Embracing the Allergy Adventure
When our daughter was a mere 18 months old, she introduced us to the world of severe peanut allergies. Soon after, she expanded her repertoire to include allergies to various nuts and environmental triggers by the tender age of two. While this might sound like a recipe for travel-related stress, we made it our mission to instill in her the belief that her allergies are just one part of her identity, not the whole story.
Traveling with food allergies might sound like navigating a minefield, but fear not! With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can turn your family adventures into memorable experiences filled with culinary delights. To date, we've safely explored 30 countries with our daughter, proving that traveling with food allergies is not only feasible but also enriching.
Like most things, your attitude is key. When we first found out about our daughter's allergies, we decided to tackle the challenge head-on, and embraced the motto of 'Embrace and Educate'.
- Embrace the challenges: Accepting and embracing your child's allergies as a part of their identity is the first step to turning their allergies into a challenge, rather than an obstacle. It's a chance to grow together as a family.
- Educate and empower: Teach your child about their allergies in an age-appropriate manner, emphasizing safety measures while instilling confidence in their ability to navigate the world. By understanding their allergies, they can advocate for themselves and communicate their needs effectively.
Understanding Food Allergies
Chances are, if you're reading this you have a child or family member with food allergies, so you're probably familiar with the basics of allergies. In case you're not, before delving into the intricacies of traveling with food allergies, let's first discuss what they entail and how they impact children. Food allergies arise when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat, triggering allergic reactions. These reactions can manifest as mild itching or hives to severe anaphylaxis, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
- Common food allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, although any food could potentially induce an allergic response. It's crucial to recognize that food allergies are not a choice or lifestyle, but merely a facet of a child's identity. They shouldn't define them or curtail their ability to explore and relish the world around them.
Choose an Appropriate Destination
Selecting the right destination is paramount when planning a trip with food allergies in mind. If your child has a peanut allergy, destinations renowned for peanut-centric cuisines, such as China or Thailand, may require additional precautions. However, with thorough research and careful planning, you can still explore these regions safely and deliciously.
- Consider allergen prevalence: Research the prevalence of common allergens in the cuisine of your desired destination. Opt for countries with a lower risk of exposure to your child's allergens or those known for their allergy-friendly dining options.
- Seek allergen-friendly accommodations: Choose hotels or rental properties with allergen-free options or kitchens where you can prepare safe meals for your family. Contact the accommodation in advance to discuss your child's allergies and any special arrangements needed during your stay.
In most developed countries, most major cities are pretty well-versed at accommodating people with food allergies, and many restaurants in touristy areas will have allergens listed right on the menu.
Travel Day
Travel days can be challenging, even more so when traveling with a youngster with severe allergies. On travel days, no matter the form of transportation, it's generally best to exercise even more caution than usual (if that's even possible...those of you with food allergic children know what I mean!), especially when traveling by air. On the plane, we would only serve our daughter things that we brought with us, even if the airline food claimed to be free of our child's allergens.
Even though on many airlines you can request a meal that is free of specific allergens, we always traveled with our own food. The idea of our daughter having an anaphylactic reaction somewhere over the Atlantic requiring an Epi injection was something I was quite happy never experiencing.
On travel days, be sure to:
- Pack adequate safe food
- Bring all medications and two Epi Pens
- Have an emergency plan
We would always carry a few allergen-safe snacks in a daypack when we traveled. That way, if we found ourself in a pinch and we weren't certain something was nut-free, we could always pull some food out of our daypack for our daughter.
Choose an Airline You're Comfortable With
Now, this one is all about personal preference. Research an airlines allergy policy and find one that aligns with your personal comfort levels. Some airlines will allow passengers with allergies to pre-board the aircraft to sanitize their seat. Others don't serve any nut products. Some airlines will accommodate guests who are allergic to animals and ensure they aren't seated next to a cat or dog if you notify the airline ahead of time. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can let the gate agent and flight attendants aware of your child's allergy and any special accommodations you may need to make you feel more at ease.
Something to think about
If your child has peanut allergies and you're concerned about passengers around you eating nuts and your child inhaling it, there have been multiple studies that have shown peanuts aren't an allergen that easily becomes airborne, and the risk of anaphylaxis from just being in the vicinity of a peanut is extremely, extremely low. Here is a link to one of the studies, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which will hopefully alleviate any concerns about flying if your child is nut allergic.
Learn to Say Your Childs Allergen in the Local Language
I can say "peanut" in at least five different languages, well, at least I could at one point. Mastering essential phrases in the local language can be a game-changer when dining out or grocery shopping in foreign lands. Before setting off on your adventure, take the time to learn key allergy-related terms and expressions, ensuring clear communication with locals and restaurant staff.
Practice Patience and Understanding
While you may be well-versed in the intricacies of food allergies, it's essential to approach interactions with locals abroad with patience and understanding. In regions where food allergies may not be as widely understood or acknowledged, clarity and empathy are key.
- Communicate effectively: Clearly communicate your child's allergies to restaurant staff and locals, emphasizing the severity and potential consequences of exposure. Use simple language and gestures to convey your message, and be prepared to answer questions or provide clarification.
- Be open to alternatives: Be flexible and open to alternative dining options or modifications to accommodate your child's allergies. Work with restaurant staff to find safe and suitable menu choices, even if they deviate from traditional cuisine. Express gratitude for their assistance and understanding.
Emergency Preparedness: A Lifesaving Strategy
When traveling with food allergies, preparedness is paramount, especially in the event of an allergic reaction. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and the location of nearby hospitals or medical facilities, ensuring prompt access to care when needed.
- Carry emergency medication: Always carry an EpiPen and any necessary medications for your child, along with relevant allergy information and prescriptions. Pack these items in a readily accessible bag or carry-on to ensure quick access in case of an emergency.
- Develop an emergency plan: Create a detailed emergency action plan outlining steps to take in the event of an allergic reaction. Include instructions for administering medication, contacting emergency services, and seeking medical assistance. Share this plan with travel companions and review it regularly to ensure readiness.
- Know how to call emergency services in the local country: This one can be easy to overlook, because it's easy to forget that all emergency services operate differently in different countries. Emergency services aren't something you think about until you need them, and when you need them, that isn't the time to be starting an internet search on how to reach them.
- Know where the closest hospital is where you're staying: Once you know where you're going, and have lodging reserved, do a Google search and find out where the local hospital is. If it's not your native tongue, it's also a good idea to learn how to say "hospital" in the local language. This doesn't mean you have to commit Google Maps to memory, but it's probably wise to have a general idea of how far the nearest health care is.
Research Your Accommodations
Is your lodging pet-friendly? This one can be a red-flag for families with animal allergies. If you have down or other environmental allergies associated with any type of bedding, it's best to find that out ahead of time. While most hotels can accommodate alternatives, if you're staying at a home rental, you should contact the host prior to your arrival to make sure there's something available that won't have you itching and sneezing all night long.
Grocery Shop When Possible
Just like managing your child's allergy when you're at home, grocery shopping is often safer than eating at a restaurant. If your native language isn't what's spoken where you're visiting, be prepared to spend a little extra time at the grocery store. Google Translate is a great tool for not only reading product labels, but also ingredient lists. On many trips, my mom and I spent quite a bit of time touring the super market through Google Translate. Be prepared for some giggles though; it's not an exact science and can sometimes spit out some pretty funny translations. My favorite was a cinnamon bun in Bulgaria...Google Translate told us it was a "snail with a hat".
The good thing about grocery shopping is there are some items that you know will not have your child's allergen in them. For instance, a strawberry won't have peanut in it, neither will plain yogurt. When in doubt, go with something you know.
Bring Enough Medication for Your Entire Trip
Always carry enough allergy medications to last throughout a trip; never assume you will be able to find your preferred medicine, let alone brand, at a local pharmacy, even in the nicest of cities. Medications vary by country, as do the laws for obtaining them. If there is something that might help your child during a reaction, bring it with you.
Consulting Your Allergist
Before embarking on your adventure, consult with your child's allergist to discuss your travel plans and address any concerns or questions you may have. Your allergist can provide personalized advice and recommendations to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for your family, tailored to your child's specific needs and allergies.
- Schedule a pre-travel consultation: Arrange a consultation with your child's allergist before your trip to review allergy management strategies and address any concerns. Discuss potential allergen exposures and preventive measures to minimize risks during travel.
- Obtain necessary documentation: Request a letter from your child's allergist outlining their allergies, medications, and emergency contact information. Keep this documentation with you during your travels and provide copies to travel companions or accommodations for reference in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts: Seize the Adventure
Traveling with food allergies requires careful planning, vigilance, and a healthy dose of optimism. By embracing these challenges head-on, you can transform your family vacations into unforgettable adventures filled with discovery, exploration, and delicious culinary experiences. So pack your bags, buckle up your little sidekick, and embark on a journey of a lifetime—where every bite is a triumph and every destination a new discovery!