Getting ready for Vacation with Food Allergies and Asthma-a 6 step plan

I was lucky enough in my previous life BC, (before children), to have a job that took me around the world for work.  I could be ready to go within 20 minutes flat.  I was proud of that skill.  Now, ACFAAA, (after-children-food-allergies-and-asthma), I pack two days ahead of time, map out potential grocery stores, check in with the TSA, make a pharmacy run and oh ya, pack the sun block.  Packing is liking preparing for a shuttle launch and I’ve got a system (or so I think)! Here are my 6 steps to vacation bliss… See Below for the down and dirty packing list
One of my commandments that can’t be overlooked:  Thall shalt always prepare before traveling ridiculously way ahead of time.

1.  Transporation. Trains, planes and automobiles.  I always consider the mode of transportation and review if allergies or asthma will be affected by travel, i.e., flying with nuts being served on the plane.  If so, I call the airline to check out their nut policy before I buy a ticket.  Some airlines will withhold serving nuts and even make an announcement too.  Others tell you to fly with another airline.    I get bent if I’m told to go away but I grateful at the same time that I have good data that they cannot meet my needs.  I always visit the TSA website to see what I can carry on regarding food.  I’ve had “discussions” with security regarding soy nut butter and carrying nebulizers.  I love driving in my own peanut, tree nut, dairy and sesame seed free car.  If  I have to drive with someone else, then we talk.  Ever looked what lives underneath a car seat?  Even NASA would be scared.

photo and product courtesy of www.allergyapparel.com

2.  Eat, drink and carry. Next, I plan for what we’ll be eating and drinking during our transport to vacation bliss.  I pack safe foods that won’t get crushed and call up my favorite Tupperware dealer and buy some extra sandwich keepers, (I have a Tupperware problem and I admit it).  I also carry an emergency bag that includes backup Epi Pens, inhalers, spacers, Zyrtec and Benedryl cream and a fresh, updated copy of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network’s (FAAN,)Emergency Action Plan. .  I also pack a copy of my Asthma Action Plan and make sure I have the required medications on hand.  I pack extra medications in case we stay longer.  Yes, my Epi Pens have been questioned on a plane and in our Nation’s Capital!  I had to whip out my prescription to prove my son needed to carry his Epi Pen into the Senate building.  I also carry items that may be hard to find on vacation, such as our “safe” brand of chapstick.  I don’t want to spend time shopping when I can be playing!
3.  Destination. I research where and what we’ll be eating once we arrive to our destination.  Hotel?  Are there “safe” restaurants close by.  Condo?  Where are the grocery stores and will they carry my “safe” groceries.  Food varies from region to region, so that fabulous sun butter you by in California, may not be for sale where you are heading to in Iowa.  I call ahead to find out what grocery stores are around.   If I’m eating out the whole time, then I create a list of safe restaurants and sometimes I’ll call ahead to the chefs.  I hate to sit on the hotel bed on the phone while everyone else is in the pool while I talk to chefs.  I still pack a small amount of safe food no matter what.  This step is a lot of work, but for my family, well worth the homework since our food allergy list can be tricky!
4.  Know where you go.   I like to plan ahead for our activities, such as hiking.  Will we hike where I have cell phone coverage? I’ve heard stories from parents of their kids having reactions in the forest and driving like mad to get help and cell phone reception.  Will we take a tour or boat ride that includes lunch?  Once we did not take a day cruise since the operator would not allow me to bring my son’s nut, dairy, egg, lemon, seed, berry and food dye-free food along.  Even though, they could not find anything on their menu that was safe, we were out of luck.  I also make sure we’re not heading out on an excursion that may include allergens (think baseball game, etc.)!
 
5.  In case of emergency.   I am always trying to keep myself prepared for an emergency, especially away from home.  I bring along an updated list of our physicians and a cliff note version of my medicine cabinet.  After driving around in a new city late at night searching for Children’s Motrin, I learned my lesson.  I carry a fever reducer, Benedryl, Zyrtec, cough medicine, extra epi pens, inhalers, a nebulizer and liquid Albuterol and Xopenex, measuring spoons, peak flow meter and spacers.  I check out where the location of the local hospital just for grins.  I’m also superstitious and am positive that as long as I’m prepared, I hopefully won’t need help!

6. Have fun. Really.  Okay, so all of this planning sounds neurotic and crazy right? Well, it is.  It is also my ticket to not having to manage issues later and truly relax with peace of mind.  All of this planning was born from bad experiences.  Now, our travel is generally seamless and I’m no longer battling out food issues or asthma while on vacation.

I’ve picked up some of my best packing procedures from my pal Luann.

Can you share some other ideas for packing or an experience that influenced you to prepare differently for a trip?

Down and dirty packing checklist ideas

• Check out transportation (airlines, trains, car travel)-any exposure to allergens or triggers?
• Visit TSA website to see what you can carry on a plane – restrictions change quickly
• Pack safe foods and drink for trip as back up in case you can’t find appropriate eateries
• Pack back up emergency medications such as Epi Pens, inhalers, spacers, Zyrtec, etc., in case an important bag gets left behind
• Research destination-hotel, cabin, condo or friend’s house
• Where will you eat?
• What will you eat and is it safe?
• Plan your day trip or excursions ahead of time.  Will these trips expose you to allergens?  Do they include a lunch and is it safe?  If heading out fishing or hiking, will you get cell phone coverage in case of an emergency?
• Are you prepared for an emergency. Carry rescue medications and important phone numbers.