Summer is ubiquitous with vacations. And none is more iconic than the summer time road trip; piling into the family station wagon, hands flying in the wind, rest stops to unknown locales meeting random, well-intentioned strangers.

1. Avoid the empty stomach or too-full stomach. Now here’s a balancing act, if ever there was. Try to avoid traveling on an empty stomach, but also try to avoid eating too much on the road.

2. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is a time killer, what with all those resulting pit stops, but keeping hydrated is key to avoiding sickness.

3.Sit in the front seat. The only way to keep your eyes on the horizon is to get a coveted spot up front. No need to call shotgun anymore. Threaten them with vomit. It wins every time. The back seat is a prime spot for shakes and bumps, so avoid it if at all possible.

4. Close your eyes. It defeats the purpose of going on a road trip, but closing your eyes and falling asleep is a sure fire way of avoiding the sick and having to drive!

5. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Put away the books and the electronics and keeping your gaze straight ahead is a good way to stave off the churn. Sometimes even blocking out your peripheral vision with your hands can help.

6. Eat ginger. Ginger ale and ginger candies are a good way to settle the stomach. I like to believe that ginger cookies also work, but I think that may be a bit of wishful thinking.