Here are my tips for surviving a foreign country with food allergies:
1. Translate your allergies.
Use Google Translate or a similar website to translate your food allergies to the language of the place you are going to. You can purchase actual cards from websites such as this, or make your own using translations like the ones at this website. Make multiple copies just in case something happens to one of them.
You should also be familiar with using the Google Translate app – it’s very helpful in these situations! You can use the camera feature and take a photo of any menu or ingredient label, and the app will translate it into your chosen language.
2. Research your destination.
Find out what kinds of ingredients are used in local cuisines. For example, in Thai food, peanuts and nut products are common but gluten is not. Also, learn about the country’s ingredient-listing policy. Some countries don’t require manufacturers to specifically list allergens on labels.
3. Locate nearby medical facilities.
Locate medical centers that can treat anaphylactic reactions and are close to the hotel or place that you are staying (just in case)! Find out what the country’s emergency call number is – for example, the United States’ is 9-1-1.
4. Pack snacks beforehand.
Pack snacks – more than you think you’ll need – to eat on the plane, and, if they’re nonperishable, to eat while you’re at your destination. You never know when you’ll find something that you can eat, so carry a few extra food items with you, especially when hours of sight-seeing are on your agenda. Crackers, pretzels, gummy fruit snacks, dried fruit, and granola bars are usually my go-to travel snacks. However, make sure that you are aware of your destinations’ customs policies regarding food, and I’d recommend finishing or leaving food products on the plane before you return back to the United States because the rules here are very strict.
5. Carry your medications with you.
This may seem obvious, but carry your EpiPen and antihistamine medicines (like Benadryl) everywhere you go! Keep it somewhere easily accessible, too. You might even want to bring multiple EpiPens. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry. I hate to sound cynical, but you never know when something might happen.
6. Have a doctor’s note, if necessary, for the airport.
If necessary, have a doctor’s note for TSA Security. For example, if you are bringing allergy medicines (like Zyrtec) or dairy-free milks (like rice milk) and they are larger than the permitted 3.4 ounces, you should bring a note to give to the TSA officers. EpiPens usually don’t require special notes, but I would recommend keeping them in their boxes for verification.
7. If flying, check the airline’s allergy policy.
Some airlines (Delta, Air Canada, and British Airways come to mind for international travel) are very accommodating for allergic passengers. Regardless of which airline you are flying, you should alert them in advance if you have a serious allergy. In addition, international flights tend to be long – so if you aren’t planning on bringing meals for the plane, you should look into the onboard meal options and preparation methods to ensure that you have a safe eating experience.
For additional tips, see Food Allergy Research & Education’s travel guide, which I helped write!
Last updated on December 27, 2020
