Hypoallergic

When at home, you have enough control of your surroundings that you can avoid allergens and easily go to your family doctor or local emergency room if you have a more serious problem. On vacation, this isn’t so easy. If you’re planning some upcoming travel, you can use the following tips to ensure that you avoid anything that could potentially make you sick.

Tip #1: Know your allergen families.

While on vacation, you might have a chance to try foods that you can’t get at home. Sometimes, asking if the meal contains peanuts (or whatever you’re allergic to) isn’t enough. If you’re allergic to one food, you might be at least mildly allergic to foods from the same families. This is certainly not the time to experience. Sometimes, this extends beyond foods. For example, if you’re commonly allergic to grass, you may also be sensitive to certain kinds of tomatoes and if you’re commonly allergic to ragweed, you may also be sensitive to certain kinds of melons. Stay away from anything within the same allergen family when you are on vacation.

Tip #2: Ask for a freshly comforter.

Most hotels use scent-free detergents and your sheets should be clean, but in many locations the comforter only gets washed once a month or even once a year. If you have sensitive skin and the person using the comforter before you was wearing perfume or used a strong soap, it could be a problem. When you get to your room, call the front desk and ask to have a fresh comforter, explaining your problem. Some high-end hotels even offer hypo-allergenic rooms with special carpet and bedding.

Tip #3: Visit your doctor before you leave.

If you have severe allergies, visit your family doctor before leaving on vacation and get a prescription for the medication you need in the case of an emergency. You may also want to consider medical jewelry that includes your allergy information, especially if you’re allergic to penicillin or other medications, since you’ll be taken to an unfamiliar hospital in the case of an accident.

Remember, before you leave, make sure you purchase a good travel health insurance policy. Not only will this policy cover your costs if the vacation is cancelled, but it will also include health insurance so you aren’t stuck with medical bills should your allergies get in the way while on vacation.

To learn more, head to www.TravelInsurance.com where you can learn more about travel insurance and get a travel insurance quote.