Travelling with Food Allergies
When traveling with food allergies, always try to pack your own foods, especially when it comes to gluten allergies, the fast food world is based on gluten, so unless you plan on living off of French fries and milk shakes through out your trip, it’s better to pack your own stuff. Tip – if you’re traveling in the states, look up “Whole Food Markets” they’re known for organic and specialty foods, they charge and arm and a leg, but if it’s the difference between junk and a good meal, then it’s up to you to decide what you want. E.g. a frozen dinner could be anywhere from 3-6 depending on what it is.
Take your own Vehicle if possible:
When I traveled I always tried to take my own vehicle, and tried not to carpool with others. In case I got sick I had the opportunity to leave at my convenience, rather than having to wait for others. I’ve done this before, and it’s not something I would recommend. Recently I reacted to apple, and I had to sit for over an hour before the rest of the people and the driver were ready to leave. Not a good feeling when you’re shaking and you feel like you’re going to pass out. It also gives you the chance to dictate your own guidelines for travelers. Like what people can and can’t bring on a trip. It’s easier to do it when it’s your vehicle and not someone else. The other thing to remember about public transportation is that you really can’t control what others are eating around you. But again, it depends on the severity of the reactions and how much you can tolerate. A word of advice, if you are starting to feel discomfort from the smell of something, change your route, or find an alternative, because the more times you exposure yourself to that particular food, the more your immunity system will rise and your reactions will increase in severity.
Traveling by air?
Oh and if you’re traveling by air, again, try to connect with the airline in advance. I know West jet used to have peanut free flights, if you need this find out in advance. Also, if you need to get your food menu modified, find out if this can be done as well, and how much notice they need to accommodate your request. Anything last minute, doesn’t work, it’s always to plan things in advance. I know it can be frustrating, especially when you want to do something spur of the moment, but try to keep things pre-planed as much as you can.
When traveling with food allergies, always try to pack your own foods, especially when it comes to gluten allergies, the fast food world is based on gluten, so unless you plan on living off of French fries and milk shakes through out your trip, it’s better to pack your own stuff. Tip – if you’re traveling in the states, look up “Whole Food Markets” they’re known for organic and specialty foods, they charge and arm and a leg, but if it’s the difference between junk and a good meal, then it’s up to you to decide what you want. E.g. a frozen dinner could be anywhere from 3-6 depending on what it is.
Take your own Vehicle if possible:
When I traveled I always tried to take my own vehicle, and tried not to carpool with others. In case I got sick I had the opportunity to leave at my convenience, rather than having to wait for others. I’ve done this before, and it’s not something I would recommend. Recently I reacted to apple, and I had to sit for over an hour before the rest of the people and the driver were ready to leave. Not a good feeling when you’re shaking and you feel like you’re going to pass out. It also gives you the chance to dictate your own guidelines for travelers. Like what people can and can’t bring on a trip. It’s easier to do it when it’s your vehicle and not someone else. The other thing to remember about public transportation is that you really can’t control what others are eating around you. But again, it depends on the severity of the reactions and how much you can tolerate. A word of advice, if you are starting to feel discomfort from the smell of something, change your route, or find an alternative, because the more times you exposure yourself to that particular food, the more your immunity system will rise and your reactions will increase in severity.
Traveling by air?
Oh and if you’re traveling by air, again, try to connect with the airline in advance. I know West jet used to have peanut free flights, if you need this find out in advance. Also, if you need to get your food menu modified, find out if this can be done as well, and how much notice they need to accommodate your request. Anything last minute, doesn’t work, it’s always to plan things in advance. I know it can be frustrating, especially when you want to do something spur of the moment, but try to keep things pre-planed as much as you can.
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