How to Have an Allergy-Free Summer Vacation

Summer is in full swing, and you’re excited about vacation planning. It’s time to make the most of your free time without worrying about allergies getting in the way of the fun.

When you suffer from allergies, flare-ups can lead to needing to put your outdoor plans on hold, whether it’s hiking, barbecuing, or planning weekend picnics at the park. But you can make the most of your summer vacation despite allergies.

Here’s what you can do to ensure allergy symptoms don’t interfere with your summer vacation plans!

Local Pollen Counts

Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies. Produced by grasses, trees, and weeds, pollen floats in the wind and can stick to your skin, clothes, car, and pets. Check the local pollen count before venturing out to help manage your allergy symptoms on vacation.

The local pollen count estimates how many pollen grains are in the air, as well as a forecast of future counts. Check the local newspaper and weather channel or download an app and plan your outdoor trips accordingly.

Allergy-Friendly Hotels

If you are staying in a hotel, ask if they offer allergy-friendly rooms. Some establishments have hypoallergenic linens to accommodate guests who suffer from asthma or allergies. If this is not something they provide, you can plan to bring your own bedding if needed. Ensure you stay at a smoke-free facility and ask if they enforce their policy. Even if you’re in a non-smoking room, exposure could happen from the rooms above or below you. If you smell smoke in your room, ask the front desk to be moved.

For those who suffer from pet allergies, stay away from hotels that advertise as pet friendly. While all hotels must allow service animals, your risk of being exposed to animal dander is significantly less if the hotel doesn’t allow furry friends.

Once you enter your hotel room, check the windows for condensation and ensure the bathroom HVAC system works. If there is condensation, it means moisture is trapped in the room. Moisture in a hotel room can lead to mold and mildew, aggravating your allergy symptoms. Mold can make you cough, your eyes itch, and if you have asthma, it can restrict your breathing.

Kindly ask for a room change or a refund if the room doesn’t have proper ventilation.

Dress for Allergy Season

You can be exposed to a variety of allergens when outside or in a new place. Animal dander, mold, dust, and pollen can blow into your mouth, nose, and eyes and attach to your skin, clothes, and hair. To minimize your exposure to airborne allergens, follow these steps:

• Wear sunglasses and a hat outside to block pollen from reaching your eyes
• Wash your hands and face when you return to your hotel; if pollen counts are high, rinse off in a quick shower
• Change clothes as soon as you come inside so that you don’t spread allergens in your living space
• Wear a mask if it is windy to prevent dust and pollen from getting on your face
• Avoid touching your face and eyes, especially when you’re out and about

Pack for Allergies

If you take an antihistamine, eye drops, nasal sprays, or other allergy medications regularly, start taking them consistently before your vacation. Purchase all medicines before you leave, take them with you, and set a daily phone alarm so you don’t forget to take them.

Another must-have when vacationing with allergies is anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizers. Wipe down seats, carts, chairs, tables, and anything else that could contain allergens. Anti-bacterial wipes help to reduce exposure to these allergens, reducing the risk of sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Communication Is Key

If you suffer from summer allergies, communicate your needs to those around you to help you have a fun and successful summer vacation!

When traveling with loved ones, let them know the places and activities that don’t affect your allergy symptoms as much. For example, pollen is most prominent in the morning. Ask your travel buddies to schedule outdoor activities in the afternoon or evenings.

Research a few indoor activities or pack a good book. That way if allergies keep you indoors when you’re on vacation, you can still relax and enjoy your time.

Keep Summer Allergies at Bay

Don’t let seasonal allergies get in the way of your summer fun. Instead, keep the sniffling, scratching, and sneezing under control with these helpful tips:

• Keep pollen out of your car by closing the windows while driving
• Go outdoors when pollen levels are at their lowest, such as on cloudy days and after early morning
• Run the hotel and car’s air conditioning to filter out pollen
• Use saline eye drops after being outdoors to remove pollen
• Pack a dust-proof zipper pillowcase to use at your destination
• Stay hydrated when traveling by plane, as your nose and throat can become dry and trigger allergies
• Know where to find a pharmacy or doctor should you need assistance while on vacation

Get Long-Term Allergy Relief

While different techniques can help reduce your exposure to your allergies while on vacation, they do not provide long-term relief. Wyndly is your solution to seasonal allergy relief! Our allergy doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan for your allergies that provides long-term relief through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy exposes your immune system to amounts of allergens so small that it doesn’t react. Repeated exposure desensitizes your body, and, over time, your body stops reacting to allergens in your environment. This results in lifelong relief from your allergy symptoms.

If you’re ready to find long-term allergy relief and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the pollen count, take our two-minute assessment to see if Wyndly is right for you!