Travel with Food Allergies: Essential Tips and Packing List for Safe Trips
Traveling with food allergies can be stressful for both adults and children. Whether you’re a parent of a child with allergies or have allergies yourself, careful preparation is key to staying safe and enjoying your trip. While many restaurants, hotels, and travel destinations are now more aware of food allergy accommodations, packing a few essential items can make your journey smoother. Here’s a complete guide for traveling safely with food allergies.
1. Wipes for Cleaning Surfaces and Hands
Bring allergen-removal wipes or sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces at airports, restaurants, and hotel rooms. Airlines often allow families traveling with allergies to pre-board, giving extra time to wipe down seats, trays, and handles.
At your destination, frequent hand washing is crucial to remove allergens picked up from shared surfaces like door handles, tables, and playground equipment. When restrooms aren’t accessible, wipes for hands and face are a practical alternative.
2. Compact Place Mat for Safe Eating
A portable place mat creates an allergy-free surface wherever you eat. Whether dining at a restaurant, a picnic table, or your hotel room, a mat helps protect your meal from oils and allergens that may linger on surfaces.
This simple travel accessory ensures a clean eating environment and reduces the risk of accidental exposure.
3. EpiPens and Antihistamines
Every traveler with food allergies should carry two EpiPens. Reasons include:
Faulty or broken devices
Insufficient dosage
Splitting up family or travel party
Each parent or adult in the party should carry at least one epinephrine injector, along with any prescribed antihistamines or asthma medications.
Tip: Inform security personnel at airports or attractions that you’re carrying medically necessary items. While many tourist destinations have First Aid centers with trained responders, personal medication ensures timely treatment in an emergency.
4. Familiar Allergy-Friendly Snacks
Traveling with kids or picky eaters requires preparation. Pack allergy-friendly snacks to prevent hunger during transit or when dining options are limited. Suggestions include:
Gluten-free crackers
Sunflower seed butter packets
Raisins or dried fruit
Squeezy applesauce
These familiar items ensure your child always has a safe and satisfying snack. While restaurants with allergy-friendly menus exist (see resources like allergyeats.com), having your own snacks adds peace of mind.
5. Portable Rechargeable Phone Battery
A charged phone is essential for:
Accessing emergency contacts
Locating allergy-friendly restaurants or grocery stores
Contacting hotels or medical professionals
Bring a portable rechargeable battery and charging cord to avoid running out of power during a busy travel day.
6. Plan Ahead and Communicate
Even with careful packing, preparation, and research, always discuss travel plans with your doctor or allergist. Create a personalized allergy-management plan and know what steps to take in case of an emergency.
Many travel destinations are now more accommodating for food allergies, but planning, preparation, and communication remain key to a safe and enjoyable trip.
