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Managing Food Allergies When Traveling

by Mary Jo Manzanares on November 24th, 2006

Food allergies can be fairly easy to manage at home, but when you are traveling it can create challenges.

If you suffer from peanut allergies, and are traveling by air, let the airline know at the time you book your reservations.  By doing so, you give the airline sufficient notice of your medical condition, and give it time to take appropriate precautions.  (Most airlines serve snacks other than peanuts, but may need notice to make the substitution.)  Don’t wait to tell someone about your allergy as you’re boarding and expect a peanut-free plane.  A little notice is needed.

Severe peanut allergy sufferers should also bring necessary medication just in case of an exposure.  Although the airline can take steps to create a peanut-free zone, you can’t be certain that the person sitting in front of you hasn’t packed a peanut butter sandwich in their carry on bag.

If you’ll be dining out, you may want to print out this allergy alert card.  It’s a wallet-size card suitable for us by both adults and children.  Carry it with you when you are eating somewhere that food preparation is under the control of someone else.  In a restaurant, you can just give the card to your server, who can then advise the kitchen.  When you’re in a large group, it’s a good way to avoid an allergic reaction, while not calling undue attention to yourself. 

If you have a child with allergies, you can print out the card for them to carry on field tirps, visits to friends, etc.  Using the card will emphasize that it’s not that they don’t like a particular food, but that they medically cannot tolerate the food.

Food allergies can be managed while traveling.  Manage your options so that you don’t have to eliminate your travel.

Photo credit:  flickr

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POSTED IN: Air Travel, Food & Beverage, Travel Tips