Page 23 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – July/August 2020

Avoid the Language Barrier
If you don’t speak the native language at your destination, you should learn how to communicate sufficiently in an emergency. Create an allergy card in the local language(s) which lists your allergens and their severity and then memorize it. Identify the name of your allergen in the local dialect and research the common local foods that
may result in allergic
reactions. For those
with severe food
allergies, it is crucial
to learn how to ask
for help and the
nearest hospital
location.
Research Restaurants and Food Markets
Research the destination before your trip as there can be fully compliant restaurants or options that offer gluten- or nut-free menus. For restaurants that are not explicit about how they treat food allergies, utilize your allergy card and stick to simple foods without sauces. Speak directly with the chef or the person preparing
your food and ask if an allergen has been on the grill before your meal.
If preparing your own food, research local food-labeling laws. Some regions are much more explicit in their laws about food labeling. The European Union, for example, mandates allergen information be displayed on packaged and non-packaged foods. Finally, look out for natural food stores, gluten-
free supermarkets or markets that stock recognizable American goods.
AAA members can use GoodRx to save up to 85% on prescription
drugs — brand name and generic. It might even beat your insurance copay. GoodRx is accepted at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Locate the Nearest Hospital
After booking your accommodations and planning your activities, identify where the nearest hospital is at each of your destinations. This will ensure you have some idea
of where to get help if you cannot communicate.
Photo: Shutterstock: NDAB Creativity
Pack Your Own Food
For those with severe food allergies, packing your
own food offers a much lower chance of exposure to allergens. If you’ll cook at your destination, bring enough food for the first day so that you don’t have to shop as soon as you land. If you are packing for the entirety of your trip, pack twice the amount of food that you need in case of unexpected delays. Lastly, regardless of the amount of food that you bring, check your destination country’s import restrictions.
Visit AAA.com/GoodRx to learn more.
Editor’s Tip:
Food Allergies in Disney
Vacationing with food allergies can be intimidating, especially
if you’re not used to them. Rest assured, Disney Dining is
incredibly easy. Almost every restaurant and food service
location has an allergy-friendly menu available to guests.
Disney servers and chefs are extremely used to dealing with
different restrictions daily, so don’t be afraid to make yours
known. If they don’t have a separate menu, speak with
someone and the cast members will accommodate you to the best of their ability. Bon appetit!
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