5 Doctor-approved Food Allergy Travel Tips

I never thought I’d become an expert in traveling with food allergies—but dating someone with them changes the way you plan every trip. My boyfriend, Kenny, has severe nut and fish allergies, and watching him navigate airports, restaurants, and hotel buffets has shown me just how much behind-the-scenes preparation goes into every trip. There’s no “winging it” when the wrong bite could send you to the ER.

As Dr. Atul N. Shah, MD, of NY Food Allergy and Wellness, told me, “Preparation before booking is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.” That means consulting with your doctor, researching a destination’s food labeling laws, locating allergy-friendly restaurants before you even pack, bookmarking menus with clear ingredient lists, and carrying translation cards so nothing gets lost in communication. 

To make sure our system was as safe and thorough as possible, I combined Dr. Shah’s expert advice with Kenny’s real-world experience to create a doctor-approved, traveler-tested checklist of Amazon finds and smart planning strategies for exploring the world—without constantly worrying about what’s on your plate. Plus, prices start at just $5.

Doctor-approved Travel Checklist for Food Allergies

Tip: Keep Your Medication Organized and Accessible

“Always have two EpiPens and plenty of Benadryl because it can be hard to find in foreign countries,” Kenny told me. He swears by this Auvi-Q EpiPen Case because it keeps everything in one spot, fits both EpiPens, clips to a bag or belt loop, and makes it less likely you’ll misplace them mid-trip. 

Dr. Shah agrees you should always carry “extra epinephrine to last your entire trip,” adding that your emergency action plan, allergy-safe snacks, and medical alert ID should be equally accessible—not buried in your checked luggage. This case is the perfect portable solution.

Klawdsky Auvi Medicine Emergency Bag

Benadryl Ultratabs Allergy Relief Medicine

Fyy Daily Pill Organizer

Tip: Carry Allergy Translation Cards

A language barrier can turn a simple meal into a risky gamble. “Find someone who speaks the language, explain your allergies, and have them translate it in writing,” Kenny suggested. “Don’t rely on Google Translate.” 

If you can’t find a local to help, Dr. Shah recommends using translation cards that clearly explain your allergies to waitstaff and chefs. These Equal Eats Allergy Translation Cards are waterproof, available in multiple languages, and can help you avoid cross-contamination and unsafe ingredients wherever you go. Don’t just rely on your phone, in case the battery dies or it’s not accessible. Another great option is the customizable Secure ID Chef Cards, which allow you to list your specific allergens. They’re also durable and fit in a wallet, so they’re always handy.

Equal Eats Allergy Translation Card

Secure ID Customized Allergy Cards

Tip: Store Medical Info and Travel Documents Together

If you ever need emergency help while abroad, you don’t want to be digging through your bag trying to remember which pocket you shoved your allergy card into. Dr. Shah stresses that keeping all critical information in one easily accessible spot can save precious time in an emergency. The Hohom Passport Holder, just $10, ensures your passport, emergency contacts, allergy details, medical history, and travel insurance documents are stored together. Additionally, it’s RFID-protected, waterproof, and quick to grab. 

Since it’s still possible for things to get misplaced, I always recommend a tracker like the Apple AirTag inside your document holder—so even if it gets separated from you, you can track it down before panic sets in. 

Hohom Passport Holder 

Apple AirTag

Tip: Control Your Own Food When You Can

When in doubt, skip the mystery ingredients and bring your own meals or snacks. Leakproof food containers let you prep safe dishes ahead of time and carry them on the plane or during day trips. Dr. Shah emphasized that if you don’t know exactly what’s in something, it’s best not to eat it at all—even if it “looks safe.” 

The Amazing Containers are a great option for travel because they fold down to next to nothing (3 centimeters thick, to be exact) and make it easier to pack in your suitcase. They’re also easy to clean and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. The Everfun Small Cooler Box is great for road trips or beach days.

Amazing Containers Collapsible Food Containers

Everfun Small Cooler Lunch Box

Tip: Bring Sanitizing Supplies

Cross-contamination isn’t confined to kitchens—it can also occur on airplane tray tables, restaurant silverware, or even hotel room counters. Dr. Shah recommends packing antibacterial hand Wipes and travel-sized hand sanitizer so you can clean your hands and eating surfaces before a meal.

Purell Sanitizing Wipes

Generic Hand Sanitizer

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