How to Eat and Deal With Food Allergies When Traveling
Travel is about exploring and immersing yourself in another culture. You probably don’t want to waste time worrying about your diet. But food allergies and dietary restrictions are difficult to deal with when you are away from home. The good news is that all it takes is the right preparation so as not to ruin your trip. Here are some ways to get ready.
Study Before Leaving
Before you even book flights and hotels or plan your itinerary, you need to do a little research. This way, you can insure as little as possible on your diet so that you can just enjoy the trip.
If you are flying, find out what meals will be served with the airline . MapHappy has a list of “specialties” served on the top 15 airlines , categorized by vegetarian / vegan, medical, allergic, and religious. For example, United has a vegetarian and vegan menu and serves kosher, halal, and gluten-free passengers. A full list is included here , but this is just one airline. You will want to check the one you fly with (and the ones you connect to) to make sure they are offering something for your diet. From there, you may have to request food when you book your flight, but check the airline’s website for details.
If you are allergic to peanuts, check the airline’s website to see if they have a specific nut policy; many of them do. And here are the allergy rules of 13 major airlines .
Of course, this is just the beginning – you also need to research your destination. You don’t have to plan your travels around your diet, but it does at least help you know what to expect from the local cuisine . Fodor’s clarifies :
For example, if you are traveling to Italy, you expect to find a lot of pasta and pizza. But Italian cuisine is much more than that. If you are gluten-free and want starch, eat polenta or risotto instead. And don’t forget about all the other delicious local produce like prosciutto, cheese and ice cream, not to mention the fresh vegetables and fruits from the farm. It turns out that Italians also consider gluten allergy a health condition, which is why nearby pharmacies often sell gluten-free foods.
Also research the food labeling laws in the country you are visiting. If a country has strict regulations, it can be difficult to track the ingredients in any foods you buy.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, explore nearby hospitals and doctors’ offices. Find emergency facilities close to your hotel and attractions.
Pack some essential items
When you are at the mercy of allergies, there are several must-have items on your trip. Obviously, you will want to pack any medications you may need, but make sure you take them with you. For example, if you are using epipen, you can carry multiple doses with you just in case. The Food Allergy Education and Research Organization also suggests that you review the rules for carrying medication on your flight. For example, TSA allows the use of adrenaline but recommends that the medication be clearly labeled.
You can also bring a doctor’s note. Ask your doctor to write down your allergic condition, medical history, and steps to take if you experience an allergic reaction. Here is a sample letter . Depending on the severity of your allergy, you may even bring a medical bracelet with you.
We recommend that you carry a card explaining your dietary restrictions when traveling . You can show this card on flights, at hotels or in restaurants. The independent traveler calls them “Food Allergy Translation Cards.” They explain how to order one or make your own :
Some companies offer these wallet-sized cards that explain your allergies or other dietary restrictions in the local language you are going to. They can usually be customized to include several types of allergies and food restrictions. Be sure to order multiple copies of the passes in case you lose one or leave one at a restaurant.
Food allergy translation cards are offered by the following companies:
You can also make your own cards. Some travelers will print photos of foods they cannot eat and draw a large cross (or circle with a slash) over them to indicate that those foods are not allowed.
Likewise, an app called Allergy FT does the same through your smartphone. Include information about your allergy and selected language and the app will create a virtual card for you (although it is currently only available in English, Spanish, French and German). Even if you don’t learn the language of the country you are visiting, it is a good idea to learn to pronounce words related to your specific medical condition.
Bring your own allergy-safe snacks with you. Emily Hahn of Kitchn offers to pack more food than you expect, so you can have a snack between meals and at the same time to sit with friends and family when they go out to dine in a place with a limited menu. Just remember to check the customs regulations of the country you are visiting. Some of them do not allow the importation of certain fruits, vegetables or meat products.
Choose accommodation for allergy sufferers
Considering your dietary restrictions, there are certain considerations that you might want to consider when choosing a home.
First, you might consider looking for a place with a kitchen. Cooking your own meals will help you avoid the hassle of dining abroad; plus it’s fun. If you love to cook, you can try your hand at dishes made from local produce. Of course, you probably want to make sure you know how these ingredients were made or produced. Services like Airbnb and VRBO make it easy to find self -catering accommodation .
If you prefer a hotel, see if they have a concierge who can recommend you. For hotels that offer breakfast or other meals, check to see if they have special menu options or if they can suit your needs.
Bed and breakfast is also a good option. Since houses are usually smaller, the owners can be more accommodating. The independent traveler suggests that the owners can even give you access to their kitchen if you want to prepare your own meals.
Of course, on the Internet you can find a lot of information about almost all travel destinations. Chances are, if you do a little research, you can find at least a few restaurants and eateries that cater to your allergy sufferers. For example, AllergyEats allows you to search and rate restaurants based on their friendliness to certain food allergies and diets.
Depending on how severe your allergies are, you may not be able to completely cut your diet while traveling. But after some preparation, you can be sure it won’t stop you from enjoying the ride to the fullest.