5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Travelling with Food Allergies

Travelling with food allergies can feel like navigating a minefield, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

With a bit of forward planning and awareness, you can enjoy your holiday without constantly worrying about the possibility of an allergic reaction. 

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from our own experiences and hearing others' stories. To help you avoid the same pitfalls, I've put together a list of five common mistakes people often make when travelling with food allergies and how to avoid them.

❌ Mistake 1: Not Informing the Airline Ahead of Time

One of the first things you should do after booking your flight is inform the airline about your food allergies. This is crucial if you will be eating the airline food & not bringing your own. 

I have heard a few horror stories of people being stuck on long-haul flights with nothing safe to eat because they didn’t notify the airline in advance.

Some airlines let you add this information to your booking online, but for others, you might need to call their customer service. It’s always better to double-check so you can make sure there will be a suitable meal for you on board.

❌ Mistake 2: Failing to Pack Enough Safe Snacks

You don’t want to be caught in an airport without safe snacks, especially if your flight gets delayed. Always pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. I remember when our plane was delayed in Portugal once & our stash of snacks was a lifesaver.

Think of things like pre-packaged snacks and meals that you know are safe and that travel well. It’s one less thing to worry about on your journey.

❌ Mistake 3: Not Carrying a Medical Kit at All Times

This one is non-negotiable. Always have your medical kit, including EPI pens and antihistamines, within easy reach. We always used an insulated travel bag to keep the EPI pens at the correct temperature, this can then be stored in a bigger sized handbag or rucksack.

❌ 4: Overlooking the Importance of Communication at Restaurants

Eating out can be one of the biggest challenges when you have food allergies. Always speak to the staff about your allergies as soon as you arrive at a restaurant. Be clear and specific about what you can and cannot eat.

If you’re not comfortable with their response, it’s okay to leave and find another place. We always carried allergy translation cards, especially when travelling abroad. These cards explain the allergies in the local language and are really helpful when on holiday.

❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring Local Food Labelling Laws

Different countries have different laws about food labelling, and this can be a minefield. Before you travel, take some time to research the food labelling laws of where you are going.

In some places, allergens are clearly listed, while in others, the regulations might not be as strict. Knowing this saved us a lot of stress on our trips to Europe, as we found out they have the same labelling laws, highlighting the same major 14 allergens, as we do in the UK.

If you found these tips useful and want more in-depth advice, check out my eBook, "The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Food Allergies." It's got everything you need to know to travel safely and confidently with food allergies.

Use the code EARLYBIRD to receive a 65% off discount!!!

Do you have any travel tips or stories to share? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below or email me at [email protected]. Here’s to many safe and exciting adventures ahead!