Traveling With Allergies or Asthma? 5 Tips to Prepare Before Your Summer Trip

Summer travel can be exciting. Whether you are flying to visit family, taking a road trip, or exploring a new destination, travel gives you the opportunity to relax, make memories, and experience something different.

But if you or a family member has allergies or asthma, a little preparation can make a big difference.

I’m Dr. Gina Dapul, board-certified allergist and founder of the Family Center for Allergy and Asthma. In this post, I want to share five important tips to help you prepare for summer travel while managing allergies and asthma.

The goal is simple: prepare ahead so you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.

1. Research Pollen Seasons at Your Destination

Many people assume that their allergy symptoms will be the same wherever they travel. However, pollen seasons can vary significantly depending on your destination.

For example, you may be leaving an area where pollen levels are starting to decrease and traveling somewhere where warmer temperatures are keeping tree or grass pollen levels elevated.

That means you could arrive at your destination right as allergy season is reaching its peak.

Before traveling, consider researching:

• Local pollen levels

• Which plants are pollinating

• Seasonal weather conditions

• Whether your destination has high levels of the allergens that trigger your symptoms

  
  

Understanding the allergy environment at your destination can help you prepare appropriately before you leave.

2. Pack All Medications in Your Carry-On

If you have allergies or asthma, your medications should always be easily accessible while traveling.

Pack all necessary medications in your carry-on bag, including:

• Inhalers

• Antihistamines

• Prescription allergy medications

• Epinephrine autoinjectors

• Any other medications you may need during your trip

  
  

Do not pack these medications in checked luggage.

Checked bags can be delayed, lost, or inaccessible during your journey. Your medications should stay with you so that you can access them quickly if needed.

If you use an epinephrine autoinjector for a severe food allergy, make sure you bring it with you and know where it is at all times.

3. Prepare for Food Allergies Before You Travel

Traveling with a food allergy requires planning, especially when you are flying or eating at unfamiliar restaurants.

If you have food allergies, notify your airline or travel provider in advance whenever possible. You may also want to ask about available accommodations and procedures for managing food allergies during your trip.

For air travel, you can also request pre-boarding if appropriate. This may give you additional time to wipe down surfaces such as:

• Armrests

• Tray tables

• Other areas you may come into contact with during the flight

  
  

Sanitizing wipes can be helpful for cleaning your immediate surroundings.

It is also important to communicate clearly with restaurants, hotels, and other food providers about your allergies. When traveling internationally, consider carrying a written translation of your food allergies if you are visiting a country where you do not speak the local language.

A little preparation can help reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

4. Call Your Hotel Ahead of Time

Your hotel room can also affect your allergy symptoms.

When making your reservation, consider requesting:

• A non-smoking room

• An allergy-reduced room, when available

  
  

Many major hotels now offer rooms that have been specifically designated as allergy-reduced. These rooms may have additional measures in place to help reduce exposure to certain irritants and allergens.

However, availability can vary, so it is important to call the hotel ahead of time rather than waiting until you arrive.

If you have significant allergies or asthma, asking questions before your trip can help you make a more informed decision about your accommodations.

5. Plan the Timing of Your Allergy Shots

If you are currently receiving allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, talk with our team before traveling.

The timing of your allergy shots may be important when planning a trip, particularly if you will be away from home for an extended period of time.

Depending on your treatment plan and travel schedule, we can help you understand what to consider before you leave.

Do not make changes to your allergy shot schedule without discussing them with your allergy care team.

Planning ahead can help you travel with greater confidence and avoid unnecessary interruptions to your treatment.

Preparation Can Help You Travel With Confidence

Having allergies or asthma does not mean you have to avoid travel.

The key is to prepare before you leave.

Before your summer trip, remember to:

• Research pollen levels and allergy seasons at your destination

• Keep all medications in your carry-on

• Notify travel providers about food allergies in advance

• Ask your hotel about non-smoking and allergy-reduced rooms

• Speak with your allergist about the timing of allergy shots

  
  

The more prepared you are, the easier it can be to manage your allergies or asthma while away from home.

With the right planning, you can go anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Travel can be incredible. It gives us the opportunity to explore new places, spend time with loved ones, and create memories with our families.

If you or your child has allergies or asthma, preparation can help you enjoy those experiences more comfortably and confidently.

If you have questions about managing your allergies or asthma while traveling, our team is here to help you prepare.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist to create a treatment plan that helps you manage your symptoms wherever life takes you.

To your health and well being,

Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo