Traveling with food allergies does not have to limit your fun! With the correct planning and resources, you can stay safe and healthy and have a great trip. If you have a hard enough time managing your allergies at home, and are wondering how it would be possible to travel with these same restrictions, then these tips will help you. Some you will be used to doing while at home! Some will be new and unique to traveling.
1. Communicate
As a person with food allergies, you are probably used to being your own advocate. This becomes even more important when you travel! Communicate your needs with your airline ahead of time> If you have a peanut allergy, the airline might refrain from serving peanuts, and will even give extra cleaning attention to your seat ahead of time to clear away any peanut residue. Talk about your allergies with the group that you are traveling with, so that they understand your situation. You should tell people that you are with where your epinephrine pen is located, and how to use it in the case of an emergency. In addition to communicating with airlines and your travel group, consider the language barrier if you are traveling to a foreign country. Create a sheet that has a printed translation that explains your allergy. You can present this sheet at restaurants in your destination to help you communicate your needs.
2. Plan Ahead
Plan ahead for your trip by doing a little research into your travel destination. Look up allergy friendly restaurants, and read reviews from others about the quality of the food. You should also locate the nearest hospitals and clinics in the area you will be staying in, and contact them ahead of time to know what will happen if you have an allergy. Print out a map of the health care provider’s locations so that it is easily accessible.
3. Pack Snacks
Pack snacks so that you are never dependent on outside sources for food. Sometimes, no matter how much you plan ahead, the food options are just not safe for you. With your own snacks on hand, you will not have to feel the drop of low blood sugar and feel the discomfort of hunger. Safe yourself some stress, and pack your own allergy-safe snacks!
4. Think About Your Accommodations
Consider getting a hotel room with a kitchen suite. This will give you the option of preparing your own foods. This gives you much more control over your ingredients, and can be a very fun way to travel! It can even help your budget!
5. Have The Right Resources
When you travel, you will be removed from the normal stores, household goods, and other resources that you are used to. Keep a stash of antiseptic wipes on hand so that you can clean surfaces. Make sure you have enough epinephrine pens to last for the plane ride (you can talk to your doctor about this) and that they do not expire for the extent of your trip. In addition, consider purchasing a translation resource to bring along if you are traveling abroad, because food allergies require clear communication.
It is great that you are thinking ahead! Your doctor will be happy to help you prepare for your trip. Summit Shah MD specializes in allergy treatment and care, and is an excellent resource for you to use as you get ready for your trip!