It’s easy to trigger your immune system when traveling. Whether you’re constantly on the road or you’re jet setting around the world, traveling for work or business can trigger certain allergies. While some travelers choose to struggle through their symptoms during their trips, this type of scenario makes for a less enjoyable experience. Make sure your next trip is allergy-free with the following strategies:
1. Plan Ahead of Time
Handling your allergies while traveling begins by preparing ahead of time. Before your upcoming trip, it’s important to start preparing with your medical needs in mind. Start by refilling any over-the-counter and prescription medications that you’ll need on the trip. As you gather your medicine, be sure to write down the names of your medications, medical conditions, the dosage, and the prescribing physician.
Additionally, if you have severe allergies or asthma, experts from Premier Allergy recommend wearing a medical identification bracelet. Now is the best time to consult with a doctor or allergist to talk about travel-related risks to plan for.
2. Research the Area You’re Traveling To
Make sure to research the area you’re planning to visit during your trip to determine the potential allergens in the area. Check the pollen forecast and weather for the days you’ll be staying in the area. This way, you’ll know what type of allergens to expect when you arrive.
3. Prepare for the Airplane
If you have allergies and are planning to travel by plane, it’s a good idea to call your airlines ahead of time. Explain your concerns and medical condition to the airline’s customer service representative. Typically, they will inform you of any policies or accommodations for specific allergies.
If you have a pet allergy, be sure to ask the airline whether or not they allow pets inside the passenger cabin. If another person has made reservations for a pet, it’s good to ask to be seated far away from them. As you ask questions about their policy for passengers with pet allergies, remember that it’s impossible to completely avoid pet dander as it gets on people’s clothing whether or not they have animals with them.
If you’re planning to fly and have a food allergy, experts from Premier Allergy suggest asking about the airline’s policy for such allergies. If possible, request to pre-board the plane so that you may wipe down the tray table and seat. Additionally, consider asking the airline if it’s possible to have a buffer zone near your row to keep the allergens away from your seat.
4. Prepare for a Car or Train Ride
Though we tend to think of our cars as safe havens from outside pollutants and allergens, your car may be the culprit for your allergic reactions. When traveling by car with a mold or pollen allergy, make sure you replace the air filters. Likewise, take time to clean the air AC and ventilating system to make sure the air you’re breathing in is as pure as possible.
When traveling by train with a food or pet allergy, call ahead of time to see whether or not the train allows pets. Ask if you can take a seat further away from the animals. Likewise, if the train serves food onboard, see if they are able to accommodate passengers with food allergies. If they are unable to, take your own food on board with you.
5. Consider Your Allergies When Making Accommodations
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel during your upcoming trips, ask for a non-smoking, pet-free, and mold-free hotel room. Additionally, you can ask the hotel staff for an allergy-friendly room. If you would like more control over your lodging, consider renting an apartment or home on a site like Airbnb.
6. Stay Safe During the Trip
When planning your trip, always note the closest locations for clinics or hospitals. If you’re traveling to another country, make sure you are familiar with important words that will let others know about your emergency situation should you have a problem during your travels. Additionally, consider bringing a face mask with you in case you come into contact with allergens or similar irritants.
Taking extra precautions before and during your trips will help you avoid the worst effects of allergies. Keep this information in mind as you get ready for your upcoming travels