Can You Take a Vacation from Your Allergies?

With summer fast approaching, vacation planning is an exiting break from the routine that many people look forward to. But for millions of allergy sufferers, summer vacation planning is a difficult task since warmer weather can actually make allergy symptoms even more intolerable.

For people who don’t suffer from allergies, it’s hard to understand how severe and disruptive the symptoms can be. In it is estimated that an astonishing 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from allergies, and heading out on your dream vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you will be leaving your symptoms behind…

Most people learn to cope with allergy symptoms but when you are exposed to new environments and allergens, symptoms can be even more severe and disrupt the long awaited vacation. Some may even experience allergies for the first time. And most importantly, some allergic reactions especially to certain foods can be fatal if not treated in time.

If you are an allergy sufferer and you want to make the most of that precious time off, there are proactive steps you can take to be prepared.

Careful planning is essential and should include detailed research about where to go considering factors such as pollen and spore counts and the availability of medical attention and facilities in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling to remote locations that are extremely popular as vacation destinations.

Experts recommend beaches and mountains as the best option for those with allergies. Ocean breezes are mostly clear of allergens and dust mites are not able to prosper at elevations above 2,500 feet.

On the other hand, a tropical climate during rainy season will probably not be the best vacation spot if insect bite allergies are a common affliction.

If it’s the first time visiting a certain destination, it may be possible to suffer from an allergic reaction for the first time when traveling abroad. Popular travel destinations in Europe such as Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, have numerous plant and tree species which are not found in the United States. The same can be said for European travelers visiting the United States.

When food allergies are present, it is important to ask detailed questions about the ingredients used to prepare a specific dish, and even minute details in the preparation. This is very important since sometimes an ingredient may not have been used “in” the meal, but other ingredients used to prepare it could have come in contact with an allergen. Always err on the side of caution and avoid unnecessary risks.

Preparation is of utmost importance, and natural remedies can be used as a preventative measure and to address many of the most common symptoms of allergies. Below are some helpful tips on making the best of a vacation.

Tips for allergy sufferers

• Know what you're allergic to and do your homework. Check weather and pollen forecasts for your U.S. vacation choices and plan accordingly.
  
  Best places if you suffer from allergies? The beach or the mountains. Ocean breezes are mostly clear of allergens and dust mites are not able to prosper at elevations above 2,500 feet.
  
  If you are planning to travel overseas, ask your allergist-immunologist about any vaccinations or immunizations you might need, and schedule them before you leave. If you are traveling for more than a few weeks, ask your allergist to provide a treatment dosage to take along with you. Make sure to also get the name of a local allergist who can administer the shot in case you need one.
  
  Make sure to pack prescription medications in their original bottles to avoid delays when passing through customs.
  
  If you or someone in your family suffers from food or insect sting allergies, make sure to bring along an epinephrine kit.
  
  When traveling by car, it is preferable to keep your windows rolled up and use your air conditioner. Getting your automobile's air conditioner and filters cleaned in advance will also reduce allergens.
  
  When traveling by air, it’s a good idea to take an antihistamine in advance. Notify the airline of any food allergies and drink plenty of bottled water. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

Herbal Remedies wants to help ensure a healthy and safe vacation. Recognizing the special needs of travelers, Herbal Remedies reoffers a full line of travel products were designed to help the family maintain healthy sleep cycles, balanced nerves, digestive support, and other common conditions associated with travel.