Scientists think motion sickness occurs when three parts of the body that sense motion -- the eyes, the inner ear and the joints in the leg area -- sense that motion in some unbalanced way, sending a signal to the brain that something isn't quite right, and causing symptoms like fatigue, sweating, dizziness and vomiting.

Some ways to handle motion sickness include taking Dramamine or Bonine before a trip. Both are effective, over-the-counter drugs. If using in children, be sure to check with the child's pediatrician. One caution: Dramamine comes in both tabs to be swallowed and in chewable form. Make sure you know which you've got. Chewing the swallow-tabs creates a burning in the throat that is truly mericiless -- you'll wish for motion sickness instead.

Other ways to mitigate the effects of motion sickness: ginger -- ginger snaps, ginger ale; a carbonated beverage -- Coke, ginger ale; mild crackers such as saltines or oyster crackers; fresh air -- open the window, and, as soon as it's safe to do so, stop the car and let the affected person get out, walk around and stretch; avoid reading, or other "busy" eye activities; make sure a person who suffers from car sickness sits in a seat with a good, unobstructed view of what's passing outside -- someone sunk low in a seat, or squeezed between luggage or other passengers may not be able to make his eyes connect to the motion that he knows is occuring, which can lead to the imbalance mentioned above.

And, just in case, bring along a few paper lunch bags tucked inside plastic bags and keep them handy, along with a little bottle of antibacterial hand cleaner.