Traveling Abroad with Food Allergies

Dining out with food allergies can be a challenge. When you’re abroad it can be even more complicated. Follow our tips for traveling abroad when you have food allergies.

• Consult your doctor. Before you leave for your trip, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss a treatment plan.
• Research airlines and hotels. Take the time to check airline and hotel allergy policies before booking.
• Learn the language. If you’re traveling someplace where you don’t speak the primary language, learn a few key phrases regarding your allergy so you can communicate with the locals.
• Use a food allergy card. The card explains which foods you can and can’t eat in the local language. Show it to the server or chef.
• Stick with tourist-friendly restaurants. To avoid the language barrier, aim to dine in popular tourist-friendly restaurants where staff is more likely to speak English.
• Bring options from home. Pack some allergy-free food from home, so you have a backup in case you are uncomfortable with dining options.
• Make special requests. When possible, plan ahead and make special requests at events.
• Pack plenty of medication. In the event you do have an allergic reaction, make sure you have plenty of the necessary medication with you at all times.