Teen who gets easily car sick

Question

Hi, So we are planning a big vacation this summer but have an area of concern for one teen who gets very easily car sick (like even feels a bit unwell on a 30 minute ride if there are a lot of roundabouts, twists and turns,etc). So this makes planning a vacation hard to factor that in (the rest of us are fine). She got really sick in KY off the main highway (that was just curve after curve there, and also the scenic road into Blue Ridge Mountains in GA was over an hour of curves). So roads that are continuously curving, tight curves,hairpin bends,etc that would be a big problem. I think gently meandering would be ok. (Like in KY being on the interstate was find, it was just when off the interstate and really winding curves it was bad). How winding are the roads around Anchorage? We are thinking of doing a week in the area, staying in Anchorage mainly and some shorter day trips (or possibly splitting between that and Seward). Things like visiting the Iditarod Headquarters, Alaska Wildlife conservation center, the reindeer farm, maybe a Portage glacier,rent a bike around the trail in Anchorage....possibly Seward, that area seems really nice maybe go there a bit) Is this a crazy idea for someone who gets car sick or are the roads not too bad? I could have her sit up front in the passenger seat and give up my seat lol. The area looks beautiful! (We also are debating Iceland, not sure how that is? winding or not, trying to get a sense there.) We DID go to the Canadian Rockies last summer (me and husband) and that was nice...the roads there were NOT winding...we drove into Calgary and it was pretty easy driving since everything is so spread out and vast. Pleasantly surprised at how easy the roads were (BUT we also didn't travel into the park super far-we went to Lake Louise, Banff,etc....maybe it gets different as you go further in??) Just trying to pick the best vacation spot that works for everyone as it's really challenging to have someone not feel well on the trip and impacts every sight to see,etc. We don't need to do tons of stuff but if every road around Anchorage is real winding and curvy that would give me pause. SO if you could share insight how you think it would go that would be greatly appreciated (bonus points if you have also gone to Iceland or the Canadian Rockies to compare and how those roads are:) Thank you for any tips, appreciate it!

Answer

Traveling around Anchorage, Alaska, is generally very manageable for someone prone to car sickness, especially compared with extremely winding roads like those in the Blue Ridge Mountains or certain areas of Kentucky. The main highways and local roads in the Anchorage area are mostly wide, well-maintained, and gently curving rather than tight or twisty. For a teen who is sensitive to motion, this makes Anchorage and nearby day trips a relatively safe choice.

Road conditions around Anchorage:

The main highway in and out of Anchorage is the Glenn Highway (to the north and east), which is a broad, relatively straight highway with gentle curves. It is very similar in driving feel to interstates and main highways elsewhere in North America.
The Seward Highway, which connects Anchorage to Seward along Turnagain Arm, is one of the more scenic drives. It does have some curves as it hugs the coastline and passes through mountains, but the curves are gentle and the road is well-maintained. Most people who are prone to motion sickness can usually handle this drive if seated in the front and focusing on the horizon.
Local roads in Anchorage itself are mostly straight or only gently curving. Day trips to nearby attractions like the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, the Iditarod Headquarters, or the Reindeer Farm involve short drives with very mild curves.
Portage Glacier and other short scenic areas near Anchorage are accessible via easy, short drives without continuous hairpin turns.

Tips for managing car sickness in Alaska:

Sit in the front passenger seat, as you suggested, to reduce motion sickness.
Drive at a steady speed, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns where possible.
Plan stops along the way for fresh air and stretching, especially on slightly curving scenic roads like the Seward Highway.
Consider over-the-counter or prescription motion sickness remedies if recommended by a doctor.
Focus on the horizon or outside scenery rather than reading or looking at screens.

Comparison to other regions:

Canadian Rockies: Roads in Banff and Lake Louise are generally easy to drive, similar to main highways, but some scenic park roads can be curvy. You noted that your experience was comfortable, which is a good benchmark.
Iceland: Many of the Ring Road sections around the main island are straightforward and wide, but some rural areas and mountain passes can be narrow, windy, and with sharp turns. Certain detours to fjords or highlands may be more challenging for someone prone to motion sickness.

In summary, Anchorage and nearby areas like Seward, Portage Glacier, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center are excellent options for a vacation that balances scenic beauty with relatively gentle driving. Unlike some mountainous scenic routes in the U.S. South or certain Icelandic highlands, the roads here are generally friendly for those who get car sick, especially if you limit long, winding drives and use front-seat seating strategies.

Teen who gets easily car sick

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