Traveling to a new destination can be fun, but allergies aren’t. Allergy symptoms can seriously impact your experience while traveling. It’s best to be prepared, so here are some expert tips on traveling without worrying about allergies interrupting your vacation.
Planning
- Consider a destination that’s allergen-free. Camping in the woods may trigger seasonal allergies, but the beach probably won’t.
- Look up the weather and pollen count forecast before you go.
- Check in with yourself: do you know the signs of an allergic reaction? Knowing how it feels will help you react quickly and efficiently.
- Locate the nearest hospital to your destination. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it helps to know in case of an emergency.
What to Pack
- Over-the-counter allergy medications, especially if you’re concerned you won’t be able to find them at your destination. Include medicines that provide quick relief so you can use them in a pinch.
- Topical hydrocortisone cream for skin rash flare-ups.
- Any prescription medications you may need. Refill before you leave if necessary.
- Baby wipes are useful for wiping down surfaces that may have accumulated allergens. Keep a pack handy.
- Water bottle. Staying hydrated is key.
- Consider a portable air purifier.
Traveling by Car?
- Keep the windows up so pollen or other allergens don’t blow in through the window.
- Use the air conditioner and cycle air through the vehicle instead of drawing in air from outside.
- Replace any old cabin air filters before the trip; otherwise, they could blow old allergens right back into the car.
- Drive in the early morning or late evening, as there tends to be less traffic and air pollution during these times, so the air will be less irritating.
- If you’re renting a car, request one in which no one has smoked.
Traveling by Plane or Train?
- Tight quarters with recirculating air is a recipe for allergy flare-ups. Take an antihistamine in advance and consider wearing a mask to filter out dust or other allergens blowing around the cabin.
- Keep those allergy medications you packed in your carry-on bag so you can access them on the flight.
- Use a saline nasal spray to moisturize the nose. The recycled air can dry out your nose, making it extra susceptible to irritation from allergens.
- Ask about preboarding, which will allow you to get to your seat sooner and wipe it down with baby wipes.
- Don’t use the provided blankets and pillows. Instead, bring your own or wear a jacket that you can drape over yourself.
Staying in a Hotel?
- Shower when you arrive to wash off any allergens you may have picked up on the ride over.
- Seek out smoke-free and pet-free hotels to reduce exposure to potential irritants or allergens.
- Ask about accommodation policies. They may have portable air cleaners with HEPA filters or a room with tile, wood or other seamless flooring to reduce hiding places for allergens.
- Dust mites love hotels. Bring your own bed covers and pillowcases.
We at Lakelands ENT want you to have a stress-free, allergy-free vacation. Consider coming in for allergy drops to reduce your body’s reactivity to allergens and decrease your chances of allergic reactions while you travel. Call today for more information or to make an appointment. Have a great trip!
