Whether you’re road tripping to Grandma’s house or going on that dream beach vacation, check out these simple tips to help you minimize allergy symptoms during your trip.
Tips for Traveling with Allergies
Think About Your Destination
Being near a large body of water, such as an ocean, may help reduce your exposure to pollen, depending on the types of trees and grasses around. For beach vacations, pick a location that isn’t near grasses and trees that are heavy pollen producers, like ragweed, Bermuda grass or oak trees.1
Cruises can also be a good choice for people with seasonal allergies. Although pollen particles can travel out to sea, they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction the further you get from land, as coastal winds can disperse them quickly. Some cruise ships even have “allergy-friendly” cabins.
Wherever your vacation takes you, be sure to check out the local pollen forecast so you can be prepared.
Fly the Allergy-Friendly Skies
Pet dander, mould spores, dust mites and pollen can board your flight on people’s clothes, shoes, hair and luggage.2 To help reduce your exposure, wipe down your tray table, arm rests and window area with cleansing wipes and toss them in a sealable bag.
The low humidity levels in airplane cabins may cause dehydration, which may irritate your allergies.3 Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and pack your allergy meds in case your symptoms act up in the air. Be sure to keep your medication in its original packaging to avoid hassles with the Transportation Security Administration.
Time Your Drive
Some research suggests that pollen particles and air pollution caused by exhaust emissions from vehicles can interact to make allergies worse.4 To help minimize your exposure, plan your drive early in the morning or late in the evening when traffic is typically lighter. And be sure to keep the A/C on and the windows closed, so hitchhiking pollen spores can’t blow inside.
Find more tips for reducing allergens in your car before you hit the road.
Make No Room at the Inn for Allergens
Call the front desk to check if your hotel has “allergy-friendly” rooms before booking your trip. And be sure to use the air conditioner instead of opening hotel windows to help reduce your exposure to pollen. You can also pack a zippered, dust mite pillow case to cover the hotel’s pillow and limit your exposure to dust mites.
Keep Allergy Medication on Hand
It’s a good idea to keep allergy medication in your purse or backpack, so you’re prepared wherever your travels take you. Non-drowsy Claritin® Rapid Dissolve is easy to take without water for allergy symptom relief on the go.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Pollen Allergy. 2023.
- Health Canada. Prevention of airborne allergies. 2016.
- Sánchez-Borges et al. In-flight allergic emergencies. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2017.
- Pattanayak, Santanu et al. Confronting allergies: strategies for combating pollution and safeguarding our health. 2025.
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