Hi friends!

Are you ready to take on the world, even with your allergies? If you’re anything like me, you don’t let a little allergy drama keep you down. Traveling, eating out, and just living life shouldn’t feel like a minefield. Finding safe eats can be a nightmare. Sometimes, you just want to indulge and ignore the warning signs. Trust me, I’ve been there. The trick? Knowing how to prep so you don’t pay the price later.

Fabulous Adventures Await!

Traveling with allergies is not for the faint of heart, but it’s not impossible, especially when you plan like the well-prepared goddess you are. Yes, you're managing symptoms, dodging ingredients, and praying your Airbnb doesn't smell like mold, but you're also glowing in vacation pics and making it work.

Ah-choo! Don't let those irritating allergens ruin your picture-perfect vacation snapshots. Whether you're frolicking through fields of wildflowers or lounging in a hammock under palm trees, environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold don't stand a chance against your fabulousness. To make sure you're always prepared, pack your allergy-fighting essentials. Think meds, nasal sprays, and antihistamines. And remember to bring along a cute pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and allergens.

Now, let's talk about bugs like sandflies or bees. Don't let those buzzing bugs crash your fabulous journey. Pack your nontoxic insect repellents, don your chic protective gear, and stash an epinephrine injector for those unexpected insect encounters.

If latex is on your allergy list, inform airlines, hotels, and medical facilities beforehand. And don't forget to take your med allergies! Pack all your essential medications, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor for additional advice on traveling with allergies.

Learn Key Phrases

It's essential to master basic allergy phrases in every language you might encounter. Trust me, saying "Je suis allergique" in a French accent sounds as chic as it looks. But don't stop there! Take the time to learn how to say, "I'm allergic to peanuts" or "I can't eat gluten" in the language of the country you're visiting. It may seem small, but it can make a big difference in communicating your needs to restaurants and locals.

Communicate Clearly and Calmly

When it comes to allergies, confidence is key. Speak and communicate your needs clearly and calmly. Be bold and ask questions or double-check ingredients. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. And who knows, you may even inspire others to speak up about their allergies.

Seek Recommendations

Finally, feel free to ask for recommendations from your fellow jet-setters. Hit up your friends or social media followers for fab foodie recs. Nothing beats a tried-and-tested recommendation from a fellow globetrotter!

Facing Allergy Challenges Head-On

My fiance` and I were excited to escape the cold winter weather and soak up some Florida sun. Still, unfortunately, my allergies had other plans. As you may know, I have a systemic nickel allergy, which means I have to be very careful about what I eat. I usually do an excellent job preparing for my allergies when I travel, but I dropped the ball this time.

My boyfriend Jon and I on our Florida balcony

When we arrived in Florida, I was already feeling a bit off. But I didn't think much of it and assumed I was tired from the flight. We went out to dinner the first night, and I tried my best to find something on the menu that wouldn't trigger my allergies. But seriously, it was like everything on that menu had nickel in it, even the stuff that shouldn't. I ended up barely eating anything and felt sick for the rest of the night.

The next day, we headed to an amusement park, and after a while in the sun, I felt hungry, tired, and grumpy. I tried to find something to eat, but there were no outstanding options, so I grabbed some chips and queso since those are usually safe options for me, albeit a surprising safe choice. I was so frustrated and upset, that's not a healthy meal, not even a complete meal! I didn't want my allergies to ruin our trip, but it seemed like they were going to.

As the days went on, I found myself getting sicker and sicker. I was either starving or feeling sick to my stomach because I had eaten something that triggered my allergies. It was a nightmare.

My fiancé Jon was a total angel through the whole thing. He tried to help me find safe foods and was patient when I wasn't feeling well. But I could tell that he was frustrated, too. He wanted us to have a fun and relaxing vacation, but my allergies made that difficult.

Looking back, I should’ve been way more prepared and way less hopeful that Florida would magically be allergy-friendly. But in the moment, it was hard to think clearly. All I wanted was to enjoy my trip with my fiancé and not let my allergies get in the way. But unfortunately, they did.

So, what did I learn from this experience? Well, first and foremost, I realized that preparation is key. If you have allergies, you need to do your research before you travel. Look up the local cuisine, find out what ingredients are commonly used, and plan how to avoid your triggers.

Secondly, I learned that it's okay to speak up. If you're at a restaurant and you don't see anything on the menu that you can eat, don't be afraid to ask your server for help. They could suggest a dish that can be modified to meet your needs, or they might even have a separate allergy-friendly menu.

Finally, I learned that it's okay to take a break. If you're not up to dinner or trying new foods, that's okay. Take a night off, order in, or find a local grocery store to pick up some safe snacks. Your health is more important than trying to keep up with your travel companions.

Despite the challenges, Jon and I still had a great time in Florida. We spent our days lounging by the pool, exploring local shops and attractions, and enjoying each other's company. And even though I couldn’t eat half the things I wanted to, I still had the best time ever with my favorite human.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I travel with a systemic nickel allergy?
Traveling with a nickel allergy means planning every bite. Look up safe restaurant options, pack your snacks, and avoid canned foods or legumes, which are high in nickel. Call ahead to hotels or Airbnbs to ask about cookware or request kitchen access if needed.

2. What snacks are safe to bring on a plane if you have food allergies?
Skip anything canned, seeded, or processed. Try: honey sticks, fruit leather, bananas, carrot sticks, or cheese. Always carry a doctor’s note if you're bringing meds or EpiPens.

3. How do I explain my food allergies in another language?
Use Google Translate or allergy translation cards. Learn phrases like “I have a serious allergy to ___” and “Does this contain ___?” Bonus tip: Print the card in the native language and laminate it.

4. What should I pack for an allergy-safe vacation?
Non-negotiables: all daily medications, antihistamines, digestive enzymes (if applicable), travel-safe snacks, and a backup EpiPen. If you’re sensitive to pollen or mold, pack a nasal spray and a travel air purifier. Also: bring your own pillowcase.

5. Can I eat out safely while traveling with multiple allergies?
Yes, but keep it simple. Call ahead and explain your allergies. Ask about cross-contamination and food prep. Stick to places that cook from scratch, avoid chains or buffets. Pro tip: Check menus online before your trip.

6. What countries are easiest for allergy-friendly travel?
Japan, Sweden, and Italy are known for accommodating food allergies well, but it always depends on the allergy. France, while chic, is tough for gluten and nut allergies. Caribbean resorts are hit or miss, always call ahead.

7. What do I do if I have an allergic reaction while traveling?
First: take your antihistamine or use your EpiPen. Then, seek medical help immediately. Always keep your emergency info in your wallet (including allergies, medications, and insurance). If traveling abroad, know the location of the nearest hospital.