Tips for travelling abroad with food allergies
Posted: 13th April 2022 | Posted by Costa
Tips for travelling abroad with food allergies
We all need a break sometimes. Actually, we all deserve a break. A chance to get away, put our feet up, drink in hand, and just while away the hours. For many of us, there’s nothing better than taking a trip abroad and soaking up the sun by the pool. Add in some good food and you have an amazing experience on your hands.
But travelling abroad is going to be a scary time for anyone with food allergies. Dealing with them at home is awkward enough. But put in a language barrier and it gets much worse. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out. You can still enjoy that special vacation. Here are our top tips for travelling abroad with food allergies.
Tip 1 – Plan, plan, plan
Of course, any holiday is going to require lots of planning. But when someone with a food allergy is involved, there are some extra preparations you’ll want to think about. The country you choose is obviously a huge factor, but when considering your food allergy needs, where you go is important.
You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere, far away from a hospital. So look at more populated areas. And see where the nearest hospital is to your hotel of choice. If you’re in an emergency, it helps to know where to go.
Tip 2 – Research the culture
Part of the joy of travelling abroad is taking in a new culture. But you might want to look into this ahead of time to see what their cuisine is like.
Certain countries and cultures will rely on different ingredients in their meals. Italy is known for its pasta, which means you might see a lot of egg and dairy products in their food. Coastal towns and cities might have a higher abundance of fish. This is going to affect what you can eat. Even if it’s not the main part of the meal, these ingredients might work their way in there.
Tip 3 – Consider self-catering
As great as an all-inclusive resort might be, that’s less control you have over meals. Going on a self-catering holiday gives you the chance to choose what you eat. It’s not uncommon to see families go this route so they can save costs by preparing their own breakfasts and lunches.
You can even take some food with you in your suitcase, allowing you to vet ingredients beforehand. Check ahead of time what you can and can’t take with you, especially as the UK is now out of the EU. Otherwise, you can shop while you’re there. For labels with ingredients in another language, there are some nifty apps you can get that translate automatically just by pointing your camera at the product.
Tip 4 – Crossing the language barrier
Speaking of which, the language barrier is going to be an issue. If you’re out at a restaurant, it can be hard to guarantee you or your loved one is safe. Other countries might not have as strict an approach to food allergies either.
Going back to tip 1, this will require some preparation. It will be well worth getting to grips with the language and learning some key phrases. You can also have some allergy advice cards printed off ahead of time to give out to restaurant staff. These will let them know, in their own language, what you can and can’t have.
It’s going to be a challenge. But you shouldn’t let it hold you back from enjoying yourself. There are steps you can take to have fun and be safe at the same time. So if you’re thinking about a holiday abroad, keep these tips in mind.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do, talk to an allergy specialist. They can pass on helpful advice that can keep you safe and put your mind at ease. Our team is always happy to help. Get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449 to find out more.