Tips for Travelling with Food Allergies
April 26, 2010
Travels always require lots of organisation, but when you are suffering of severe food allergies, finding allergen-free restaurants and hotels must be plan ahead to assure a safe and pleasant holiday!
Being myself a globe-trotter, I love travelling around the world and discover new cultures and places. My severe peanut allergies never stopped me to explore over 10 countries and lived abroad for many years in England, Australia and New Zealand.
I strongly believe that people who suffer of severe food allergies should always be well prepared and have a plan just in case of an emergency. To avoid being anxious about traveling, here are some useful advices and tips that will facilitate your holiday and stay in a foreign country:
Things to do before your departure:
• Ask your general practitioner and / or allergist to write a letter stating your medical conditions with the right to carry, at all times, your EpiPen or Twinject on the plane. You must carry this note during the customs security check, just before boarding the plane.
• Renew your prescriptions of EpiPen's or Twinject's and carry them closely on you, at all times. Many companies offer now a variety of carry in your belt or holder for your own safety.
• Prepare and bring allergen-free snacks and small lunches to eat during the flight because not all the airlines offer allergen-free meals. Make sure to check with your airline company before to fly and if they cannot guarantee a safety meal, ask your general practitioner and / or allergist to specifiy in their note that you must carry your own food during flights. For more information, check with your airline company few weeks before your departure.
Websites that will help you to plan ahead your holiday:
Blogs & Forums
Lonely Planet
Miss Allergic Reactor
Dining and Travelling cards – available in several languages
Allergy Translation
AllerNotes
Dietary Card (UK)
Gluten-Free Dining Celiebo
Select Wisely
Emergency phone numbers
Emergency Numbers Around the World
Santa Clara County Fire Department
iPhone applications
Allergy Free Passport (Let's Eat Out)
Nutritional Database
Restaurants and hotels reviews
AllerDine
Allergy Eats
Food Allergies To Go
Gluten Free on the Go
Lonely Plate
Restaurants that Care
Translation Online Service
Food Allergy Translation (Killer Peanut)
Food Dictionary
Travel Destination
Disney World
More information can also be found on social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter where parents of allergic children shared their past experiences, tips and favorite travel destinations.
Do not hesitate to contact the local food allergy associations, foundations or organizations. For the complete listing visit our Resources pages.
Finally to prevent any food allergic reaction and a visit at the hospital, make sure to be well ahead prepared!
Enjoy your holiday!
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Read the complete article on Air Canada Ordered to Offer Nut-Free Zones >>