Going Overseas? You’ll Need More Than a Passport
Traveling with a food allergy can be a difficult experience. The challenges that come with explaining the severity of your allergy to a waiter who speaks another language can be both frustrating and dangerous. I have traveled to a couple of European nations where the main language is not English, and was forced to attempt to break the language barrier. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to make this daunting task easier.
When traveling to places where different languages are spoken, I suggest having a translator (it can even be done online) write out several vital conversation pieces that might save your life. Questions such as, “What kind of oil do you use in your cooking?” and statements like, “My allergy is life-threatening, and I must be positive that I am not in any danger by eating here,” can go a long way toward making your travels safer.
I make or buy cards that describe the seriousness of my allergy and contain a detailed list of my food allergies. I have obtained these life-saving cards by contacting the appropriate foreign embassies and asking them to translate the information into their language. Once I receive the translation, I make up small cards that I bring with me and hand to the waiter at any restaurant. I once traveled to Spain and could not find anyone at the Spanish Embassy to help me with the translation. Fortunately, I found a service online translating in several different dialects.
Traveling exposes you to new and wonderful cultures that can completely change your outlook on life. To become completely immersed in these cultures, you should try to experience everything they have to offer, including food. This aspect of traveling can worry many people with food allergies, but armed with the right tools, this minor hindrance to your enjoyment can be easily circumvented, and a great vacation can be guaranteed.
