Updated September 2024
Travelling with food allergies involves research and planning. If you are thinking about travel, give yourself plenty of time to do your research and prepare. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia has useful guides and resources below to help you plan ahead.
Things to consider
- Where do you want to travel to and what food options are available? How easy will it be to avoid your food allergens? Are your food allergens in everyday foods that are a staple part of the diet? Can you book self-contained accommodation so that you are able to cater for your dietary requirements?
- How will you communicate your allergy? Do you speak the language? Translated resources may be helpful.
- Travel insurance is important when going overseas. Use our checklist for travel insurance below to make sure you are covered if you need medical treatment for an allergic reaction.
- Make sure you have up-to-date travel documentation including an ASCIA Action Plan and Travel Plan for People at risk of Anaphylaxis.
- Organise your medications before you travel. You will need pharmacy labelled medicines in original packages and enough to last your time away, plus some extra in case of any delays in getting home.
- If you are travelling overseas by plane or cruise ship, we have resources to help guide you below.
- If you are travelling by plane, check our Airline policy comparison table below and contact the airline to confirm their management of food allergies.
- Food labelling laws may be different in the countries you are travelling to. Find out more before you go.
- Some countries have a patient support organisation which can be a useful source of information.
- If you are travelling by road within Australia or overseas, consider whether you will have mobile coverage on your journey and at your destination.
Travel guides and resources
Webinars about travelling
Personal stories about travelling with allergies
A quote from a QLD member who travelled to Europe with a family of three with different food allergies
“Yes it can be done, we travelled overseas. And yes…what a fabulous time we had! First and foremost…this was not a last minute trip. We had months to prepare, gather translations (we went to non-English speaking countries!), sourced local food items that were ‘safe’, located hospitals and emergency contact numbers in each town, and generally planned this trip down to the last bowl of gluten and nut free cereal! All Action Plans and medications were updated and supporting letters from GP’s were obtained. Would we do it again? Absolutely and without hesitation.”