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Traveling Tips
Living in Singapore is a luxury when you want to fly off to visit our neighboring countries as most vacation spots are so nearby.  However, when dealing with food allergies, this luxury doesn’t seem so convenient.  Here are some tips that will make it somewhat easier:

  • Make check-off lists:  TO-DO's and Things to Pack.  This way, you can use this list EVERY time you jet off and it decreases the stress of preparation.
  • Contact the airline to see if they will make it a peanut-free flight.
Singapore Airlines requires a doctor’s note to confirm the severity of the allergy and will make the entire flight (including everyone else’s meal) peanut-free so you won’t have to worry about airborne peanut protein reactions.   This has to be done ahead of time of at least 3 days (to be safe, fax them the request along with doctor’s note 2 weeks ahead of time).
  • Bring along safe food and snacks.  The last thing you want to worry about is figuring out if the food is safe (ie. no cross-contamination issues) while flying!  On some airlines (call ahead), they will heat up your food for you in their microwave.
  • Use special seat covers to cover the seats if your child is contact reactive.  Most airlines clean once a day and do not wipe down much unless it is visibly dirty.  WIPE down the table and arm rests with wipes.
  • If possible, fly the first flight of the day as it is considered the cleanest flight of the day.
  • Find out where the nearest hospitals are located.
  • Check if hotels have kitchenettes, bring your own specialty food, cookware, cooking utensils.  If the hotel does not have a kitchenette ask if they are willing to let you use their hotel kitchen (this has been done before!)
  • Ask for hypoallergenic bedding (this means no down pillows/comforters).
  • Call ahead of time to see if grocers are nearby.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are easily accessible; special foods are not, so bring them along.  Each country has their own labeling laws so not every ingredient has to be listed and can be hidden under artificial/natural flavors.
  • MOST OF ALL, REMEMBER to bring MEDICATIONS (anti-histamines, fever medication, lotion for eczema, asthma medication and inhaler chambers) and EPIPENS. 

*A list of successful travel destinations/hotels will be compiled and posted soon.  However a DETAILED trip experience will be published in our upcoming newsletter.  Sign up to be a member if you have not already to receive our newsletters.   Please share your stories/tips on your experiences!*


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