Are you scared to travel with your allergic child? Having food allergies has never stopped this Allergic Traveler from discoveriTime to go!ng the world. There is so much to see, it would be a shame not to see what the world has to offer. From an early age, my parents instilled the importance of traveling in me. I went on my first trip at the age of two to Florida. My mother and grandmother just went. This was pre-internet, pre-Epi-pen and pre-Benadryl (at least for me.) They were both very brave, but never thought twice about going. Admittedly it was probably easier at that age because I was eating baby formulas, but that did not matter. This was just the first of many trips. I have traveled by planes, trains, cars, and boats. I have seen more than 25 states, 7 provinces and 22 countries. It’s a big world! And I still think there is a lot more for me to see. To help you on your next travel adventure, here are some of my live by travel tips.
1. Always have food on you. If you are headed south, never bring
chocolate. If you are headed north, think of food that can withstand
the cold.  If you are headed to a foreign country think twice about microwave foods as they may not always be convenient. Not everywhere has a microwave.
2. Always have Allergic Traveler cards on you! We produce cards in more than 18 languages, one of them is sure to fit your need. We also have cards in just English, which are our most popular.
3. Always pack meds – also check they are all current. Bring a few versions of the same med, for instance liquid and pill format. Carry some on you and some in your luggage, and if traveling with a
companion have them carry some.
4. Research where the local hospitals are.
5. Know the cuisine where you are headed. If you have a soy allergy,
will you be able to eat if you go to China? (the answer is yes, I did!)
6. If you are a woman, bring a pashmina (large scarf). It can act as a
blanket, jacket or even pillow at night if you or your child is allergic to
feathers.
7. Have a ritual before you travel, and follow it. Make a list and
follow it. You do not want to have to look for Benadryl in a foreign country because you forgot it.
8. If you are traveling with someone, make sure they know all your
allergies, where you keep your meds and if you have any rituals.
9.If you take a cruise, make sure to notify your travel agent of all your allergies. A lot of cruises are very accommodating to food allergies.
10. Try and always get a room with a fridge; a microwave is just a bonus. Some hotels that don’t have microwaves in the rooms have ones that you can borrow or use.
11. Have fun! This is an experience that you will cherish always.

What are some of your tips? Share them with us.

Safe travels!