When you or members of your family have food allergies traveling can be overwhelming and sometimes it can feel impossible. My son has multiple food allergies and over the years I found many tips and tricks to having safe and enjoyable family vacations.
Everyone’s allergies and needs are different so some of these tips may not work for you,but here is what has worked for us when traveling:
1. Research, research, research. The first thing I do once we’ve settled on a vacation destination is find out where the nearest hospital, grocery store and chain restaurants are that are safe for us to eat at.
2. Seek out familiar foods. When you have food allergies vacation time is not a time for trying new foods if you can’t verify the ingredients. My son loves sushi, so my research always includes looking for a Japanese restaurants nearby.
3. Call ahead. Don’t be intimidated to call restaurants, hotels, museums, theme parks etc. They want you to have an enjoyable time and are usually very accommodating and thankful for a heads up. Try to call during non peak hours for restaurants, so they have time to talk to you. A lot of restaurants post their menus online too, so if you have a meal you’re interested in but unsure if it’s allergens you can call and ask.
4. Bring your own snacks/foods. If you’ve ever traveled with children you know they are hungry every 20 minutes. When we fly we always have our standby snacks and meals. My son loves miso soup so I bring a packet of soup, an empty thermos and get hot water from the flight attendant.
5. Bring a soft sided cooler bag that can fit in your luggage. Having a cooler/lunch bag makes taking lunch on the go and carrying snacks so much easier.
6. Sanitizer wipes. Bring a Ziploc bag or a small package of sanitizer wipes to wipe down surfaces and hand sanitizer when you’re out sightseeing or need to clean your hands off before you eat.
7. Bring all personal hygiene products. For those with sensitive skin bring your own shampoo, body wash, sunscreen hand soap and laundry soap (for long stays).
8 Medication: Carry medication with you at all times and get a note from your doctor for epi-pens and other sharps. Antihistamine and the epi-pen are with us at all times.
If you’re prepared you do not have to worry about food allergies and can enjoy your vacation. Most theme parks, restaurants and vacation spots want their guests to have fun! If you’re unsure if where you’re going can accommodate your food allergies give them a call! Don’t assume you can’t go there.
Have fun and safe travels!
Comment below if you have other tips for traveling with food allergies.
