Travel Checklists: Why They Work

Travel Checklists: Why They Work

by Caroline Moassessi, FAACT Vice President of Community Relations

The last thing anyone needs when trying to plan a trip for a family managing food allergies is one more thing to do. However, imagine if that one thing could bring relief, ease stress, and pave the way for a successful trip!

If you are reading this newsletter, you understand how managing food allergies in unfamiliar locations can be challenging. Don’t worry! FAACT is here to help you discover the magic of using a travel checklist to keep you well-organized.

A travel checklist will help you remember what to pack and guide you through planning, like how to prepare for an emergency away from home, dining out, snacks, or deciding on the best transportation method. With a checklist, you are genuinely creating a food allergy travel plan. Tip: Create a checklist for day trips too, such as hiking, beach visits, and more!

Let’s explore highlights from FAACT’s Travel Checklist for Those with Food Allergies.

• Checklist Basics: Download the free three-page checklist and consult your doctor for advice on keeping your family allergy-safe during travel.
• Personalized Plans: Think about which parts of travel impact food allergies and design your checklist to meet your needs. For a beach day, for example, you may need to keep medications cool and pack allergen-friendly sunscreen.
• Location, Location: If you are headed to a foreign country, consider packing language translation cards, extra medications, prescriptions, and photos of crucial medical information. Will you be camping and need a satellite phone? Do you know how to call for help from your travel location? FAACT’s checklist offers many more ideas to consider.
• Dining In: Pack nutritious treats/snacks and bring enough for the entire trip. New locations may not offer the same grocery stores or access to allergen-safe items that your family enjoys at home. If you stay in a home with a kitchen, consider bringing fresh cleaning supplies to clean dishware and cookware.
• Eating Out: Following your eating-out food allergy protocol is critical when traveling. Don’t let a new situation catch you off guard and avoid taking risks.
• Transportation: Will you drive your car, rent a vehicle, take an airplane, join a cruise, or take a train? Contact companies ahead of time to learn how they address food allergies. Ask for accommodations when appropriate, such as preboarding a plane to clean the seats. Bring your own food to ensure family safety.
• Pack the basics! Don’t forget items such as hand wipes, cell phone chargers, batteries, safe hand soap, or copies of medical documentation. These items may seem minor but are critical when you need them.

Thousands of families create life-long memories each summer while staying food allergy-safe. You can too when you make a travel checklist and plan! FAACT wishes you a summer full of love and fun in the sun with safe and healthy memories.