Summer travel is all about soaking up the sun, exploring new places, and breaking out of your routine, but if you have asthma or allergies, hitting the road takes a bit more planning. The good news? With a little preparation, you can stay safe, breathe easy, and fully enjoy your vacation. Here’s your guide to staying safe, symptom-free, and stylishly prepared while you travel this summer.
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Asthma On-the-Go: What to Pack & Plan For
Air quality, altitude, pollen, and germs are all variables that can shift dramatically from one destination to the next. Even if your asthma is usually well controlled, a change in environment could throw your system for a loop. Be prepared by packing:
- All controller and rescue medications are in your carry-on, never in checked luggage, which could get lost.
- Extra doses just in case of delays or extended stays.
- Medical-grade masks for planes, poorly ventilated areas, or when seated near someone coughing, because a viral infection can trigger a serious asthma flare.
- Up-to-date vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, RSV (depending on age), and MMR (measles) to help prevent respiratory illnesses that can be dangerous for asthmatics.
Headed to high-altitude areas? Talk to your doctor beforehand to make sure you’re well-equipped for the thinner air.
What’s in Your Allergy & Asthma Emergency Kit?
You wouldn’t leave home without your favorite sunglasses or SPF—so don’t skip your emergency health essentials either. Every allergy-prone traveler should have a kit that includes:
- A 24-hour antihistamine of your choice (Zyrtec, Claritin, Xyzal, or Allegra)
- Your asthma medications and rescue inhaler
- An epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or similar)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Nasal steroid and antihistamine sprays
- Antihistamine eye drops
Keep everything easily accessible and never stashed deep in your suitcase.
Food Allergy Hacks for Planes, Hotels & Road Trips
If you live with food allergies, travel can feel a little like roulette—unless you take the right precautions:
- Pack your own food whenever possible, especially for long flights or road trips.
- Notify airlines, hotel staff, and restaurants in advance and again upon arrival about your allergies.
- Translate your allergies into the local language or carry a printed card if you’re traveling internationally.
- Stick with meals you know are safe and don’t hesitate to prepare your own food if there’s any uncertainty.
- Always keep epinephrine devices and antihistamines within reach.
In the world of food allergies, over-communicating is always better than under-preparing.
Allergy-Friendly Destinations & Stays
Some destinations and accommodations are more allergy-aware than others. Look for hotels with:
- Hypoallergenic bedding
- Smoke-free environments
- Air purifiers or rooms free from strong fragrances
- In-room kitchenettes, if preparing your own meals makes you feel more at ease
Bonus tip: Call ahead and ask about their allergy policies—you’ll get peace of mind before you even arrive.
Travel Companions = Safety Partners
Make sure your travel buddies know what to do in case of an emergency. Before the trip:
- Teach them how to spot the signs of an allergic reaction or asthma attack.
- Show them how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and explain when to use it.
- Make a plan: Who will call for help? Where are your meds stored? Clarity can save precious seconds.
Vaccine Checklist: Don’t Skip It!
Vaccines aren’t just for international travel anymore. With the resurgence of measles outbreaks across the globe and common respiratory infections circulating more than ever, make sure you’re up to date on:
- MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) – especially important for children and the immunocompromised
- COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, and RSV
- Yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, and malaria prevention if your destination requires it
Check with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic (the CDC website is a great resource) to see what’s recommended based on your itinerary.
The Golden Rule: Clean Hands, Clear Airways
Simple habits like frequent handwashing, carrying travel-sized sanitizer, and masking in crowded indoor spaces can dramatically lower your risk of illness on the road. Consider it your beauty-meets-health travel insurance.
Whether you’re hiking in high altitudes, lounging poolside, or jet-setting to Europe, staying safe with allergies or asthma is 100% possible with the right game plan. Prep well, pack smart, and you’ll be free to focus on what really matters, living your best summer ever.
To get expert advice and personalized guidance for managing allergies and asthma while traveling, reach out to Dr. Purvi Parikh today.
For more information, visit Purvi Parikh, MD, FACP, FACAAI's social media:
