An April 2024 report from Safer Tourism Foundation finds 12% of travelers reported a food-related allergic reaction while on vacation. Just eight months later, a December 2024 survey indicates the number rose to 15% of travelers, an increase of 25%. The impact of food allergies is changing the way people make travel decisions.
Food allergy sufferers aren’t staying home, but they are taking extra precautions on the road. From new treatments to smart preparation and allergy-friendly travel providers, travelers have more options than ever before.
Food allergies change how we travel
One in two Safer Tourism Foundation respondents say they feel more nervous about traveling than they would if they or a family member did not have an allergy. Moreover, 33% are more likely to prioritize health and safety over cost when choosing vacation providers.
Travel companies that can deliver gain loyalty. One in three travelers report choosing the same travel company multiple times if they’ve had a good experience because they feel safer knowing the provider can handle food allergies.
New treatments ease worries
Food allergy sufferers can’t just travel with their medications. Due to specific storage requirements of epinephrine injectors to maintain efficacy, even a simple outing to the beach becomes complicated.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a needle-free epinephrine nasal spray, neffy, in August 2024 for adults and children over 30 kg. As effective as an autoinjector, neffy’s small size and temperature flexibility up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit make it easier to carry on the go.
Additionally, new FDA-approved protocols, such as oral immunotherapy and antibody treatments, build tolerance to peanut exposure. Oral immunotherapy slowly exposes an allergic person to peanuts to reduce the severity of allergic reactions. Antibody treatment, like Xolair, is an injection that makes the immune system less sensitive to an allergic trigger. Although not a cure, these treatments can make travel and the chance for trace exposure less stressful.
Everyday travelers share tips
Celiac disease has not stopped Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella. “I’ve traveled all over the world, and it definitely adds a layer of planning, but it’s never stopped me,” she says. “I carry translation cards explaining I can’t eat gluten, research menus in advance and always pack backup snacks just in case.”
Sage Scott of Sage Alpha Gal does not let alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy to all mammalian ingredients, slow her down either. “If possible, I try to stay somewhere with a kitchenette to stock grocery purchases. When eating out, I prefer scratch kitchens so the chef has a better understanding of all the ingredients in my meal. I always preview the menu online so I can immediately focus on a few pre-selected options in conversation with the chef.”
Translation apps help with decoding ingredients in packaged foods. Download the language of the place you are visiting while on Wi-Fi to minimize data usage when out. Manufacturing processes and food label regulations vary across countries, and travelers with cross-contamination concerns should use extra caution when using a translation app.
Plan ahead for flights
Flying is one of the most difficult aspects of traveling with food allergies. Airline policies and enforcement are inconsistent, and most airlines cannot provide a comprehensive list of ingredients for meals served during the flight. Airlines that do provide allergy-friendly meals typically accommodate only one allergen per order, despite nearly one-third of food-allergic children having multiple allergies.
To prevent mid-flight issues, pack your own food, notify the airline at least 72 hours before your flight of any allergies and check in with the gate agent upon arrival at the airport. Many airlines will allow passengers with allergies to board early to wipe down their seats and tray tables. Pack your own sanitizing wipes, as airlines may not have these available on board.
Always keep emergency medical supplies in your personal item rather than a checked bag or carry-on. Doing so keeps vital medicines in easy reach, even when the seatbelt sign is on.
Travel operators adjust to meet needs
With 33 million Americans affected by food allergies, allergic travelers are no longer a niche group. Despite airlines lagging on the matter, the travel industry as a whole is taking note, changing offerings and protocols to make all guests feel at home.
One company stands out to Michelle Price of Honest and Truly. “My kid had a dairy allergy, and milk is in so many things you’d never expect it to be. I love the culinary concierge at Beaches Resorts that works with guests to provide allergy-free meals at the restaurants, which really helps ease your mind,” she says.
The Culinary Concierge, offered at all-inclusive Beaches Resorts locations in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, works across the restaurants on each property, coordinating directly with the executive chefs, sous chefs and restaurant managers to ensure a worry-free dining experience. The program guides guests through all the restaurant offerings, helping create custom menus that fit each family’s special dietary needs, including allergy restrictions and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Price also highlights Disney as a company that took allergies seriously long before other travel providers. Guests don’t have to take a Disney VIP tour to have the flexibility they need. Between Disney’s support and active social media groups sharing allergy information, travelers to Disney parks and cruises can vacation without the stress.
Like Disney, other cruise lines are innovating to keep travelers safe. Holland America Line has a ship services department that offers coordination in advance for travelers with allergies. “Food is such a central part of the cruise experience,” says Marisa Christenson, director of food and beverage operations and development for Holland America Line. “We want our guests to feel seen and supported.”
As the number of gluten-free guests has risen, the cruise line has responded by expanding its menus and working with gluten-free suppliers. “We’ve integrated everyday options like gluten-free bread, waffles, muffins, hot dog and hamburger buns, pasta, and pre-made desserts. These are small steps that make a big difference in creating a worry-free vacation experience,” shares Christenson.
Prep for success
With the right attitude and preparation, food allergies don’t need to hold you back from adventure. However, travelers with food allergies should prepare and pack differently than other holiday goers. Research the restaurants, menus and culinary practices of your destination in advance. Pack medications, translation cards, allergy-safe snacks and translation apps for support on the go. With these changes and increasing support among travel providers, allergy-safe travel is easier than ever.
Ashley Wali is a Seattle-based travel journalist and curator of Wanderlux, specializing in luxury family travel, sports tourism and wellness travel. She shares stress-free family trip planning advice to make luxury travel affordable and approachable. As the wife and mother to travelers with food allergies, she has safely navigated 21 countries and counting without a serious reaction.