Food Allergies? 3 Tips While Traveling

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but for anyone that suffers from food related allergies, the prospect of a tranquil trip can turn into traumatic travels.

For those with acute allergies to any foods, the mere possibility of accidental exposure to trigger foods may be enough to have them canceling their entire vacation. With the help and advice of allergy experts and practical vacation-planning steps to help you avoid allergy triggers and also be prepared for the possibility of an accidental reaction, a holiday in the sun (or the snow if you like) may be on the horizon.

Here are three tips for safe travel:

1. Plan ahead for your travel and accommodations.
Before you book your flight, you can confirm with the airline whether or not the foods of concern are served onboard. You can also request a special meal in advance. When it comes to booking a hotel or cruise, don't hesitate to call ahead and speak with a manager; they can help find an option that works best with your needs. You can also request menus from the cruise beforehand in order to help you plan your meals.

2. Understand the culture and eating habits of the locals
The worst thing that you can do is not research the dietary and environmental customs of the local culture. Whether you are taking a trip to the barbeque capital of the U.S. or venturing overseas for a foreign adventure, understanding the common ingredients used in local dishes can be lifesaving.

3. Be prepared and arm yourself with the right tools.
There are quite a few preemptive precautions that you can take to ensure your safety including: