Travelling with Food Allergies: A Simple Preparation Checklist
Travelling with a food allergy can require more planning, but it doesn't have to take the enjoyment out of a holiday.
A little preparation before you leave can remove a lot of uncertainty once you're away. From medication and travel insurance to airline conversations and finding somewhere to eat, here's a practical checklist to work through before your next trip.
1. Check your medication before you travel
Well before departure, check that you have enough of any prescribed allergy medication for the whole trip.
If you've been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors, check their expiry dates and make sure you carry the number you've been advised to have available.
Keep essential medication somewhere accessible rather than putting it in checked luggage.
Depending on where you're travelling, it may also be useful to carry documentation explaining why you need your medication and to check any rules that apply to taking medicines into your destination country.
2. Check your travel insurance
Don't assume every travel insurance policy provides the same cover.
When arranging insurance, make sure you declare relevant medical conditions as required by the insurer and understand what your policy covers if you need medical treatment while you're away.
Save your insurer's emergency contact details somewhere you can access easily.
For some destinations, UK travellers may also be eligible for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), but this isn't a replacement for appropriate travel insurance.
3. Research before you arrive
A small amount of research can make the first day somewhere new much easier.
Before travelling, consider identifying:
supermarkets near your accommodation
restaurants that appear able to cater for your allergy
how allergen information works in your destination
the local emergency number
where you could obtain medical help if needed
If you're staying in a hotel, villa or apartment, think about what food preparation facilities you'll have available too.
4. Talk to your airline
If you're flying, check the airline's current allergy policy before you travel.
Policies and procedures vary between airlines, so don't assume that something you've experienced on one flight will apply to another.
If you need special assistance or have questions about carrying medication, contact the airline in advance.
Remember that airlines generally cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, so follow the individual medical advice you've been given for managing your allergy while travelling.
5. Think about communicating your allergy
If you're travelling somewhere where you don't speak the language confidently, work out how you'll communicate your allergy before you arrive.
An allergy translation card can help explain the foods you need to avoid in the local language.
However, don't rely on a card alone. When eating out, explain that you have a food allergy and ask questions about ingredients and preparation where possible.
6. Pack some safe food
Even with excellent planning, delays happen, restaurants close and suitable food isn't always available when you expect it to be.
Having a few suitable snacks or other foods with you can make those situations considerably easier.
Check the rules about bringing food into your destination before packing, particularly when travelling internationally.
7. Eating out: ask, don't assume
A dish that looks familiar may be prepared differently in another country.
Recipes, ingredients, cooking methods and allergen-labelling requirements vary, so ask rather than assuming that something you've eaten safely elsewhere will be suitable.
If you're not confident that staff understand your allergy or you're uncomfortable with the information you've been given, it's OK not to eat there.
Finding somewhere else is inconvenient. Having a serious allergic reaction is considerably more so.
8. Make a simple travel allergy plan
Before you leave, make sure the people travelling with you know about your allergy and understand what they may need to do in an emergency.
Keep important information accessible, including:
your medication
your allergy action plan, if you have one
travel insurance details
relevant medical information
emergency contact details
the emergency number for your destination
Then get on with enjoying the trip.
Living with food allergies involves preparation, but allergies don't have to define the whole experience of travelling.
Before-you-go checklist
Medication checked and in date
Enough medication for the trip
Medication packed in hand luggage
Relevant medical documentation packed
Travel insurance checked
Airline allergy policy checked
Translation card prepared if useful
Suitable snacks packed
Local emergency number saved
Restaurants/supermarkets researched☐ Travel companions know what to do in an emergency
Useful UK resources
NHS — advice about travelling with medicines and accessing healthcare abroad.
NHS Scotland Fit for Travel — Travelling with medicines — practical guidance on taking medication overseas and checking destination restrictions.
GOV.UK — current foreign travel advice, including health information and rules for individual destinations.
Anaphylaxis UK — practical information about travelling with serious allergies.
Emergency information
If you think someone is having a serious allergic reaction, follow their individual emergency allergy plan and use prescribed emergency medication as instructed. Seek emergency medical help immediately using the emergency number for the country you're visiting.
AHL note: Allergy Health Life provides general information and practical support. It isn't a substitute for individual medical or travel advice. Always check current requirements for your destination, airline and medication before travelling.
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