Pollen allergy sufferers – vacation tips for a time as free of symptoms as possible

Vacation tips for pollen allergy sufferers

As a pollen allergy sufferer, you have to pay attention to a number of things in your everyday life at certain times of the year in order to keep your allergy in check as much as possible. The same applies to your vacation, especially if you have children who also have allergic reactions.

Because especially on vacation you surely want to do everything to avoid hay fever symptoms and to enjoy the free time with family and friends to the fullest.

Pollen allergy sufferers and pollen at home – Off on vacation

You know exactly which types of pollen you or your family members are allergic to and when they are in high season in your region? Then nothing like off on vacation.

If you are flexible when it comes to planning your vacation, this is the ideal time to go away – to a place that is as pollen-free as possible.

Vacation destinations by the sea or in the high mountains are best suited for this purpose. There, the pollen load is significantly reduced during the typical hay fever season.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to arrange the vacation according to the pollen season. Therefore, it is important that you know how to deal with your allergy on vacation and how to minimize the risk of hay fever attacks.

Take precautions in your vacation accommodation

The same rules apply for pollen allergy sufferers at the vacation destination as at home. If it is pollen season where you are on vacation, be on your guard and behave in your hotel or vacation apartment as you would at home. This means, keep the windows closed during the day and ventilate well in the evening, preferably before going to bed.

For a quieter night’s rest, shower and wash your hair in the evening before you go to bed. This way you will remove pollen stuck in your hair and not drag it to bed with you. Put your clothes outside the bedroom and ask your fellow travelers to do the same.

If possible, keep the air conditioning turned off, as the dry air will only make your hay fever symptoms worse. If this is not possible due to high temperatures, make sure you do not expose yourself directly to the airflow.

Some hotels also offer special rooms for allergy sufferers. If one or more people in your family are allergic to pollen, these are a good option for a symptom-free vacation.

Untroubled on the way

Similar tips apply to your time in the car: keep the windows closed when driving and install pollen filters here as well, should you be traveling in your own vehicle. Alternatively, you can ask the rental car company for a suitable vehicle.

Camping and camping on vacation, tips for pollen allergy sufferers

Camping and active holidays

Just because you’re allergic to pollen doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a camping or outdoor activity vacation. Here are a few tips on how to survive a vacation outdoors well:

  • Breathe consciously through your nose instead of your mouth. The nose will trap pollen and also you will prevent pollen from entering your bronchial tubes.
  • Regularly perform nasal irrigation with saline solution. You can buy these pre-made and filled in small disposable pipettes at the pharmacy – this is practical for trekking luggage as well as for the beach bag.
  • Do not take the clothes worn during the day into the tent, but store them in the awning or change in the washroom.
  • If you are traveling in a caravan, have its windows and doors fitted with pollen screens. This way you can ventilate undisturbed during the day without worrying about pollen flying in and causing you problems.

Relieve allergy symptoms on vacation

You are by the sea? Great, then go for a swim every day and don’t mind if you get some salt water in your eyes and nose. This will disinfect and help you relieve hay fever symptoms and discomfort.

Alternatively, you can of course also perform the classic nasal rinsing or inhalation with saline solution. Wash your face several times a day and put a damp cloth on your forehead and eyes if needed, this will relieve itching and make swelling go down.

Pollen allergy sufferers should make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamins while on vacation

Prevent with the right diet

Also, make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamins while on vacation. You can’t alleviate acute hay fever symptoms with these, but you can certainly prevent them. Vitamin C in particular is helpful here, as it binds the histamine that triggers itching.

Last but not least, drink plenty of fluids! People need considerably more fluids at higher temperatures. As a pollen allergy sufferer, you must also make sure that your mucous membranes do not become too dry, as this increases allergy symptoms and promotes attacks.

As a pollen allergy sufferer, never travel without emergency medication

Even if you have chosen a vacation destination that is not explicitly affected by pollen at the time, never travel without overseas health insurance and your emergency medications.

Especially in faraway countries or places you have never visited before, you don’t know what to expect. A sudden attack of hay fever is unpleasant and can be very unexpected. That’s when your usual medications will help you the fastest and most reliably. It is also advisable to have an international allergy passport issued before traveling.

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