Guide to Traveling with Food Allergies
Traveling with food allergies requires extra planning, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exciting experiences! With the right preparation, you can safely enjoy vacations, explore new destinations, and create lifelong memories without the constant stress of finding safe food options. Whether you’re heading to a theme park, taking a cruise, or traveling internationally, this guide will help you navigate food allergies with confidence.
1. Choose Allergy-Friendly Destinations
Not all travel destinations are equally accommodating when it comes to food allergies. Some locations and travel providers have well-established allergy protocols, while others may not be as familiar with the severity of food allergies.
Top Allergy-Friendly Destinations:
Disney Parks & Resorts – Disney is known for being one of the most accommodating places for guests with food allergies. Their chefs and staff are trained to handle dietary restrictions, and allergy-friendly menus are available at many restaurants.
Universal Studios – Universal offers allergy-friendly menus and trained chefs who can accommodate requests.
Cruise Lines – Some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, have strict protocols for food allergies. They allow guests to notify them in advance and work with chefs to ensure safe meals.
All-Inclusive Resorts – Resorts such as Beaches and Sandals cater to guests with food allergies. Many have dedicated allergy-friendly kitchens.
Considerations for International Travel:
If you're traveling outside the U.S., it's important to understand that food allergy laws and regulations differ by country. Some countries have strict labeling laws, while others may not recognize food allergies as a serious medical condition. Research ahead of time to determine what level of risk you’re comfortable with before booking. To begin your search, take a look at the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program. They have a great chart for easy reference.
2. Research Dining Options in Advance
When you have food allergies, planning ahead is essential to ensure safe meals while traveling. Before your trip, spend some time researching allergy-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and accommodations that offer kitchen access.
How to Research Safe Dining Options:
Look for Allergy-Friendly Certifications – Some restaurants and hotels have certifications or training programs for food allergies such as ServSafe.
Check Online Menus & Reviews – Many restaurants post their allergy policies online, and reading reviews from other travelers with food allergies can provide valuable insights.
Call Ahead – Contact restaurants and accommodations before you arrive to ask about their ability to accommodate your dietary needs. Download my list of 10 questions to ask before eating out here.
Book Lodging with a Kitchen – Staying in a hotel with a kitchen allows you to prepare safe meals.
3. Pack Smart: Essential Items for Allergy-Safe Travel
Having the right supplies can make a big difference when managing food allergies on the go. Here’s what you should always have with you:
Medications & Medical Supplies:
When traveling with food allergies, it’s essential to have your emergency medications easily accessible at all times. Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag, as checked luggage can be lost or delayed. Having everything you need within reach can help you respond quickly in case of an allergic reaction. Check-in with your doctor before traveling to ensure you have all of your medications.
EpiPens or Auto-Injectors – Always carry at least two in case of an emergency. When I’m traveling, I usually keep a box a two in my carryon and another box in my son’s bag.
Antihistamines – Helps with mild reactions or as an additional precaution after an epinephrine injection.
Inhalers – If you have asthma in addition to food allergies, don’t forget your inhaler.
Medical Alert Bracelet – Wearing one can provide critical information in case of an emergency.
Food & Snacks:
Finding safe food while traveling can be challenging, so packing your own food ensures you always have allergy-friendly options available. Having a backup supply of safe snacks and meals can help ease anxiety and prevent risky dining situations.
Allergy-Friendly Snacks – Bring non-perishable, safe snacks in case you can’t find safe food options while traveling.
Ready-to-Eat Meals – Consider bringing freeze-dried or shelf-stable allergy-safe meals if traveling to remote areas.
Portable Cooler & Ice Packs – Useful for keeping perishable items fresh while on the go.
Order Groceries- Use a grocery delivery serve to deliver allergy safe options to your hotel room.
Other Essentials:
While food allergies primarily involve what you eat, reducing the risk of cross-contact and ensuring cleanliness in your environment is just as important. Bringing a few key items can help you stay safe in public spaces and maintain control over your food and utensils.
Disinfecting Wipes – Airplane tray tables, hotel counters, and restaurant tables may have come into contact with allergens. Use disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces before eating to reduce the risk of cross-contact.
Safe Utensils & Plates – Some travelers prefer to carry their own reusable utensils, plates, or collapsible food containers. This is particularly helpful when eating in places where kitchen procedures are unclear or when grabbing food from a grocery store instead of dining out.
4. Using Allergy Awareness Cards
Language barriers can make it challenging to communicate food allergies when traveling internationally. One way to overcome this is by using allergy awareness cards that clearly state your food allergies in the local language. These cards can be handed to restaurant staff to ensure they understand your dietary needs.
Several companies offer pre-made or customizable allergy translation cards, including SelectWisely, AllergyTranslation, and Equal Eats. These cards help prevent miscommunication and can be lifesaving in situations where explaining your allergies in a foreign language might be difficult. Even with allergy awareness cards, it’s still important to have a conversation with the restaurant staff to confirm that they understand the severity of your allergy. When in doubt, trust your instincts—if you’re unsure whether a restaurant can accommodate you safely, it’s always okay to walk away and find a safer option.
5. Dining Out Safely While Traveling
When eating out, always inform the restaurant staff about your food allergies as soon as you sit down. Request to speak with the chef or manager to ensure they understand cross-contact concerns. Some restaurants are well-versed in handling food allergies, while others may not be familiar with strict precautions like using separate utensils, cookware, and prep areas.
If a restaurant seems unsure about accommodating you, don’t feel pressured to eat there. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and find a restaurant that takes food allergies seriously. Additionally, looking for pre-packaged allergy-friendly options at local grocery stores can provide backup meal solutions if dining out feels too risky. Download my list of 10 questions to ask before eating out here.
6. Flying With Food Allergies
If you’re flying with food allergies, taking advantage of Special Service Request (SSR) codes can make a significant difference in your travel experience. These codes are added to your airline reservation to notify staff about your specific needs, ensuring that accommodations are in place before you even board the plane.
When booking your flight, you can request an SSR code that indicates your food allergy so the airline is aware of your dietary restrictions. Some airlines offer allergy-friendly meal options or allow pre-boarding to wipe down your seating area and tray table. If you have a severe allergy, you may also request to be seated in an area where your allergen is less likely to be consumed. While policies vary by airline, using SSR codes increases the chances of receiving the support you need.
For a more in-depth guide on how SSR codes work, how to request them, and the full list of available codes, check out my detailed blog post here.
7. Knowing Your Emergency Plan
Even with careful planning, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place. Before traveling, locate the nearest hospital or urgent care center at your destination. Research emergency phone numbers, as they vary by country—911 in the U.S., 112 in Europe, and 000 in Australia, for example.
Make sure your travel companions know how to recognize an allergic reaction and how to use your EpiPen if needed. If you’re traveling alone, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies your allergies and medical condition. Additionally, downloading a medical translation app can help you communicate with healthcare providers in case of an emergency.
If you’re traveling to a country with different healthcare standards, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers emergency medical care, including allergy-related incidents. Having a plan in place can provide peace of mind and ensure you get the help you need quickly if an allergic reaction occurs.
7. Work with a Travel Agent Who Specializes in Food Allergies
Planning a trip with food allergies can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone! As a travel agent specializing in allergy-friendly vacations, I can help you find destinations, hotels, and restaurants that cater to food allergies.
When working with me, you’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your needs, insider knowledge of the best allergy-friendly travel options, and assistance with special requests to ensure your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible. I can also help communicate your dietary needs to hotels and cruise lines in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it when you arrive.
By taking the right precautions and preparing in advance, you can enjoy traveling without constantly worrying about food safety. Whether you're dreaming of a Disney vacation, a relaxing cruise, or an beach getaway, I’m here to help make your trip smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Let’s start planning today!
