Our simple steps will ensure a worry-free getaway so you can rest and relax, even in a foreign country.
Having a food allergy impacts many aspects of life, including travel. According to a study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 90% of people with food allergy in the United States avoid international travel, with many of them avoiding certain modes of transport within the United States, such as airplanes. Apart from the risks of exposure on public transport, vacationers with food allergies are concerned about language barriers (including interpreting food labels), access to safe foods, and problems accessing medical services in an emergency. But safe travel is possible with a few smart steps.
Don’t Let Your Food Allergies Cancel the Trip
The mere thought of traveling abroad with food allergies might be daunting, but you don’t have to miss out. “With research, careful prep, and some planning ahead, people with food allergies can safely enjoy the sights, tastes, smells, and experiences of traveling the world,” says Westchester, NY-based registered dietitian nutritionist and National Peanut Board partner Malina Malkani, R.D.N., who is the author of Safe and Simple Food Allergy Prevention. You can’t leave your food allergies at home, but these expert tips have got you covered.
Do Your Research
The more you plan ahead, the more comfortable you’ll feel heading to foreign locales. If you’re staying at a hotel, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recommends emailing reception to let them know about your allergy. It’s likely that someone who works at the hotel speaks English, but you can use an online translation service for emails if that’s not the case. Ask about allergy-free meal options and find out if there are local doctors who specialize in allergy. It’s important to know if they’ll be able to write you a prescription for extra meds or epinephrine auto-injectors if you need them.
Create an Allergy Action Plan
When you’ve done your trip research, put together a personalized allergy action plan. Work with your doctor and/or registered dietitian nutritionist to ensure you don’t miss anything important. “The plan should detail what your allergens are, what your prior reactions have looked like, and what medications have been prescribed to you,” says Kelly Cleary, M.D., senior director of education and support programs for FARE. “Don’t forget to list an emergency contact with a phone number,” Dr. Cleary adds. To make this super simple, FARE has a downloadable emergency care plan template you can print out and complete with your details.
Pack Your Anti-Allergy Essentials
As well as your regular allergy meds—and let’s face it, you’re unlikely to venture far without those—make sure you pack extra epinephrine auto-injectors for severe reactions (and be sure to check the expiration dates!), says Malkani. Take some allergy-safe snacks for your journey, plus a list of names of your offending allergens in the languages of the areas you’ll be visiting and of course several copies of your allergy action plan. Ideally, include copies of your plan translated into the language of your destination country, Malkani adds.
Keep Emergency Items Close
Nobody wants to lose their luggage while they’re traveling, but this can become a life-threatening situation if you have a food allergy and get separated from your emergency essentials. “Keep copies of your action plan and at least two epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times—not in checked luggage or overhead bins,” says Malkani. “Having these items within reach and in a language that those around you can understand saves valuable time in the event of an anaphylactic emergency, which is important because airlines can’t guarantee allergen-free flights and language barriers complicate things,” she explains.
Don’t Assume the Worst
One study review carried out by the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority found that for a typical food-allergic passenger on a commercial flight, the risk of having a reaction is around 10 to 100 times lower than when “on the ground.” Why? Anxious food-allergic passengers are likely to take significant precautions to reduce the risk of in-flight reactions. The study found wiping the tray table and seatback was effective for reducing risk. “Numerous studies have shown that airborne peanut protein has a very low risk for causing allergic reactions,” Malkani adds. “Also, research doesn’t support skin contact or airborne peanut butter exposure as a source of anaphylaxis.”
Research Allergen Labeling Laws
Food allergen labeling laws in your destination country may be different from what you’re used to, so it’s crucial that you do your due diligence. “Learn how to read your allergen on labels in the language so that you are able to identify it quickly,” says Dr. Cleary. “I always plan ahead when traveling by looking up nearby grocery stores and checking food allergy travel boards to see tips posted from others with food allergies who have visited my destination.” Visit FARE for helpful lists of travel tips from countries represented by the International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance.
Create Your Own Chef Cards
Dining out can be one of the most pleasurable parts of foreign travel, but planning is key. “Before you leave, research just as you would for a local eating establishment,” says Dr. Cleary. “Check out menus and when making special requests, give as much lead time as you can to restaurant staff. Dining off-peak may help you get the attention you need. Don’t be shy about asking questions and confirming that your allergies are understood.” FARE provides illustrated chef card templates that you can download and complete to make it easier to communicate with restaurant staff in other countries.
Enjoy Your Trip
Naturally, living with a food allergy means taking more precautions than other people (and possibly experiencing more travel-related anxiety). But if you take all the important steps you’ll feel prepared—and safe. Don’t forget to let your primary care doctor or allergist know you’re traveling. Having them available to call, email, or fax you a prescription that you can use in your destination country for extra auto-injectors gives you an extra layer of comfort. Finally, don’t let your food allergy stop you from enjoying your trip!
