Travelling with Allergies: Precautions

For people with food allergies or allergies to airborne particles, going on holiday isn't always easy.
Here's some advice to help you avoid as much discomfort as possible.

Choosing your destination and accommodation

Find out about where you'll be staying

• Take into account the downsides of the city (smog, pollution, crowded public transport, ...)
• Take into account the downsides of the countryside (pollen (depending on the season and local flora), insects, sun exposure, ...)

The type of accommodation

• What about the ventilation in the rooms (air conditioning or fresh air), cleanliness, condition of the beds (mattress, type of bedding (duvet), pillows), cleaning products, ... ?
• Is it accommodation that allows smoking, allows pets, accommodation with a private kitchen or with a restaurant?

Choosing accommodation with a private kitchen is advisable if you have certain food allergies. You'll be able to prepare meals to suit your needs there, just as you would at home. However, be careful to check how clean the kitchen is when you arrive. Don't hesitate to (have it) cleaned again if necessary to remove any trace of allergens. Pay particular attention to the fridge and the dishwasher.
If where you're staying has a restaurant, ask about the menus on offer.

Local restaurants and shops

• Make sure you can find restaurants nearby that can offer menus taking your food allergy into account.
• Do the same for food shops: this way you'll have a few addresses where you can stock up.

Doctors and emergency services

• Make a list of the hospitals (and possibly doctors) where you're going. Carry information about your allergies in the language of the country you're visiting, as well as the emergency numbers to call, contact people and your assistance provider.

Planning the food, items and products to bring

• Prevention is better than cure: if possible, bring a stock of food that you think will be hard to find locally.
• Also think about certain items that can protect you (soap, gloves, kettle, pillowcase, ...) and possibly also the cleaning product/disinfectant you're used to using.
• Don't forget your medication and your doctor's prescriptions. Think about your travel pharmacy kit.

Allergies and air travel

A flight can expose you to a lot of allergens:

• Smells from duty-free shops (including perfume counters)
• Other "perfumed" passengers
• Prepared meals whose full list of ingredients you don't know
• Snacks nibbled by your neighbour that contain airborne allergenic particles (nuts, sesame seeds, ...)
• Animals travelling in the cabin
• Aircraft toilets with strong-smelling cleaning products/disinfectant
• ...

Try to avoid these issues as much as possible. Tell the flight attendant about your allergy if you think you might be affected during the flight.
Choose a seat on the plane that exposes you the least to potential allergens.

Once there

• If you have a private kitchen: thoroughly clean anything that might carry allergens (dishes, fridge, dishwasher, ...)
• If you eat at the hotel: let the hotel kitchen know about your allergy and check with the chef what alternative menus are available.
• If you go to a restaurant: make sure to choose restaurants that can offer you suitable menus. You'll probably have the best luck at higher-end restaurants. Book far enough in advance.
• Find out about local medical facilities as soon as you arrive.
• Wash your hands regularly: they could be contaminated by substances from products that you (or others) have touched (nuts, seafood, ...).
• There are medical cards that list allergies in the language of the country. Some websites offer this type of card (e.g. http://www.allergytranslation.com). They can be useful for making yourself understood and warning people you want to inform (hotelier, restaurant owner, medical service, ...). . Tip: take a photo of the products, substances or foods you're allergic to and keep it with your travel documents. This way you can show the people around you or the person you're talking to which products could be a problem for you.

Useful link: https://upgradedpoints.com/flying-with-allergies/
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