curves, and the moutain passes between Trento and Cortina d'Ampezzo, all thrown in a direct route, are like 170 sharp hairpins and zig-zags over 160 miles or so. As for strategies to cope with it in a car opening the window slightly, eat, chew and do not sway on curves all help. But I still had a friend who got sick twice in the Dolomiti.

Funny you ask that. Were here now and on our way here I said "this gives the road to Hana a run for it's money!" yes it's just as bad but it's so worth it. Take Dramamine if you can and come here.