Traveling is fun, but for those with food allergies, it can also be a source of stress and concern. Some food allergies are just annoying while others can lead to serious illness or even death. That is why it is important to take these simple steps to make sure that we stay safe and can enjoy our travels:
- Communication
- Telling the restaurant staff about your allergy is very important. Allergens can show up in many foods that we would not expect, especially while traveling. This is why it is important to always make your allergy know to whoever is taking your food order. If you do not speak your language, you can try searching for a translation for the allergen.
- Another simple way to communicate your allergy is by creating a "food allergy" card to take with you while traveling. This card can be translated to the local language and/or use pictures of what you are allergic to. Using a card is convenient because it can be shown directly to the kitchen staff to decrease any chance of miscommunication.
- Research the menu beforehand
- Nowadays, most menus can be found online. It can be helpful to pick which dish you want beforehand so that you can look up any questions about the dish's preparation. This will also help make sure that you don't overlook anything.
- If you are not sure exactly where you are going to eat, you can also look up typical dishes in the area. Doing some research into the local cuisine to find out what ingredients are commonly used in the dishes is a smart way to prepare for a trip. This will help you to make informed decisions about what to eat, and also give you an idea of what to avoid.
- Call ahead of time
- If you think that it will be hard to find something that you can eat while dining out you can call ahead to confirm that something is available and ask any questions you might have.
- Have easy access to your medicine
- In case an allergic reaction does occur, it is important to have your medicine nearby.
- Inform others that you are traveling with what to do in case of an emergency.
- If you are traveling with a group, you should also inform at least one of them how to properly give you your medicine in case of a reaction. If you are traveling alone and may need help administering your medicine, printing instructions in the local language can be helpful. These instructions can be printed or written out on a card that should be stored with your medicine for easy access.
By following these tips and being prepared, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind and reduced risk of an allergic reaction. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food allergies.