I am thrilled to write this week’s Travel Talk on Twitter topic because it is something very close to my heart; traveling with allergies. I have many food allergies. I am allergic to peanuts, cashews, pistachios, lentils, and some peas. However, my allergies have never stopped me from traveling.
True, enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best parts about traveling, but my food allergies aren’t going to prevent me from visiting India or Thailand, where the foods I am allergic to are used in abundance.
Image source: closetcooking.com. Pad Thai; a food that causes peanut allergy sufferers much anxiety.
Here are my tips:
Write out a statement about your allergies in the local language: This has surely saved me on more than one occasion. It is obviously helpful to learn to say the phrase “I am allergic to X”, but your accent may mangle the listener’s interpretation. Print it from an online translating website so your handwriting isn’t an issue.
Find a guide who speak the local tongue: I consider myself a very independent person. I’m not crazy about guided tours; I like to explore on my own. But, when it comes to local cuisine, having a guide is a huge plus. When I was in Colombia with my family, we had a guided day tour around the small town we were staying. Our guide helped us get delicious food in the local restaurants without fear.
Image source: theguardian.com
Grocery stores are your friend: Similar to my tip last week on staying healthy, I like to go to the grocery store and load up on fruits and vegetables when I travel. That way, I know I’m safe, can save money, and eat healthy even when I’m not able to eat as much as I want in the local restaurants
In the event of an allergic reaction, stay calm and be prepared: I have had two major allergic reactions while abroad. When I eat the foods I am allergic to, I vomit. The first time, I was 15 and on a tour. One of the guides rushed in a taxi with me to the hospital. The hospital gave me some medicine for my upset stomach, watched me for 2 hours, and let me go. The second time, I knew what kind of treatment I would get. Instead of going to the hospital, my boyfriend went to the local pharmacy and got some nausea medicine. I puked and puked, but I was ultimately fine. I am very glad I did not go to the hospital, because going to the hospital in general is usually unpleasant, and going to the hospital in a foreign country is worse. These days, I make sure to travel with Benodryl as well as nausea medication. If you know your allergy requires hospital attention, make sure you are wearing a medic alert bracelet when you travel, and carry an EpiPen.
Image source: tumblr.com
If you have animal allergies: If you are allergic to cats or dogs, make sure that the place you are staying does not have these animals. This mostly applies to AirBnB and other homeshare programs where you will be staying in another person’s home rather than a hotel. Pack some allergy medication just in case.
Remember, allergies are no fun, but staying in your home with fear of the outside world is even less fun. With the proper precautions, you can travel wherever your heart desires. Safe travels!
