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Want to take a luxury cruise up to the fjords of Norway or down through the Panama Canal? Been invited to sail a catamaran with a friend around the islands of New England? Thinking of taking up kayaking to paddle with seals in the waters off British Columbia? Going there by boat, wherever there is, and arriving in some port, any port, makes nautical travel an exciting adventure. But not if you can't lift your head up, even to see the pine trees embedded in the rocky coast, the playful animals in the coves or the dazzling sunset.

If you have ever had to pass up an opportunity to travel by boat for fear of getting seasick, fear no more. For almost every single type of boat travel, there are steps you can take to ensure a happy trip. Whether your interests are sightseeing, sailing, fishing or rowing, you can have a wonderful water vacation using the following collection of solutions from seasoned sailors.

• Start simple: Choose a river cruise before heading out on an ocean voyage, thereby avoiding tidal swings, ocean swells and high winds
• On any boat, stay above decks. You will enjoy the passage more by observing what is going on around you
• Breathe deeply of the fresh air; it will make you feel more lively
• STARE out at the horizon—this helps counteract nausea
• Offer to steer, if you are on a boat small enough. It is one of the very best ways to minimize seasickness
• On a large boat, stay midships, because it is much more stable than bow or stern
• Reserve an outside cabin with a porthole; it is worth the extra cost
• Do not read onboard the boat. Definitely do not read below decks
• If you are going on a four or five-hour passage, consider going to sleep
• Don't use earphones—they interfere with your inner ear balance
• Do not drink alcohol
• Eat very light snacks spread out during the day
• Choose plain, bland foods
• Stay away from foods that are salty, fatty or dairy
• Avoid aspirin and acidic foods
• Avoid smells such as coffee, cheese, diesel, or any other triggers that disturb you

Review the following "medications," and discuss with your doctor which one(s) would be best for you.

• Wear (on your wrists) Sea Bands, a tight knitted cuff that puts pressure on the acupuncture point that controls nausea. (Available at pharmacies and marine supply stores.)
• Suck hard candies to provide a sugar stream flow into your stomach
• Try natural remedies, such as GINGER root, which is what old time sailors used to chew. It's now available in capsules.
• Sip GINGER ale or GINGER tea
• Take vitamin C or charcoal tabs
• Use over-the-counter medications, such as Bonine or Dramamine, which are effective for many, but can make you sleepy. Try a half dose at first.
• Have your doctor prescribe Antivert or "the patch" (Transderm Scop)

It's worth the effort to give these remedies a try, possibly increasing your tolerance over time, going from short excursions, very stable craft and very calm waters to more adventurous long hauls. Some of the finest touring destinations in the world are best approached (sometimes only approached) by boat.

You (and Ginger and Fred) know the steps—now sail away!

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