Springtime-the perfect time to travel. Flowers are back in bloom, birds are singing, the air is warm with promises of renewal.
For some, however, spring is the absolute worst time of all, as allergies-both food and pollen-related-plague travelers the world over.
Excursions in a foreign land can lead to watery eyes, unbridled sneezing, and potentially deathly circumstances in the case of wrong food consumption.
Never fear-CNN has released a list from a sage, wizened allergy sufferer named Elizabeth Landau who swears she won't let a runny nose stifle fun away from home.
Here are four ways to prepare for, and avoid allergic attacks abroad.
Environmental Allergies
Get to know pollen
Pollen is one of the leading allergens overall-most experience sinus discomfort at the hands of fuzzy flowers airborne dust. Landau suggests going to an allergist before your trip to get a skin test that will tell which particular pollens set off your allergies. Look up your destination online prior to travel, to see if there are any different trees, grasses or flowers that could prove pesky. In pollen-soaked locations, wear a wide brimmed hat, wash completely, and change clothes often.
Bring the defense brigade, just in case
Allergy pills, eyedrops, decongestants, antihistamines-don't be afraid to stock up on all you can before your trip. You never know when you could be hit with an attack, at the most inopportune moment.
Food Allergies
Translate!
How do you say "I can't breathe" in Spanish? You should know key phrases in the language of your destination, just in case. There are also printable note cards available online that explain your allergies in full. There is nothing scarier than an allergy attack with a language barrier, so prepare accordingly.
Bring your own food
If you are highly allergic to widely used ingredients such as gluten, tree nuts, or soy, it might be a good idea to bring along personal snacks. The likelihood of some foods containing, or being processed in the same facilities as your food allergy can often be high. Careful, though, not to anger the employees and patrons wherever you're eating-often, it is an insult to not consume the dishes offered by native citizens.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
