How to conquer your allergy anxieties before you go on holiday

24th May 2023

How to conquer your allergy anxieties before you go on holiday

It’s around that time of year when many of us are thinking about the summer. In particular, escaping the often dreary British Isles for somewhere much sunnier. Over the coming months, we’re sure many of you will be dusting off the suitcases and getting ready to head abroad. Have an ice cream for us.

But while travelling is stressful for practically everyone, there is a certain group for whom it is anxiety-inducing. You may be one of them. Yes, you might have an allergy, and stepping outside of your comfort zone means having to navigate any potential reactions. It can be scary – especially with life-threatening food allergies – but we don’t want you to worry. Here’s how you can handle your holiday allergy anxieties every step of the way.

Before your flight

The more prepared you are, the more you can put your mind at ease. You can always look up allergy information before you leave. There are two main places to look for this: on the airport website and on your airline’s website. Both may have different policies.

If you have any questions, you could even reach out to them ahead of time to make them aware of your allergies and ask how best to navigate them. The airline in particular might be one to look into more, as you will be stuck in the air for hours and you don’t want an allergic reaction thousands of feet in the sky.

Other than that, prepare yourself in any way you can. Make sure you have all the medication you need and the appropriate paperwork to get it through customs. Build up an allergy kit if you don’t already have one. When you have it all ready in front of you, it can help calm you down.

At the airport

This is where you can put some of your pre-flight research into action. You should know how the airport handles allergies and navigate them as you can. For example, by looking at their website ahead of time, you can see what food options are available while you wait for your flight. Choose something you know you’ll be okay with. Preferably from a chain because they should have similar food preparation procedures.

While you’re at the airport, let staff know about your allergies. Key people to tell would be the airline representative at check-in and the person checking your boarding pass as you board the plane. These will be as close to direct contact as you can get before you set off. If you can prepare them, they can hopefully prepare themselves.

In the air

You should also let cabin crew know when you’re in the air so they can retrieve any allergy advice, if they have any. To avoid any mistakes, bring your own snacks on the plane. You likely won’t be able to get them through customs, so buy them while you’re at the airport. There should be plenty of time to do your due diligence and check ingredients before you set off.

In the case of emergencies, have someone familiar with the medication. If you have an anaphylactic shock, you want someone who can administer your epinephrine shot in the case you can’t do it yourself. If you’re flying with someone you know, it can be them. But if you’re flying solo, ask the cabin crew if they have anyone trained to do it. In the event they don’t, you can always teach them.

None of this should be a burden on your shoulder, but it’s part of living with a food allergy. But that doesn’t mean your allergy anxieties have to control you and stop you from having a holiday. Be prepared, do your research, and go enjoy the sun for a week or two!

For all of your allergy concerns – including advice on how to handle your allergies abroad – reach out to our team. Our allergists are always more than happy to help. Register as a new patient today or call us on 02031 433 449.

Tips for travelling abroad with food allergies

13th April 2022

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.

How to handle your allergies on holiday abroad

5th August 2021

How to handle your allergies on holiday abroad

Many of us have been cooped up for well over a year. As the world tentatively starts to open up, plenty of people will be itching to get away on a good old holiday abroad. Sandy beaches, cool pools, and some luxury food and drink. It sounds like a break we all need.

But for people with allergies, a holiday to a foreign country is full of unknowns. Between the food and the different environment, it can be a bit of a gamble. So what can you do to ensure you stay safe while abroad?

On the plane

The main allergy worry at airports and on planes is the food. Each airline will have its own policy on food allergies. The easiest recommendation is to say take your own food. Take your time in the terminal looking at your options at the various restaurants and cafes.

Other than that, keep your medicine with you in your hand luggage. Keep everything in its original packaging with your prescription so you can prove you need it. Some countries will have different restrictions on certain medications, so check ahead of time that it’s actually allowed.

In the hotel

Some people like to take their own bedding in case the hotel uses a product their body doesn’t agree with. Certain detergents can set you off in a rash, so packing some bedding and even taking a pillow can save you from two weeks of suffering. This also go for any complimentary toiletries, so take your own with you.

Out and about, you have to be careful of any foreign substances that might trigger your allergies. You never know if a certain insect or plant will cause you to break out or go into shock. Take plenty of insect repellent to keep them at bay.

When it comes to food allergies, the language barrier might be a huge issue. You can get translation cards that give you the phrases you need to convey the allergy attack. It’s also worth making hotel staff aware of any serious conditions either ahead of time or when you get there. You could even buy a bracelet with you or your child’s allergy on it in various languages, just in case.

Travelling abroad can be a scary experience for anyone with an allergy. But it doesn’t have to ruin your time. By being prepared and taking everything you might need, you can ensure you stay safe. If you ever have any doubts, talk to an allergy or medical professional about their advice.

To talk about your allergies with a trusted specialist, get in touch with us at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre. You can contact us on 02031 433 449.