Traveling with Allergies – EF Ultimate Break

Traveling internationally can be an enriching experience, but for those with allergies, it can also present unique challenges. Whether you're allergic to food, pollen, or other environmental triggers, it's essential to take proactive steps to manage your allergies and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some valuable tips for traveling internationally with allergies:

Know Your Triggers: Before you embark on your journey, identify your allergy triggers and understand how they may be encountered during your travels. Common allergens include certain foods, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, insect stings, and latex. Being aware of your specific allergens will help you plan accordingly and minimize exposure.
Pack Essentials: Pack a travel-sized allergy kit containing essential medications, such as antihistamines, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen), corticosteroid creams, and nasal sprays. Ensure that your medications are easily accessible in your carry-on luggage, along with any necessary prescriptions or documentation.
Communicate Your Allergies: Inform your travel companions, Tour Director, and restaurant servers about your allergies before and during your trip. Clearly communicate your dietary restrictions and allergy concerns to ensure that your needs are accommodated and that appropriate precautions are taken. Your Tour Director will be in touch around 20 days before departure.
Learn Basic Phrases: If you're traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, learn basic phrases related to allergies and food restrictions. This includes phrases such as "I have a food allergy" or "Does this contain [allergen]?" Having these phrases handy can help you communicate your allergies effectively and avoid potential exposure.

Pro tip: Create a food translation card in the language local to where you're traveling. This is an easy way to communicate without needing to learn a bunch of new words or phrases.

For more tips like this, check out our Identity and International Travel page.

While we will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions during included meals, restrictions common here in the United States may not be familiar abroad and options may be limited/repetitive. It is our recommendation that travelers bring snacks.