Tips for travelling with dietary restrictions

In the comfort of their own home, it’s easy for people with dietary requirements to fall into a routine that avoids any problem foods. However, as great as travel is, it’s definitely disruptive to eating patterns for those with allergies. There a number of things that will make your life easier if you’re travelling with a specific diet and here are just a few.

Prepare emergency food

Flights with limited snacks on board, stopovers in small airports and even train rides can be a nightmare when you don’t have access to safe foods so it’s always best to prepare for the worst. Make sure you have easily accessible, long-lasting foods stashed in your carry-on for a quick bite to eat when you get peckish.

Granola bars, nut packets or chia seeds are some of the easier options depending on the specific dietary requirements. However, never pack anything without double checking the international carry-on guidelines as you don’t want to have everything taken off you the moment you go through security.

Tell people

Yes, sometimes it can be painful constantly mentioning your dietary restrictions however, it’s always better to be safe. If you require a special meal, make sure you tell an airline at least 24 hours in advance otherwise there’s not much flight attendants on board can do to accommodate you. When you check -in, confirm with the gate agent that your meal is in fact on board so if they’ve forgotten you can work together to find a solution.

If you have a severe allergy, it’s definitely worth telling the airline as well. On a flight, it can be impossible to avoid snack foods like peanuts whether they’re handed out by flight attendants or passengers bringing their own. However, if you explain your situation to the flight attendants and your neighbours on board most people will be quick to accommodate.

If your allergies are strong, it’s best to also pack sanitary wipes to clean any surface you might touch like arm rests and especially food trays.

Learn some of the language

In the case of an emergency, flailing around trying to translate what the problem is just won’t hack it. Instead, learn how to say words like “allergic reaction” in the language of your destination before you land. This will help bystanders understand the severity of the situation. Also learning how to say “allergic” or “intolerant” can help make things easier when ordering at restaurants.

Check insurance policy

Some travel insurance policies are very tricky with what they choose to cover. Make sure you choose a policy that covers those at risk of anaphylaxis or any other medical emergencies you might see yourself having. Many companies will charge extra for this additional cover so make sure you call up and check the finer details.

Get your doctor’s help

Ask your doctor to write up a complete explanation of your condition and medical history as well as the processes to take in the case of an emergency. This way if you end up needing a trip to the local hospital or doctor, you can just hand over the letter. It’s also worth having the doctor’s contact information on hand as well just in case.

Get a self-contained apartment

Sometimes trying to find restaurants that cater to your dietary needs is impossible when there’s a language barrier. So, if you think this will become an issue when you’re overseas, try booking a room with a microwave, stove, oven and refrigerator so you can cook your own food if necessary.