Traveling Safely: Allergies and Special Needs

Cheese and crackers, Thermos of coffee, and travel map

Judy Dodd, MS, RD, LDN, Giant Eagle^® Corporate Nutritionist

If you have health needs, plan ahead to ensure you get the most out of your vacation with the fewest complications.

Alert hotels, cruise lines and resorts of any food allergies or intolerances before you arrive.
Arrange for a small refrigerator in your room for food or medications.
Pack some "just-in-case" items if you are dependent on them. For example:
- Lactose intolerance: Take some of the chewable or liquid products that can make dairy more tolerable.
- Food allergies and intolerances: Pack snacks that can help carry you over until you can get to a shopping area. You might want a specific salad dressing, cans of a particular soup to heat up for a quick meal, soy or sunflower seed butter (if peanuts are an issue), or a cereal that fits your needs.
If you have diabetes, carry chewable glucose tablets in case your blood sugar drops. Pack a snack that can give you the needed glucose when meals are late. A small bag of peanuts (unsalted if high blood pressure is a problem), peanut butter and grain crackers or some cheese and crackers work well. Your pharmacist or registered dietitian can help you locate energy bars and products formulated for your needs.
Bring your own decaffeinated coffee or tea, as in-room coffee services may omit these.
Use bottled water from a safe source. Make sure water bottles have a plastic protection seal or sealed cap that must be broken to open. For added flavor, there are a variety of convenient and sugar-free mixes that are individually sized and easy to add to a bottle of water. Don't reuse bottles or rinse them in local water and refill them.
Remember to consume water or other caffeine-free beverages regularly in hot and dry climates to maintain proper hydration levels. Dehydration is even more of a problem when traveling, when you're exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, or if you're expending more energy than you would during a typical day at work or at home.
Remember that the timing of meals and medications will change with time zones. Discuss with your doctor and Giant Eagle^® pharmacist before you leave.
Be certain you have a daily supply of all medications or prescription drugs that you need. Keep these in a carry-on bag, not packed in checked luggage. Carry a list of all medications with you. If you have allergies or are dependent on insulin or other medications, a medical alert bracelet or wallet identification card along with the names of your doctor and pharmacist are essential.
Hand wipes and small bottles of hand sanitizers are a must along with your sunscreen. Individually sized containers of disinfectant sprays and skin safety products that are perfect for the beach or sightseeing adventures are also good to take with you as well.

Important Physician Advice Disclaimer: The content provided by Giant Eagle^®, including but not limited to, web site, recipe and health information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician for professional guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems.