Traveling with food allergies can be a challenge. However, it can be completely enjoyable with Tips on How to Prepare for Travel with Food Allergies. After a few preparations you will be able to confidently travel the globe.
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If camping is your favorite travel mode, Healthy Meal Ideas for Camping Trips will get you started with ideas to eat healthy allergen-free food while away from home.
How to Prepare for Travel with Food Allergies: Homework Time
Just when you thought you were done with homework! This will hopefully be enjoyable homework. It necessary to do a little bit of research on the area that you will be traveling.
- Look up grocery stores in the are and visit their websites. Save the addresses of stores that stock healthy food that suits your diet.
- Do you like to dine out? Do a search for restaurants that have gluten free or dairy free items on their menu. Many restaurants post their menus online and even list ingredients.
- Plan early – as it can take time to look up places to purchase food. When traveling internationally, you might email the place you are staying for allergen-friendly shopping and dining.
- When traveling to a country that speaks a different language, be sure to have away to communicate your food allergies. Write on Food Allergy Pack of 3 Chef Card Peanut Seafood Emergency Reaction Allergy.
Planning ahead may take a little more time and effort, however it will also make your travel more enjoyable.
When it is possible bring along a cooler or small refrigerator, prepare sides ahead of time. Cole slaw is one of those sides that travels and ages well. The above pictured Cole slaw is prepared with dairy free mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar and it last very well for travel days.
Electric Cooler: Igloo 28 Quart Iceless Thermoelectric 12 Volt Portable Ice Chest Beverage Cooler, Silver
Implement these 10 ideas and you can have the peace of mind to travel without going hungry or getting sick!
10 Ideas to Implement for Traveling with Food Allergies
- Be Prepared. Preparation is key to not having a flare-up or getting extremely sick. Make a list of routine meals and road trip snacks that are prepared several days before travel. The extra time and work required is worth it! Menu Translator
- Plan Ahead. Plan a menu for the days you will be away from home. The menu doesn’t have to be set in stone, but it will give you an idea of what food items to pack. If possible put together a grocery list of items to purchase once we arrive at our destination.
- Call Ahead. Calling ahead of time to the place you plan on eating is important. When staying at hotel, call them to see what is available for their buffet breakfast.
- Bring your medicine. Packing your medicine should be at the top of your list. It is always wise to have oral anti-histamines, digestive aids, and epi-pens on hand when you leave the home. I have to remind myself to make sure they are all current and not expired as well.
- Pack more food than you anticipate needing. It is easier to pack plenty of non-perishable food. It would be better to come home with extra than to worry about finding food you can eat while on the road.
- Relax when possible. I laugh at my own suggestion! It is necessary to remind myself, that I am prepared and now I can relax and enjoy the trip.
- Download helpful apps to your phone. Another plus for traveling with a phone. Spokin app includes summer camps, restaurants, hotels, etc. , AllergyEats is great for restaurant dining. Allergy Food Translator is a must for international travel.
- Know the difference between “must NOT eat” and “will not eat”.
- Locate Health Food Stores. The internet is wonderful for locating restaurants and grocery stores in the area that you’ll be visiting. Remember to write down the addresses of local health food stores on your travel route as well as in the area you be camping or visiting.
- Communicate. It seems everything comes down to excellent communication. Wherever you plan a visit, communicate with your family and friends. We have a family member with a tree nut allergy, and after twenty years, we still need to remind people that almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc classify as a tree nut.
Re-Usable Storage
- Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag, Dusk (Snack) | Cook, Store, or Freeze | Leakproof, Dishwasher-Safe, Eco-friendly | 12 Oz
- Jucoan 3 Pack Kitchen Canister Set, 48oz Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers with Lid and Visible Window for Dry Food Snack Beans
- Stainless Steel Bento Insulated Lunch Box Food Storage Container Thermo Server Thermal (Blue, 4 Layer)
Specific Tips for Your Mode of Travel
- Recreational Vehicle – Most RV’s come with a refrigerator and freezer. The option to freeze meals ahead of time saves so much time plus it is super convenient. You can stock your RV with foods that will help you stay healthy.
- AirBnB – Plan to look up grocery stores in the area you are traveling to and write down their address. It is convenient to have the option to shop for the days you will visiting and fix your own meals.
- Plane – Dehydrated foods work well for plane travel. Either decline any food on the plane or ask for the specific ingredients in any food distributed while you are traveling.
- Train – It is possible to pack a small soft cooler with allergen-friendly food from home. The food you eat while traveling will be safe. Ask for specific ingredients lists if food is served while you are traveling. YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler, Navy
How to Prepare for Travel with Food Allergies
The goal is to take some stress out of travel and stay healthy! It can be nerve racking not knowing what kind of food is available at your destination.
Just know planning ahead and doing a bit of homework will give you peace of mind. Plus you do not want to feel unwell while traveling. Pack as many non-persishables as possible and perishable items in a portable soft cooler.
Enjoy your business trip, vacation or travel to visit what family and friends. Do you have additional advice to offer other readers with food allergies? Your comments are welcome below.
Pursing Better Health Together,