11 Tips to Consider When Traveling with Allergies

When you’re traveling, you can’t escape certain things.  Changes in time zones, a bit of jet lag, and for many travelers, exotic foods. Food can be such an important part of the traveling experience that individuals are eager to try native foods in the country where they are traveling. This means that for individuals who have food allergies, it’s important that they take care and find ways to deal with food allergies.  Here are a few tips:

1. Make a list of the items you or your travel companions must not consume and find someone who speaks the native language to translate and re-copy the list. You’ll be able to hand this to your servers in restaurants to make it easier to avoid meals with ingredients that you or your travel companions are allergic to. Be sure to ask how foods are prepared, and whether certain items are included in the preparation, like sesame seeds.
   , via Wikimedia Commons
2. Do some research before you leave. Create a list of foods that you know you can eat, and like the list of items you cannot consume, take that list with you to restaurants when you eat out.
3. When you fly, find out ahead of time what the airline’s policy is for individuals with food allergies and see if they can make accommodations for snacks or meals.
4. When you do eat in restaurants, try to choose times when the crowds are not in the restaurants. This may allow wait staff and kitchen staff to pay closer attention to your meals to ensure that your meals aren’t contaminated by allergens.
5. If possible, consult the chef to be sure that your meals don’t include ingredients that could be problematic.
6. Stick to plain meats and vegetables, salads with no dressings if you are unsure.
7. Carry epinephrine or adrenaline with you, just in case there’s a problem with the preparation. If possible, keep your medication in its original packaging while traveling.
8. Choose places where you can see the food being cooked in front of you. Street vendors are a good option if you’re looking for places like this. If one of your traveling companions speaks the language and the vendor does not speak English, you can have your companion relay the information regarding foods that are out of bounds.
9. Do your own shopping and cooking. This is the best way to control your exposure to items that might cause a potentially dangerous allergic reaction.
10. Find out if there are doctors who specialize in allergy treatment in the country where you are traveling. Be sure you know where they are and how to get there if there is a problem.
11. Bring your own nonperishable foods to eat, if at all possible.  It’s important that you don’t assume the same products made in different countries is safe.

Allergies don’t have to stop you from trying new and interesting foods, or ruin your vacation if you take proper precautions.

If you’re looking to book a trip to Israel, you may be interested in some traveling tips to Israel.  If you have more food-related concerns, or any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Gil Travel. They will help you accommodate your needs and plan a unique and memorable experience! You’re just a click away from the trip of a lifetime!