International travel can be a lot of fun, and it can give you invaluable insight to other cultures and their traditions. However, visiting exotic places and test tasting new food can be very difficult if you have a life threatening food allergy. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your next trip abroad.
- Learn basic phrases in the native language. This will help you communicate your needs better – at the very least, learn how to explain what your allergy is, and what will happen if you eat the food item. You don’t have to be incredibly elaborate, simple phrases with do.
- Prepare an index card to hand to the chef. You should always bypass the staff and go straight to the cook when it comes to food allergies, especially when they are life threatening. After all, the chef is the only one in the restaurant that has full control over the way food is prepared. It always helps if your index card is written in both your language and the native language of your travel destination so that you cover all bases.
- Pack your own food and snacks. If you don’t feel comfortable eating while you are away from home, then packing some food in advance is a great way to ease your fears. Don’t pack perishables, and always read the ingredient label before you pack. You can learn about healthy snack options on Multiracial.org.
You can still enjoy traveling to international destinations, even if you are limited by food allergies. The best way to stay safe is to go prepared, and never put yourself into a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.
