Carefree vacations - despite allergies
Thinking about nothing on vacation? That's the dream of many travelers. Allergy sufferers can do the same - if they think about it enough before they set off. There are two important decisions to make: how to book and what to pack. Here is an overview of the six most important points.
1. choose destination wisely
The choice of possible destinations is almost unlimited. Does that also apply to me? The more severe my allergy, the more carefully I should weigh up the effects of my desired destination. This means, for example: Better to go to high altitudes or to the windy coast with little vegetation if I suffer from a severe pollen allergy. Avoid polluted city hopping at the height of summer if I suffer from asthma.
2. choose the right place to stay
Pampering myself at the hotel? As someone with an allergy, I can do this if I find out beforehand how allergy-friendly the hotel is. Quality seals such as the ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) provide a good indication. If I am allergic to food, I decide to cook for myself if in doubt - and to rent an apartment or a room with a kitchenette.
3. never forget: The emergency kit
Many sufferers have one: an emergency kit with medication. If there is a risk of allergic shock, it also contains a ready-to-use adrenaline injection. The kit is only useful for those who always carry it with them - even on vacation. If you are flying, it is best to carry it in your hand luggage, together with a doctor's prescription, in case any questions arise at customs.
4. pack your allergy passport
Are you traveling alone and no longer responsive in an emergency? Then often the only thing that helps is the allergy passport you have with you. This allows medical professionals to see at a glance what is going on and how to react. It is best to keep it in your wallet or together with other important travel documents, translated into English or the local language.
5. remember emergency number
You can only provide help if you know what to do: therefore inform the airline, tour operator and hotel about the allergy before departure. And if you need to get there quickly, you should make a note of the emergency number in the destination country beforehand.
6. carry medication correctly
If you are dependent on medication, carry it in your hand luggage, in sufficient quantities and with a label in English to prevent problems at customs. Never carry just the prescription, as it is rarely clear whether and how quickly the medication will be available in the destination country. Also think about what you will be carrying locally: do I need to pack the medication in insulating or cooling packaging if I am walking for a long time with my rucksack?
Source: Allergy Center Switzerland
