There’s nothing more exciting and joyful than planning your next vacation. While the COVID-19 pandemic brought an onslaught of travel restrictions, things seem to take a slightly positive turn with widespread vaccination programs. Many tourist destinations are deploying robust safety measures to keep the novel coronavirus away.
But if you’re someone who struggles with seasonal allergies, getting infected with the COVID-19 virus isn’t the only fear you’ll face while traveling. Whether you’re traveling for a family holiday or for business, you’re skeptical about triggering your allergies during the trip.
The last thing you want is to break into a sneezing fit in the middle of the road in a foreign country. Nor do you want to stay curled up in your hotel room throughout the trip.
The good news is that keeping your seasonal allergies at bay while traveling isn’t rocket science. A bit of common sense and plenty of advance planning is all you need to enjoy a memorable and stress-free vacation.
In this blog, we’ll discuss a few tips to help you travel during allergy season without triggering an onslaught of sneezing and coughing. Let’s get started.
Research Your Destination
This one’s a no-brainer. Irrespective of whether you’re vulnerable to seasonal allergies, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the destination. Start by using a reliable weather intelligence platform to check the weather, air quality index (AQI), and pollen index at the destination.
Some weather apps and websites even give you a breakdown of different types of allergens at any location. They also offer a 7-day or 14-day forecast and hourly breakdowns of the weather and pollen data. That information will come in handy while you’re planning your itinerary.
For instance, if you know that the pollen index will escalate around noon, it’s best to plan outdoor excursions early in the morning or late afternoon. Keep your weather app handy after you reach the destination as well.
Additionally, check travel blogs and news sites to learn more about the accommodation facilities and healthcare infrastructure at the destination. Find out what activities and excursions you can enjoy while minimizing your exposure to allergens.
Choose the Right Accommodation
Ideally, you should opt for a property that follows excellent cleaning practices and doesn’t allow pets. Request for an air-conditioned room that gets plenty of sunlight during the day. Evaluate various accommodation options and choose one that best suits your health.
Also, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the property and let them know about your situation before your arrival. Inform them about any special needs, such as hypoallergenic pillow covers and bedsheets. Check whether the accommodation facility has a doctor on call. Don’t forget to ask them to clean your room in advance.
Pack an Essentials Kit
You don’t need someone to tell you that you must carry enough supply of your allergy medications to last you for the trip. What no one ever tells you is that you need to pack your medication in your carry-on bag (if you’re traveling by air). It’ll ensure that you have access to your medicines even if your checked-in baggage gets damaged or misplaced.
In addition to medicines, it’s a good idea to pack an extensive essentials kit that includes other supplies, such as inhalers, nasal sprays, insect repellents, etc. Don’t forget to carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription.
Also, depending on where you’re traveling, it might be a good idea to bring your own bed sheets and pillow covers. It’ll go a long way to minimize your exposure to allergens and dust mites.
Amp up Your Travel Insurance
A travel insurance plan is the best investment you’re going to make while traveling to a new destination. Assess various options and find a plan that covers emergency treatment for allergies. It’ll come in handy if you need hospitalization to manage your allergy symptoms during your trip.
Don’t Leave Anything to Chance
Whenever you’re exploring a new city or country, you’re tempted to let your guard down and follow whatever course the journey takes. It’s liberating and rewarding to let things happen to you. But that isn’t necessarily the most ideal option when you’re prone to seasonal allergies.
If you’re someone who has to deal with the menace of allergies, it’s wiser to plan everything in advance, from where you’ll stay to what you’re going to eat. Also, choose tourist attractions and excursions that’ll cut down your exposure to pollen and other allergens.
Just because you’re vulnerable to allergies, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a refreshing holiday like everyone else. You just have to do a little more research and plan a realistic itinerary that doesn’t expose you to too many allergens. Check the weather forecast and pollen index at the destination before building your itinerary.