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When travelling to countries where English is not 45
TRAVEL TIPS
This useful advice was compiled by
Delwyn Robinson of helloworld Mt Maunganui, whose
son has multiple food allergies.
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. seat cover and pillows. Always take a change of clothes in
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
purchase travel insurance. With the Internet, all travel
bookings are instant purchases.
Take a minimum of two EpiPens and your
anaphylaxis action plan fact sheet with you
Along with a letter from your GP, or specialist, explaining
the reason for travelling with medication and/or food.
Make sure medicine and documentation are carried in your
hand luggage and are within arm’s reach at all times. If
you are on a long trip, find out whether you can purchase
EpiPens in the places you are visiting: in some parts of the
world they are not available.
All liquids taken on board on the plane must be
under 100ml. All medicine must be labelled and
in its original packaging
All countries have their own regulations regarding the
importation of foodstuffs through transit points or into the
country of destination.
the first language
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
rest. Avoid using airline blankets or pillows. Take your own
your hand luggage.
Ask for assistance from those around you
To ensure they do not feed your child on the flight.
Do not expect airline meals to cater for allergies
Cross-contamination is always a risk so it is much safer
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.
On arrival, inform your hosts or hotel
of any allergies
And find out where the resident doctor and nearest
emergency department are located. When booking a
hotel, consider one which has cooking facilities.
Allergy New Zealand has detailed information about
travelling with food allergies. See www.allergy.org.nz
I also recommend these websites:
www.foodallergyalliance.org
www.foodallergy.org
www.kiwifamilies.co.nz
www.avsec.govt.nz – See travellers
www.aucklandairport.co.nz – See travelling with children
www.customs.govt.nz – See taking food out
www.kidswithfoodallergies.org
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