Traveling with Allergies: How to Explore the World Safely and Confidently

Always consult your doctor before traveling if you have allergies, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or asthma attack. 

Your doctor can advise you on medications and update your action plan. 

Always pack your medication in your carry-on baggage in case you need it during your flight or your luggage gets lost. Do not store in overhead lockers. Keep it accessible. 

If you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction while out and about, carry an epinephrine (epinephrine) syringe such as EpiPen or Anapen, your mobile phone, and your Australian Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) travel plan danger. Make sure your travel insurance covers your existing allergies.

Before traveling, if you have any allergies: 

Always consult your doctor before traveling if you have any allergies, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or asthma attack. 

Doctors can prescribe travel medication and update the Australian Institute of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) anaphylaxis plan to include a travel action plan. 

Make a list of allergens and plan accordingly. Traveling can increase your risk of exposure to allergens such as: 

• Ingredients – Shellfish, Fish, Eggs, Peanuts, Nuts, Seeds 
• Insects 
• Dust, Mold 
• Seasonal Pollen – Varies depending on the time of travel. 

If you are traveling to a place where severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks may occur, you should take additional precautions. ASCIA has a thorough pre-travel checklist for travelers with allergies, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

Tips for Traveling with Allergies:

Other things to pack: Also pack allergy medications, such as inhalers and epinephrine (also known as epinephrine). We’ve put together snacks and meals in one package that are safe to consume on the plane or at the airport. 

Avoid eating unlabeled foods while traveling and ask about ingredients before ordering at airport restaurants. 

Bring a card listing all food allergies and have it translated into the local language of your destination. 

Bring a copy of your Allergy Emergency Plan (including a copy in your local language). Consider bringing a medical alert system, such as a bracelet or other device. 

Please purchase travel insurance. Check whether your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are typically responsible for paying out-of-pocket hospital and other medical expenses in most destinations. Make plans to seek treatment abroad if you need it. Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical and emergency evacuation, especially if you are traveling to a remote location. While traveling: 

Choose safe food and drinks. Contaminated food and drinks can cause diarrhea and other illnesses to travelers, disrupting their trip. Travelers to low- and moderate-income destinations are particularly at risk. In general, foods served hot are as safe to eat as dry or packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot beverages are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to make safer food and drink choices to prevent illness. 

People with allergies are advised to take the following additional measures: 

Always ask about ingredients and check food labels. If in doubt, don’t eat. 

Avoid eating “street food” as there is often no reliable way to check the ingredients.

Give a card listing all food allergies to anyone preparing your meal, including restaurant staff. Cards must be translated into the local language. 

Recognize the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Understand when and how to use your epinephrine auto-injector correctly. Carry an auto-injector with you for all activities, even if you don’t think you’ll be eating. 

Make sure your travel companions have a copy of your allergy emergency plan. Teach your travel companions how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Also, be sure to know where to find your epinephrine auto-injector and how to use it in case of an allergy emergency.

Ask your doctor to write you an additional prescription that you can carry with you. Learn the common and brand names of the countries you visit. 

Language barriers can be difficult to deal with, but the people working at the hotel are likely to speak English. Email is the best way to communicate during your stay, as many Internet translation services are available. 

Just to be safe, find the hospital closest to where you’ll be staying. 

Food allergies. Please bring several copies of your Anaphylactic Emergency Treatment Plan. Always carry this document with you (along with your medication!). 

Always carry your chef card in English and the language of the country you are staying in. 

Please bring safe, non-perishable food. Dried pasta and allergen-free snack bars are also great options. Do not assume that the same product manufactured in another country contains exactly the same ingredients.

International Food Allergies. The Anaphylaxis Alliance (IFAAA) has developed a travel planning document for international travelers. Use this resource as a supplement to your regular food allergy anaphylaxis emergency treatment plan. A note about indoors and pollen: Check your destination’s pollen forecast and plan your itinerary accordingly, especially if you’re thinking of spending a lot of time outdoors. 

Please request a non-smoking, pet and mold-free room. If possible, request an allergy-friendly room. 

If you are allergic to mold or dust mites, consider bringing a hypoallergenic pillowcase. 

Change your car’s air filter and clean your HVAC system to prevent pollen and mold allergens. 

If you are traveling by plane, bring saline spray or mist with you. The dry environment on a plane can worsen allergy symptoms. 

If you’re traveling during periods of high pollen and air pollution, close your car windows and turn on your air conditioner. 

Typically, drive early in the morning or late at night when air pollution levels are lowest. 

Do not use airplane pillows or blankets. 

Close hotel room windows and use air conditioning to reduce indoor pollen exposure. 

When you return from being outdoors, shower and change your clothes to minimize the amount of pollen you bring indoors. 

Travelers with allergies are advised to prepare in advance. With the aforementioned strategies and a simple conversation with your healthcare provider, you can be on your way to calmer skies without worrying or saying, “I’m ashes!” In the world.

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