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.

Travelling with allergies: how to plan ahead

15th March 2018

Travelling with allergies: how to plan ahead

For many people, exploring new foods, landscapes, and ways of life through travel may be an experience like no other. But, travelling with allergies can create an array of challenges. Worrying about your allergies can cause unwanted stress and dissuade you from wanting to travel. However, your allergies should not mean you have to miss out on new and valuable experiences. Whether, it’s a short break to a nearby city or an extended break across continents, planning ahead can put your mind at ease when it comes to your allergies.

Fun in the sun

If you suffer from hay fever, the time of year and destination can influence the likelihood of you reacting. Plan to travel at a time of year and to a destination with a low pollen count. This could greatly improve your experience. You may be allergic to certain types of pollen that do not exist in other countries. Or, their blooming period may be different, due to diverse climates. This could offer the perfect opportunity for you to travel abroad without having to worry about your allergies. Why not go for a swim?

For those with asthma that can be triggered by low air quality, it may be worth checking pollution information and weather forecasts for your chosen destination, before travelling there. If you must travel to a highly polluted area, the weather forecast can provide valuable insight into the likelihood of an asthma attack. This is because cold weather with no sun can cause air pollutants to sit close to the ground. This creates a thick blanket of pollution, which you may need to avoid if pollution can trigger a reaction.

As well as researching where you will go, you should also research how you will travel. Some airlines are more accommodating than others when it comes to allergies. Information on an airline’s allergy policy is available online. You can also read about other people’s real experiences with each airline, in case their actions do not reflect their policies.

Wish you were here

Accommodation is another important aspect of travel that can make or break the holiday experience of someone with allergies. Many hotels will offer allergy-friendly rooms or advertise themselves as being allergy friendly. It’s useful to ask your potential hotel if they offer these rooms or if they can make the necessary adjustments to your room to fit your allergy needs. Sometimes, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

If you are in a country that does not speak your language, it may be worth learning a few of the key phrases necessary to describe your allergies. This may ensure that others fully understand the risk to you. This will be particularly useful in restaurants if you have a food allergy.  You need to be able to understand the menu so that you know you are ordering food that is safe for you.

It will also help to ensure that the staff understand what you are allergic to so they can make any adjustments necessary. It may also be nice for locals to experience tourists communicating in the local language. This can help you build a rapport with staff, who may then be more likely to go above and beyond to help you with your allergy needs.

Even something small like planning ahead can improve your experience of travelling with allergies. Of course, there are plenty of ways that you can prepare yourself to travel with allergies, but what if you could start the process to try and get rid of them all together?

By getting tested for the allergens that most affect you, you can start looking at the appropriate treatments. If you’re concerned about travelling with allergies and would like to discuss treatment options. Book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants today.