Allergies can dampen your travel plans especially if you are traveling during spring. Don’t let the allergies dampen the vacation spirit instead planning ahead will ensure you enjoy your vacation without any interruptions. It’s imperative that you understand the kind of allergy that affects you or your children to be able to counter it, be it a food allergy, seasonal allergy or asthma, hives, and skin allergy.
Preparing for an allergy-free trip
- Speak to your the allergist
The first step towards a happy vacation is speaking to the allergy doctor so you can get advice on how best to avoid allergens and in case there are any medications one should take to avoid severe cases of the allergen. Take note of any steps you need to take to avoid severe allergic reactions while traveling
- Choose the right place for your accommodation
It’s important to choose accommodation that doesn’t allow smoking, pets, and level of hygiene is high. Ask for rooms that don’t have carpets as this might hold a lot of dust and pollen. Inform the hotel of the allergies you have and confirm whether there any measures put in place to minimize the effects of allergies
- Make sure the vacation takes you to the right place
Research about the place you are going to understand the allergens that are likely to be found in the area.Choose vacation spots that will favor your allergy situation. Mountain areas don’t have dust mites while pollen is rarely found on the beaches. Depending on your allergic reaction, choose to take the vacation in areas where the allergy will not be accelerated.
- Pack your medicine and home remedy kit
Carry a bag with your allergy supplies and ensure that you have carried all the medicine that will help alleviate the allergy symptoms just in case they appear.
- Pack the right clothes
Ensure that the clothes you pack don’t attract allergens. Carry your own pillowcases if possible and a bedsheet that you can lie on.
- Traveling
If you are traveling by car use your air conditioner and filter the air. Early morning travels work perfectly before the pollen count increases. If you are taking a flight, ensure that the food offered in the flight has no allergens. Drink a lot of water during the journey.
- Activities at your destination
When you get to your destination ensure that you confirm the kind of food available and whether there are any allergy triggers in the food. Check the rooms and confirm there is no smoking zone nearby.
- Remind the families, Members of the allergies you have,
Vacations get exciting and some of the family members may forget that you have an allergy. Remind them of the allergic reactions you have towards certain foods and any other substance that may cause an allergic reaction. If you are sharing rooms ensure they observe hygiene and remind them to keep the windows closed to avoid pollen from entering the house.
Tips while traveling and you have allergies
- Carry your own wipes to clean surfaces
- Research on cultural differences and ensure that you understand them. In some cultures, smoking is allowed in public places
- Carry your prescription in your handbag
- Check out air travel policies
- Follow the instructions from the allergist and enjoy your vacation