Allergies on the Go: 10 Travel Tips for Allergy Prevention & Relief
Traveling to a new destination can be fun, but you’ll want to leave allergies at home. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping, it’s best to be prepared when it comes to allergies. Before you hit the road, airport, or train station, check out these tips and tricks to help manage your allergies on the go.
1. Look Up Pollen Count Forecast and Plan Around It
Planning a hiking or camping trip? If you typically suffer from pollen allergies, be sure to do your research and check the pollen count of your final destination before heading out. The pollen count is a measurement of the number of pollen grains in a cubic meter of air. The higher the count, the more likely that your allergies will flare up. It’s important to note there is a difference between pollen allergy counts and a pollen allergy forecast. Counts are reflective of real-time weather, while forecasts predict pollen levels based on previous years.1
Some allergens are more prevalent at different times throughout the country, so researching your specific allergen can help. For example, ragweed is common in the east and Midwest from mid-summer to winter; on the other hand, Bermuda grass is more prominent in California at the same time.2 Looking at a pollen allergy map can help you determine which allergens will be in your area.
2. Traveling by Car? Keep the Windows Up
The best time to leave for traveling during allergy season is in the early morning or late evening. During this time, there tends to be less air pollution and traffic, which can stir up pollen and other allergens in the air.
When traveling by car, try to keep the windows closed as much as possible to prevent pollen and allergens from coming into the car. To keep cool, use the air conditioning. Before leaving, try running your car and air conditioning for around 10 minutes to make sure it works properly.2 It’s also a good idea to check and replace any old cabin air filters before long trips to help keep allergies to a minimum.3
3. Traveling by Plane or Train? Use a Saline Nasal Spray
If you’re traveling by plane or train, the recycled air inside can be dry, quickly drying out your nose. This can make it more sensitive to allergens. Consider bringing along a saline nasal spray to help moisturize the nose while rinsing out irritating substances from the nostrils and sinuses. If you have a stuffy nose, saline sprays can help thin and remove excess mucus, letting you breathe easier.4
4. Bring Your Own Bed Covers for Hotels
When staying at a hotel or motel, consider bringing your own dust allergy or hypoallergenic covers for the mattress, along with your own pillows. Dust mites love to take up residence on these surfaces, which can be irritating for those with dust and/or dust mite allergies. Managing these allergies can help you get a good night’s sleep.2
5. Ask About Accommodation Policies on Allergies
These days, many hotels can accommodate all types of situations, including allergies. Before booking, ask the front desk if they offer any allergy-friendly rooms and what other policies they have in place. You can also request a smoke-free and/or pet-free room to avoid setting off your allergies. If you have pet allergies, consider staying at a hotel that does not allow pets to avoid them completely.5
Airline carriers may also have policies for those who have food allergies. When purchasing your ticket, call the carrier’s customer service line to ask for pre-boarding — this will allow you to be seated first to wipe down your area. You can also request allergy-friendly meals for longer flights. If you have an airborne allergy to nuts, you can also inform the airline and remind flight attendants when you board.3
6. Carry an Allergy Card for Food Allergies
Allergy cards can be a great way to communicate your specific allergies and their severity to prevent severe reactions. They’re most useful for dining out at restaurants where you may be unfamiliar with recipes and ingredients. These can be especially important when traveling internationally. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers food allergy cards for travel in English and 10 other languages to help you communicate your allergies while traveling. Try to look up the names of your allergens in the local language to avoid difficulties with communication.6
7. Carry an Auto-Injectable Device that Delivers the Drug Epinephrine for Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
If you have severe food or insect allergies that can result in anaphylaxis, be sure to bring one or two epinephrine on your travels. These can be life-saving if you come across your allergen while traveling. It can be much more difficult to control your exposure while eating at different restaurants and staying in unfamiliar places, so be sure to take extra caution. If you have to use your epinephrine, be sure to seek professional medical treatment immediately after.2
8. Wear a Mask to Protect Against Airborne Allergens
Masks help protect us from a lot, including pollen, pet dander, or mold. Wearing a mask in areas with high pollen count can help prevent both allergy and asthma symptoms. If you’re sensitive to air pollution, which can also set off asthma symptoms, consider wearing a mask outdoors in crowded cities.7
9. Pack Wipes to Clean Surfaces for Allergens
Wet wipes can be a great tool for cleaning surfaces and getting rid of potential allergens. You can use them in restaurants, on planes, trains, and hotels to remove residue from food allergens or pet dander. Thoroughly wipe down any areas with alcohol wipes, then let them air dry.8
10. Take BENADRYL® With You for Allergies and Itchy Skin
When allergies hit fast while traveling, bring along BENADRYL® products with the active ingredient Diphenhydramine HCl. BENADRYL® allergy relief medicine can help stop your allergy and cold symptoms to get you back on track with your trip. For dust, dander, and grass and tree pollen allergies, try BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS®. Leave congestion behind with BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion.
If itching bug bites are distracting you from your fun, try BENADRYL® Extra Strength Spray or BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick for instant relief.
For more tips on how to manage outdoor allergies in general, check out our guide here.
*BENADRYL® is indicated to provide temporary relief of these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Itching of the nose or throat
**BENADRYL® is also indicated to temporarily relieve these symptoms due to the common cold:
Runny nose
Sneezing
References
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Pollen Counts Defined. Accessed from: https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Allergy,-Asthma-Immunology-Glossary/Pollen-Counts-Defined
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. The Best Ways to Prevent Your Allergies on Vacation. February 11, 2021. Accessed from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-tips-for-traveling-with-allergies/
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Traveling With Asthma and Allergies. September 2015. Accessed from: https://www.aafa.org/traveling-with-asthma-allergies/
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe. September 28, 2020. Accessed from: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/saline-sinus-rinse-recipe
Allergy & Asthma Network. Hotel Travel Tips. Accessed from: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/hotel-travel-tips/
Food Allergy Research & Education. Food Allergy Chef Cards. Accessed from:
https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/food-allergy-chef-cards
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Masks Can Offer Many Benefits to People With Asthma and Allergies. December 21, 2021. Accessed from: https://community.aafa.org/blog/masks-can-offer-many-benefits-to-people-with-asthma-and-allergies
Food and Drug Administration. Allergen Removal and Transfer Using Wiping and Cleaning Methods in Retail Food Establishments. March 7, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.fda.gov/food/retail-food-protection/allergen-removal-and-transfer-using-wiping-and-cleaning-methods-retail-food-establishments
