Here are some suggestions to plan a successful, safe, and stress-less vacation.

Choosing where to go

Will you stay close to home or travel to the destination of your dreams? Regardless, the preparation is the same. Research food allergy groups and get recommendations on where to stay and eat.

How will you get there?

Plane, train, boat, or automobile. Why is this important? Well, if you have airborne anaphylactic reactions, it’s very important. If you are traveling by plane, contact the airline and let them know of your allergen. Even though most airlines have stopped serving food, they let you bring whatever you want to eat on the plane. Sitting next to someone who has brought a sandwich full of garlic and onions can put someone like us in a medical emergency. While we can’t reasonably ask for everyone to avoid your allergen, you can ask for accommodations. As soon as you board the plane inform the stewards that you have an allergy and ask that your seat be moved if someone is eating that allergen near you. Wear a mask. KN95 masks are pretty effective against odors as well as disease. Some choose to wear a respirator mask like those you can get in the home improvement stores. You may feel silly at first, but this is your health.

The same goes if you are traveling by train. Many trains don’t have assigned seating and you are free to move about in the various cars. If you have made arrangements for a sleeping car that is usually a safe bet. Bring a portable air purifier just in case you are near the club/dining car.

If you’ve decided to go by boat or take a cruise, there are options. Contact the cruise line directly and inform them of your allergens. Ask for their assistance on how you may be accommodated.

Carry food allergy cards with you in every scenario and if you know you will be traveling to a place where they speak a different language, make sure the cards are in English and in the language that is spoken there. Bring multiple copies.  Food is usually set up either by buffet, individually served in a separate dining area with a reservation or room service in your state room is another option. Buffets are challenging. Food is prepared in mass and there are lots of chances for cross contamination. Stick with salad bars and breakfast choices. Err on the side of plain. Avoid anything with a sauce. Bring your own spices and condiments that you know are safe for you to add flavor to anything prepared for you plain. Regardless of where you eat, it is advisable to get a room with a balcony so that you have a way to get fresh air  if you have airborne allergies.

All-inclusive resorts are a challenge for folks with food allergies.

Food is made to feed the masses and cross contamination is pretty much a guarantee. Some all-inclusive resorts have individual restaurants where you may have a better chance at getting a safe meal. Contact the management upon arrival. Advocate for yourself at every meal. Be kind about it but be firm in your needs. Make friends with the servers and kitchen staff. Make sure you have several copies of your allergy cards and give them to anyone you think could be an ally. Tip well and they will be motivated to help you. If you have a choice, size matters. Find a small boutique resort instead of a massive compound. Fewer employees, more personalized service.

Traveling by plane, train or boat feel too risky for you? Consider destinations that are within driving distance. Pack a cooler with your safe foods, snacks, and condiments.

Rent a car so it feels more like a vacation, and you don’t have to worry about vehicle maintenance or breakdowns. Any place you stop can be an opportunity for a picnic! Driving provides you opportunities to shop in different grocery stores. You may find some safe foods that your online food allergy buddies are talking about but aren’t carried in your local store. Map out restaurants where you are going and check reviews to see how accommodating other visitors have found that establishment to be. When possible, call ahead and let the restaurant know you are coming.

Being assertive about your food allergy needs are essential regardless of how & where you travel.

There is a difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Being assertive is stating your needs, educating people about your allergy, respectfully requesting their assistance in acquiring a safe meal and the key is using manners. Manners matter. Demanding your needs be met is aggressive and can be frustrating for you and the people who are making your food. Ask for what you need politely and be prepared to make suggestions.

When you are traveling, the place you stay is very important.

If renting a hotel/motel, house or BNB make sure that there is at least a fridge and microwave for cooking/reheating on the go. Renting an efficiency with a small kitchen is your best bet. If you’re comfortable on your vacation and know you have the option to prepare you own food, the more relaxed you can be. Induction hot plates and small camping stoves are inexpensive, portable and can save your vacation food experience. Check with your host and take into consideration any fire safety regulations. I know this sounds like camping, but sometimes you need to get creative.

Always pack shelf stable snacks, seasonings that are safe for you and at least one easy to prepare meal (probably more).

Shelf stable fruits cups, crackers, chips, nut/seed butters and cheeses are a quick way to stave off being too “hangry” to decide when you are exhausted from traveling. Luggage too heavy? Find a local store when you arrive and stock up on things that are safe for you. Planning ahead? Mail yourself a box to your destination with your guaranteed safe foods to save time and energy for enjoying your vacation.

No time to prep any of the above. Here are some restaurant suggestions for getting a safe meal.

Find an Asian restaurant and get a steamed dish with protein, veggies and a carb. Add soy sauce or salt and pepper to flavor the dish. Breakfast is usually a safe bet for finding something plain to eat. Another plus for eating breakfast and brunch, if timed right you can skip lunch and it will save you money by only eating 2 meals a day out. Like seafood and steak? Most restaurants do not marinate their seafood or steaks ahead of time and can usually prepare you something with simple ingredients.

Pack a personal first aid kit! Your health is very important.

Bring multiples of your medications including allergy pens, a brief report of your medical/allergy history and your physicians/emergency contact information. Scout out hospitals in areas you’ll be traveling. Check with your health insurance and find out about your coverage if you’ll be traveling internationally.

Consider registering with a medical alert site.

They offer products to wear (necklaces, bracelets, wristbands) that will explain your allergies if you are incapacitated and can’t speak for yourself. Many offer a profile that you can set up that explains your medical condition, emergency contacts, physicians contact for a fee.