Travelling with allergies: Stress free travels with these top 10 tips!
Travelling with allergies is something I've been doing my entire life, I guess we are a very allergy prone family. Between my dad with asthma, my mum with gluten problems and me with severe food allergies which can cause anaphylactic shocks, I'd say we have perfected the art of travelling with allergies, especially as I now fly for a living.
These top 10 tips could be a lifesaver and will definitely help you enjoy your travels and stress less. Here we go ... (in no particular order)
#1 Inform the airline - Contact the airline and inform them of the allergy and if you're flying long haul you can arrange a special menu. I also suggest confirming with the check-in staff when you check into your flight. I can't tell you how many times a passenger hasn't informed the airline and therefore me and the rest of my crew were not informed.
#2 Tell the crew- Tell the cabin crew what you are allergic to, how severe the allergy is, if you have an Epi-pen and also where you are sitting. They can perform an announcement to other passengers if needed.
It is crucial that you tell your cabin crew, even if you have already informed the airline, as sometimes wires get crossed and the information doesn't reach the crew.
#3 Take snacks- If you have an allergy, or like me multiple allergies I really do recommend bringing extra snacks on your flight or day trips. I learnt this the hard way, I had ordered a nut free meal, but it wasn't loaded onto the plane and I had to endure a nine hour flight with just an apple that one the cabin crew kindly gave to me from their lunchbox. If you have any dietary requirements whether it be allergies or for religious reasons, ALWAYS TAKE SNACKS. It is also a big money saver.
#4 Medication and prescriptions- Always bring your medication in your hand luggage and when on your flight keep it close to you in your bag under the seat. Always bring a copy of your prescription as some countries require you to have this documentation to pass security checks in airports and cruise ship terminals. Also check if a letter from your doctor is required.
#5 Bring spare medication - I can't count the number of trips that haven't gone to plan, bringing spare medication on your journey will help you if your trip is extended or if you lose any medication. If you have a travel companion and you have vital medication, consider giving a travel companion spares of your medication in case something happens to your bag.
#6 Research your destination - Write down the phone number of the emergency services at your destination and keep them with you at all times.
#7 Check your insurance - Check that your medical insurance covers any care regarding your allergies.
#8 Translation - Learn and/or write down any allergens in the languages required for your trip. Don't rely on Google translate when you're at your destination as some restaurants have very poor phone signal. I've been doing this for a few years now, just 5 minutes work before departure has alleviated copious amounts of stress for me.
#9 Picture cards - If you are visiting many destinations, keep some picture cards with you or even just photos on your phone of any allergens so that you can always be understood.
#10 Photograph your medication - Taking photos of your medication before travelling and keeping your medication in its original packaging can prove to be extremely useful. This tip has saved me a couple of times when I've lost some medication and I had to go to a pharmacy while abroad and all I had was the empty box or just the photo.
I hope this post helps you if you travel with allergies and share this blog if you know anybody else who does.
“I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength” – Alex Elle
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