Traveling Tips
Before leaving see that all medications are not expired, and keep a list of all medications separately. If you are traveling with children make sure each adult has a recent clear photo of all children traveling with you even if they don’t have any health concerns. Children who have medical needs should carry medical Alert or other identification.
While dinning out with children with food allergies, I tend to favor restaurants that have allergy guides, either on line or in the restaurant. This alone does not make a restaurant safe, but rather safer. Allergy guides are usually the best way to start your research, when considering dinning out with someone who is allergic
Restaurant awareness can vary location to location so be sure to make your needs known to your server and or chef. Just because the chain location close to home is allergy aware does not mean every location will be as aware. Try to visit during less busy times when staff have more time to deal with your food allergy needs. Let your tip Reward good food allergy service.
When booking you hotel book a fridge or microwave, sometimes there is a small fee, around fifteen dollars, but well worth it to store your allergy safe foods or any medications you may need to keep cool. While booking let the guest services personnel know that your mini fridge is a medical need, some hotels have a limited number of fridges available.
Also when booking your hotel, consider one with a pet free section, and mention you have allergies. Some not all hotels have allergy wings that do not allow pets, smoking and have allergy safer carpets. Allergy wings are fairly new so not all hotels have this service. The front desk of your hotel may even be aware of allergy safer places to dine, or visit.
If you are allergic to any type of detergent or linens be prepared to travel with your own, or ask when making the reservations. Before booking make a list of all the things you want to ask for first, so that you don’t forget anything.
Plan field trips that allow you to bring your own food, or have picnic areas. Nine times out of ten “no out side food allowed” signs are not challenged when you explain that you have a child with an allergy.
It is rare to be challenged further about bringing your own food, but be prepared. The question “Do you really want to go on record that you are against people with disabilities visiting here?” usually stops them from insisting no out side food. I have in the past got permission to bring my own food via E-mail. I have brought a copy of my permission to my destination in case I was challenged.
There are a few places that cater to allergy visitors. Lego Land in California has nut free restaurants, and menus that allow for milk and gluten free dinning.