How to Travel with Anaphylactic Allergies

Before you go

Add these items to your to-do list before you leave for a trip. Start planning early so you have plenty of time to organize everything.

Consult with your healthcare team

This is a smart move, especially if it’s been a little while since you’ve checked in. Ask about any special considerations for the areas you’re traveling to.

Also, ask for refills of your prescriptions and get an updated list of all your medications that includes both brand names and generic names. If you need to replace any medications while you’re away, this will make it easier to find what you need.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is a must. You’ll need a plan that covers anaphylactic allergies as a preexisting condition. Talk with your insurance company to make sure you get the right coverage.

Consider contacting the country’s food allergy organization

If you’re traveling internationally, find out whether the country you’re going to has a national allergy agency. If it does, you can learn more about that country’s food labeling guidelines and allergy policies.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) has partnered with several national agencies to develop country-specific advice for travelers with allergies. You can find that information on the FARE website.

Pack extra medication

Ensure that you have extras of any medications you need, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, pain medication, oral allergy medication, inhalers, anti-nausea medication, and antidiarrheal medication. Also, check to make sure none of them have expired or are close to their expiration dates.

If flying, check the airline’s allergy policy

Airlines vary widely when it comes to allergy policies. You can ask whether the airline offers allergy-safe meals or snacks or an allergen-free seating zone or whether you’ll be allowed to pre-board to wipe down your seating area.

It’s nice to know ahead of time how the airline might be able to accommodate you to make your travels a little easier.

Get chef cards

If you’re going to a place where you don’t speak the language well, carry translated cards that explain your allergies. You can give this information to restaurant staff so they can prepare a safe meal for you.

You can download chef cards for free from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or buy them from companies such as Equal Eats and SelectWisely.

Print out emergency information

Write down your allergies, medications, emergency contacts, and emergency plan.

If you’re traveling to a place where you don’t speak the language, get common phrases translated to help with communication. It’s important that you know how to tell someone about your allergies and how to ask for help.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia offers printouts for some languages.

During travel

Here are some things you’ll need to do while you’re on your way to your destination. This part can be unpredictable, so staying organized is key.

Keep medications with you

Carry at least two epinephrine doses with you at all times. Keep them in your carry-on, not your checked baggage. Get a letter from your doctor to help things go smoothly at security. If you might need other medications, keep those with you too.

Talk with your travel companions

If you’re traveling with others, ensure that at least one person knows about your anaphylactic allergies. Make sure they understand what you need to avoid to stay safe, where to find your epinephrine, how to use it, and what else to do in an emergency.

If you’re traveling alone, let travel attendants or tour guides know about your anaphylactic allergies and where you keep your epinephrine.

Bring your own snacks

If you’re unsure about the food options along the way, pack allergy-friendly snacks so you know you’ll have something to eat. Choose nonperishable snacks that don’t need to be kept cold. Pack extra so you’ll have enough to eat in case of travel delays.

Carry health information with you

Keep copies of chef cards, emergency medical information, and travel insurance documents with you at all times. It’s a good idea to have an extra copy in your luggage in case something goes missing. Also, wear medical identification that lists your anaphylactic allergies.

Wipe things down

Keep wet wipes with you so you can wipe down your seat and surfaces around you on planes, trains, buses, and other modes of transport. This can help remove any surface allergens and prevent cross contamination.

Destination checklist

Regulations and policies about anaphylactic allergies vary from place to place. Here are some things to keep in mind once you arrive.

Look up safe restaurants

Travel can give you an opportunity to try new foods, but that might be a huge source of anxiety if you have food allergies.

You might consider using a website and app called Spokin. People with food allergies use this resource to share recommendations for safe places to eat around the world.

Ask for a kitchenette

If it’s an option, having a kitchenette (or even a mini fridge and microwave) in your room will allow you to keep and prepare your own food. This can help reduce worries about what you’re eating and prevent cross contamination.

Know where to find food, medical care, and pharmacies

Find out where the grocery stores or markets are if you’re looking for some allergy-safe portable snacks or food to keep in your room.

Also, scope out the nearest pharmacy, health clinic, and hospital. Write down those addresses and the local emergency phone number in case you need it.

In case of emergency

If you need emergency medical care while you’re away from home, you’ve already taken steps to make sure you can get it. Keep your translated cards handy so you can communicate that you’re having an allergic reaction and that you need emergency help.

Make sure anyone you’re traveling with knows where your epinephrine auto-injectors are and how to use them.

If you need medical care while you’re out of the country, you’ll also likely need to contact your travel insurance company to let them know what’s going on.

Takeaway

Anaphylactic allergies don’t have to get in the way of traveling. With careful planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable time away. There are steps you can take before you leave to set yourself up for success. You can also take precautions on the way and when you arrive so you’ll have a plan to stay safe.

It’s also important to know what to do in case of an emergency at your destination. Resources are available to help you get the care you need.