Traveling with Food Allergies

Budget Travel had some great suggestions for those travelers with food allergies. Before you leave home, create a menu of simple—and safe—dishes you can order abroad (your favorite ethnic restaurant may be able to help you out). If you're going on a tour, ask the operator about regional differences in the food that may affect you. Chat rooms, such as chow.com, provide helpful advice from other travelers on specific dishes to avoid.

Carry a note card that clearly states, in the language of the country you're visiting, what foods you can't eat. Showing this to the wait staff at a restaurant will prevent trying to explain your restrictions. You can order the cards in about 30 languages at selectwisely.com (from $6.50) and allergytranslation.com ($7.50).

Many airlines will cater to your particular allergy needs by preparing special meals, such as ones that are gluten- or lactose-free, if you call ahead. Eating in restaurants at off times will ensure that waiters focus on your needs. Call ahead to give restaurants more time to prepare, especially if they need to make changes to a dish. And if you feel like your waiter doesn't understand, ask to speak to the people in the kitchen.