Page 47 - Explore Magazine Winter 2016

When travelling to countries where English is not
the first language 45
Take a card with important emergency
information translated into the required language. You can
also purchase food translation cards at
www.selectwisely.com or for UK ₤15 at
www.allergyuk.org/getting-help/translation-cards It is
also worthwhile to know the emergency numbers in the
places you visit and how to dial them.
Take responsibility for your family’s safety
Advise your travel agent, airline, check-in desk and cabin
crew about any allergies.
Ask to board early so you can wipe down surfaces
Take wet wipes to clean the tray table, seatbelt and arm
TRAVEL TIPS rest. Avoid using airline blankets or pillows. Take your own
seat cover and pillows. Always take a change of clothes in
your hand luggage.
Ask for assistance from those around you
To ensure they do not feed your child on the flight.
This useful advice was compiled by Do not expect airline meals to cater for allergies
Delwyn Robinson of helloworld Mt Maunganui, whose Cross-contamination is always a risk so it is much safer
son has multiple food allergies. to take your own food. Think about the time you are
travelling: if egg and milk allergies exist, travel after
breakfast when it is safer.
Travel insurance
Make sure you are fully covered for your trip. All pre-
existing conditions must be disclosed and fully covered.
Insure the entire family through the same insurance
company to avoid complications. Check the cancellation
cover amount on the insurance. The insurance should be
taken out at the time of payment for your travel. Please
ensure that all new medical conditions after purchase of
the policy are disclosed to the travel insurer prior to travel.
Book with an experienced travel agent
They can hold flights, request special meals and seating
and provide quotes for travel insurance. They can also
contact the airline or hotel and notify them of any special
requirements. Most flights can also be held for a couple
of days to allow you time to research your destination and On arrival, inform your hosts or hotel
purchase travel insurance. With the Internet, all travel
bookings are instant purchases. of any allergies
And find out where the resident doctor and nearest
Take a minimum of two EpiPens and your emergency department are located. When booking a
anaphylaxis action plan fact sheet with you hotel, consider one which has cooking facilities.
Along with a letter from your GP, or specialist, explaining
the reason for travelling with medication and/or food. Allergy New Zealand has detailed information about
Make sure medicine and documentation are carried in your travelling with food allergies. See www.allergy.org.nz
hand luggage and are within arm’s reach at all times. If I also recommend these websites:
you are on a long trip, find out whether you can purchase
EpiPens in the places you are visiting: in some parts of the www.foodallergyalliance.org
world they are not available. www.foodallergy.org
www.kiwifamilies.co.nz
All liquids taken on board on the plane must be www.avsec.govt.nz – See travellers
under 100ml. All medicine must be labelled and www.aucklandairport.co.nz – See travelling with children
in its original packaging www.customs.govt.nz – See taking food out
All countries have their own regulations regarding the www.kidswithfoodallergies.org
importation of foodstuffs through transit points or into the
country of destination.

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