Travel Sickness: I need a cheap, compact remedy

I am taking a gap year after I finish university in a few weeks time. I am planning to go to Peru for six months but I am really concerned about all the travelling on planes and buses as I have always suffered from travel sickness. Is there anything you can suggest which won't make me drowsy, won't take up too much space in my backpack, and doesn't cost a fortune?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

I can understand your dread of travel sickness, but with a bit of luck and planning, it shouldn't ruin your gap year. Some people swear by wrist bands that rely on acupressure. The bands, which are marketed as Sea-Bands, put pressure on an acupuncture point on the wrist that is supposed to suppress nausea. A few medical studies of these bands have been done, but the evidence that they work is not very convincing. Nevertheless, some people seem to get relief from them. They cost 7.99, they're reusable, and they won't take up any space. Another option is to take travel sickness medications, starting a couple of hours before you travel. Antihistamine tablets are effective, but they may cause drowsiness. A third option is a small plaster that is worn on the skin. The plaster slowly releases a drug called hyoscine, which combats travel sickness. A single plaster lasts for up to 72 hours, so it might help with long journeys. The website www.travel-sickness.co.uk, contains some general advice about beating travel sickness.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.