Your life depends on making sure others know what could kill you with a single bite!

Step 1: Preparation for Communication on a Trip with Food Allergies

Domestic and international travel can be an exciting adventure, but managing food allergies demands extra caution. Language barriers, unfamiliar food names, and diverse preparation methods can make travel challenging. Follow these expert tips to communicate your food allergies effectively and ensure a safe, enjoyable journey.

• Customized Allergy Cards: Create cards detailing your food allergies in the local language. Specify the severity and potential consequences. Include images of the allergen to bridge language gaps and avoid translation pitfalls, as food names and terms can vary significantly between regions. For example, peanuts are called “cacahuate” in Mexico and “maní” in Peru. Images are especially helpful when the kitchen staff does not speak the local language, making translated allergy alert cards ineffective.
• iPhone Health App: Utilize the iPhone’s Health app to store medical information, including allergies. Ensure this information is accessible to first responders by setting up emergency access on your iPhone using ICE (In Case of Emergency)
• Smartphone Apps: Supplement digital tools with paper copies of allergy information for reliability. Phones can run out of battery, get lost, or face unreliable internet access, so having a backup is crucial.
• Learn Key Phrases: Try to master essential phrases about your food allergy in the local language. If, like me, you struggle to retain foreign phrases under stress, use an app to translate key phrases into a voice file, such as “I have severe food allergies” or “To avoid a life-threatening reaction, I must avoid all foods that contain….” Save these voice files in your contact list under something memorable (e.g., “HELP!”). Use voice files, translation apps, and FARE’s personalized allergy alert cards to communicate, repeating the information several times as needed.

Step 2: Effective Communication Abroad of Your Food Allergies

• Emergency Preparation: Carry translated alert cards for emergencies, along with a voice file in the local language that says, “I am having an anaphylactic shock; call an ambulance.”

Step 3: Dining Safely with Food Allergies

• Pro Tip: Do Not Assume Kitchen Staff Speak Your Language or Even the Language You Are In: Don’t assume the kitchen staff shares a common language with your server or even with the region you are in—even in the USA. Images can communicate what words might not.
• Clearly Convey Severity: Specify allergens and potential risks to avoid misunderstandings. Instead of saying, “I have a dairy allergy,” explain, “I have a dairy allergy and cannot eat milk, cheese, butter, or cream.” Emphasize that even a small amount of the allergen can be dangerous. In situations where language barriers exist, use gestures to illustrate the seriousness of your condition. For example, you could use your fingers to indicate a small quantity of the allergen, then gesture around your neck and mimic choking. While this might seem exaggerated and can elicit laughter, it effectively communicates the gravity of the situation. Never feel bad about asking multiple times to ensure clarity!
• Be Cautious with Non-English Speaking Staff: When dining at establishments where staff may not speak English fluently, avoid mentioning the allergen by name alone. For instance, saying “peanut” might be misunderstood as a preference rather than a strict avoidance. Use your allergy card and clearly point out the foods you need to avoid to prevent mistakes.
• Local Cuisine Awareness: Research typical ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergen sources before you eat. If you have any doubts about a meal’s safety, don’t eat it.

Step 4: Stay Prepared For Food Allergy Reactions

• Pro Tip:Local Emergency Servi ces Know the locations of hospitals and emergency contact numbers.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adjust your dining plans if you have any safety concerns.

Communicating food allergies while traveling internationally requires proactive planning and clear communication. By following these strategies, you can minimize risks and enjoy a safe, memorable trip.