Travel preparation can be a daunting task, even for those that do not have special dietary needs to consider. It is especially important for individuals with food allergies or sensitivities to be well prepared & efficiently utilize their packing space to accommodate the extra required goods. Some individuals with multiple food issues will be unable to rely upon on restaurant fare to meet their dietary needs. In these instances, the only solution may be to take along special foods & find creative methods of food preparation.

General Tips:

Space permitting, consider taking multiple coolers in various sizes to store food items. Reserve the largest for items requiring refrigeration temperatures, so that adequate space for ice is available. It is important to provide enough ice to maintain safe temperatures and prevent spoilage. Half-gallon food safe containers, partially filled and frozen with safe juice or iced tea works well as an ice source. The large blocks of ice do not melt as quickly as cubed ice and will provide safe cold beverages when de-thawed. It is a good idea to fill around the containers with loose cubed ice, so that all food surfaces are surrounded by a cooling source. A medium sized cooler works well for breads, fruits, cookies, etc A few zippered storage bags with cubed ice will keep the items cool. A small sterile cooler filled with safe ice will provide ice to add to drinks. It is always better to pack more foods than needed, than to run out of an item that is unavailable at your destination. Safe canned foods will offer an emergency source of nutrition, but don't forget to pack a can opener. Review maps or contact a travel service(i.e. AAA) to locate rest areas or other possible areas to eat. You may also want to request a listing of hospitals on your route. If an unexpected reaction would occur, this would safe time in locating a safe medical facility. Cell phones are also very important, so that you can immediately summons emergency help. A majority of rest areas are equipped with picnic areas, and weather permitting will offer a pleasant place to eat. Camping stores and larger department stores sell portable propane camp stoves, which can be a useful tool for meal preparation away from home, especially useful on long trips or while camping. This method of food preparation can only be used outdoors, never use indoors or leave small children unattended near any stove or source of heat. There are disadvantages to these stoves, though. They require a few minutes to set up, and will need to fully cool before reloading into a car. Washing dishes can also pose a problem at many locations. In a pinch, especially if traveling long distances in a car, this will offer a hot meal.

Air travel can be a frightening experience for individuals that react to airborne proteins or chemicals. The enclosed space makes air borne food residues, especially nuts, a viable threat. Milk, egg, wheat & corn are also components of many snacks served on board a traditional flight. In addition, individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivities may react to other passengers' perfumes, freshly dry cleaned clothing, or other scents that may be present within the aircrafts' cabin. Contact the airline several weeks before the trip and inquire about foods that will be served during the flight. Snacks, including nuts, are often served on many domestic flights. If you are traveling oversees or are taking a longer distance domestic flight, the airline's itinerary may include an ala carte menu. Most trans continental flights will involve at least one meal. Contact the airline several weeks before the trip to inquire about any foods that may be served during your flight. There are some airlines will arrange for a nut free flight when given adequate notice. Also, the first flight of the day will typically pose the least risk for those with allergies. Airlines will generally clean the airplane prior to the first flight, and therefore remove many allergic residues. If possible, request to board the plane before the other passengers and wipe down any surface that your child may contact. As a result of heightened airline security, airlines may not allow this request. A sheet or blanket draped over the allergic individuals seating area will also help to eliminate contact with food residues. Your medical emergency kit, including two epi-pens, if prescribed, should remain available throughout the trip. Even if your flight is labeled as "nut free", remember, another passenger may bring a snack on board. This could lead to an inadvertent exposure & unexpected reaction. If a reaction occurs, it is important to have immediate access to all medications. If you are unable to pack large quantities of foods, due to baggage limitations, consider shipping a carton of safe foods to your destinations. Most hotels will accept your delivery, if you contact them in advance and explain your situation. Dry ice will keep perishable items safe for a limited time.

Traveling in a recreational vehicle can be one of the more convenient modes of transportation for individuals with special dietary requirements. Most modern recreational vehicles contain a gas oven/cook top, as well as, a microwave, refrigerator & freezer. Packing the essentials will be the key factor. If space is prohibitive, take along the items that can not be easily purchased along your trip route. For example, specialty flours, mixes, dairy substitutes & other essential items that may be difficult to find in unfamiliar locations. Fresh produce, meats and plain rice are examples of items that can generally be found at all basic grocers. Don't forget to pack the essential cookware, can opener & other preparation equipment.

If you are traveling a significant distance by train, usually more than 100 miles, a diner car with an on board restaurant will most likely be present during your trip. Most train dining cars house a full service restaurant with foods prepared on board. Contacting the train station several weeks in advance will allow you adequate time to discuss the menu, including options of specialty prepared foods. If you will need to bring foods on board, this will also allot you the opportunity to request permission about using dining cars microwave or other preparation facilities. If you suffer from multiple allergies, especially to residual food or airborne proteins, this cozy dining experience could be dangerous. Major train lines, such as, AmTrak seat passengers at the same table with other parties, due to space limitations. Therefore, you may be seated next to someone that is consuming an allergen containing meal. Requesting special accommodations, such as eating first or last, may help reduce some of the risks.

Holiday travel often involves visiting friends or relatives, or eating away from home so prepare ahead & familiarize others with any necessary dietary restrictions ahead of time. Discuss the special dietary needs in advance of the visit to allow you time to make any necessary preparation, review the menu plans, order or bring your own special products, if needed. It will also help prevent your host from feeling uncomfortable. Well meaning family & friends may offer to bring dishes that are suitable for your diet, but may be innocently unaware of the hazards associated with cross contamination or believe unintentionally that a little bit won't hurt . Buffet style meals can pose a significant risk of cross contamination so request to prepare your plate first, before the other guests begin serving themselves. Politely remind your host foods that may have been safe during your last visit will need to be reviewed for ingredient & manufacturing changes. Requesting that your host provide a list of ingredients, product names, upc codes & manufacturing information, will enable you to check on the safety of each item. Remind your host of the risks of cross contimination, before they prepare the meal. Providing them with a list of allergens or intolerances can be helpful. A free service, Don't forget to review ingredients each and every time you use a product. Items in special holiday packaging or designs or in different size containers may contain different ingredients or risk of cross contamination and be packaged elsewhere than their standard counterparts. Food allergies & intolerances are complicated . Therefore, it is often less stressful for both the guest & host if a safe substitute is provided for any item that has a potential threat of a reaction.

Decorations or other items not directly related to food consumption may also contain hidden allergens and pose problems for individuals. Pets also may be an issue for some food allergy /intolerant people. Not only may the pet dander or hair cause a reaction, but dog and cat food often contain common allergens like peanut , wheat, and corn products. Therefore, if the pet has just consumed a product with foods of concern and licks the allergic /intolerant guest, a reaction may occur. If the allergic or intolerant individual is an infant, toddler, or young child, remember, most are not afraid to sample other guests' or pets' crumbs directly off the floor or other surfaces. And toddlers' hands often explore their environment by placing their fingers in their mouths making them very susceptible to contact with an allergic item.

Ensure your family has a safe and healthy gathering/celebration with some advance preparation, and thorough investigation of holiday items .