Travelling is one of the best luxuries in life, but can also pose a challenge for those with allergies. However, if you know to take extra precautions and be prepared for potential attacks, allergies don’t have to hinder you from venturing into the great unknown.

Here’s the three key points you have to follow at each stage.

1. Preflight

Research your destination. Check for pollen counts, allergy-friendly hotels and local hospitals you can proceed to for treatment. If you have food allergies, research local foods to find out what should be safe – though always check!

Pack both medications and copies of your prescriptions, and talk to your doctor for tips on keeping safe. For standard seasonal allergies, and animal allergies, be sure to purchase antihistamine tablets in advance from your trusted pharmacy. Note that some US airlines carry companion animals in the cabin: if you’re allergic to animals, pack your inhaler.

Serious food allergies require more planning. If your allergy is severe, check how much help an airline can offer before you book. Some also require a medical certificate. Even with lesser food allergies, be sure both airline and crew know that you have food issues, and don’t forget your Epipen or other medications.

2. Flight

At check in, reconfirm that your carrier is aware of your requirements – if you’ve been promised a flight with no peanuts served as snacks, or no peanuts in your immediate environment, it’s worth calling to reconfirm this a day ahead of time.

A few carriers, notably Air France and Air Japan, offer allergen-free meals inflight. Others will allow you to bring your own food, though most won’t heat it or keep it cooled for fear of contamination with allergens.

If you have hayfever, take extra care in ensuring your seat is clean. Bring your own blankets and pillows rather than use the airline ones.

3. Destination

Key to battling hayfever is to stay clean, that is clean yourself daily of pollen by washing your hair before sleeping, changing your clothes, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to avoid getting pollen into your eyes and hair.

Minimise outdoor activity, especially in the early morning when pollen concentrations are at their peak, monitor pollen levels and don’t be afraid to opt for a day at the beach rather than in the green. Remember, if you feel that you need to take your medication beforehand, trust your gut and do so.

Language barriers are one of the many difficulties you need to overcome. Bring a phrasebook or translation card – or install the Allergy Travel App – to effectively communicate your allergies to food vendors and restaurants. You can also visit medical websites to know more about the precautions you need to consider before heading out.

But how do I enjoy myself when I’m constantly worrying about my health?

True, it’s going to be difficult to let yourself roam freely with a health condition, but always remember the phrase “prevention is better than cure.” By worrying pre-travel, you’ll lessen your worrying during your holiday. And at the end of the trip, you’ll realize it had all been worthwhile because you didn’t end up having to skip a full day of activities to treat your sudden allergy attack.

Text: Ian Tolledo
Image: I Heart Pollen by Brooke Novak on Flickr’s Creative Commons.