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So you’ve done a great job protecting your home from allergens and created a family-friendly allergy-free zone. That’s great! But the summer season is here, and that means vacation.
Family vacations are meant to bring joy and rest, not wheezing, rashes, or late-night trips to the urgent care center.
Traveling by Car: Start with the Ride
Dust mites, mold spores, and pollen love hiding in car upholstery and vents. Before we hit the road, I spray the interior with two key products:
🧴 Vital-Oxide – a mold-killing solution that’s gentle on surfaces
🧴 Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Solution Spray – a proven denaturing agent that neutralizes proteins from dust mites and pet dander
This simple prep makes a significant difference for my son, who has asthma. We also keep the A/C on recirculate mode and try to drive during early morning or evening hours, when the air is cleaner and traffic is lighter.
Flying with Allergies: Plan Like a Professional
If you are traveling by plane, you don’t have much control over the environment. Planes aren’t ideal environments for families with allergy-sensitive individuals. Cabin air is recycled, seat fabrics are rarely deep cleaned, and passengers may carry pet allergens on their clothing, even if no animals are onboard.
Here’s our checklist before every flight:
- Take allergy meds before boarding, especially if you’re pet-sensitive
- Carry two EpiPens (not in checked bags!) and clearly label them
- Inform flight attendants where medication is stored, especially if you’re traveling solo
- Bring your pillow with an allergen-proof encasement on longer flights
- Notify the airline early if you have food allergies
Additionally, the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America recommends traveling with a printout of your medications, dosages, and doctor's contact information — including refill numbers. This helps avoid unnecessary delays at security and ensures you’re covered in case of lost luggage.
✈️ Pro tip: If you're flying, transfer your spray to a 3 fl oz TSA-approved bottle or pack it in your checked bag.
Hotels and Rentals: Bring Backup Protection
Even the cleanest-looking hotel may be a dust mite hotspot. That plush comforter? It’s probably washed once every few months — if that. Sheets may not be laundered in the hot water (130°F+) needed to eliminate allergens.
What we pack for our stay:
- Dust mite-proof encasings for pillows and mattresses (fitted sheet-style covers are easy to slip on)
- Travel-size allergen spray (like Allersearch ADMS or Ecology Works) for carpet and bedding
- Our hypoallergenic pillows
- CHECK for BED BUGS!
Also, I request a non-smoking, pet-free room, and avoid rooms near indoor pools (which can harbor mold in the vents and walls).
Staying with Family or Friends: Communicate Early
Don’t be afraid of letting friends and family know that allergies are a problem and you need a bit of help to make your stay safe. With a little extra work and preparation, everyone can enjoy the vacation together without worrying about a trip to the emergency room or a mad scramble for the inhaler.
Here are a few tips:
- Ask the hosts/family to keep pets out of your sleeping space
- Bring your encasings for pillows and mattresses (all of our family members have them)
- Gently remind everyone to avoid scented cleaners or air fresheners
Know Where to Get Help — Before You Need It
Before we book anything, I map out:
- The nearest urgent care or hospital
- A pharmacy with late hours
- An allergist or pediatrician if we’re staying more than a week
All it takes is one late-night asthma attack to realize the value of having this info ready. I save the addresses and phone numbers in my phone and print a copy for my travel folder — just in case.
Peace of Mind Is the Best Travel Accessory
Vacation should be about making memories, not managing flare-ups or scrambling for Benadryl at midnight. When you plan with allergy-safe travel in mind, you protect your family and give yourself the chance to relax.
Because at the end of the day, our role as health guardians doesn’t go on vacation — but it doesn’t have to run the trip either.
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store