Travel and Outings: A Checklist for People with Allergies

Before You Go

• Check pollen and air quality information for your destination, and try to avoid traveling during times when levels are high
• Bring enough of your usual medicines (for prescription medicines, you can carry a copy of your doctor's orders), and store them in two separate places so you do not lose everything at once
• If you have a food allergy, prepare an allergy card in both Chinese and English and bring your doctor-ordered emergency medicine

Lodging

Choose a room that can be ventilated, is smoke-free, and has little or no carpeting. If you are sensitive to house dust mite, you can bring your own portable bedding. After checking in, first check the bathroom and air conditioner for mould spots, and change rooms if needed.

Eating and Getting Around

When eating out, tell staff about your allergy on your own initiative. When traveling by air, keep your medicine in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. If severe symptoms appear while you are abroad, the first thing to do is still to call local emergency services, and show your allergy card to explain your allergen.

Coming Home

After returning from a long trip during pollen season, change your outer clothes promptly and wash your face and nasal passages to reduce bringing pollen into the bedroom.

This article is for general information only and not medical advice. For specifics, please follow your doctor's instructions.