This summer was our first experience traveling internationally with food allergies. My son, now 11, is highly allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. He was diagnosed when he was 15 months old, and we have learned how to navigate his allergies over the years. In June, we took a trip to Italy with our kids. Now that we are back from a successful and anaphylactic free trip, I\u2019ve compiled a list of a few things to consider when traveling with food allergies to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-Trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

• Call the Airline
  After booking your flight, call the airline and make them aware of your food allergy. Request a special meal (I did not know I needed to do this and will explain more on this later).<\/li>
• Check Expiration Dates on Epi Pens
  I order new epi pens for my son every June (I purposefully time it with the end of the school year). Before our trip, I ordered and brought two, two packs of epi pens (4 total).<\/li>
• Print Chef Cards
  I printed food allergy cards in Italian available on FARE\u2019s website<\/a> explaining the allergy and had several copies on hand. It’s a good way to communicate your allergy restaurant staff.<\/li>
• Download Google Translate
  I downloaded Google translate before our trip and made sure I knew how to say \u201cHe\u2019s allergic to all nuts and peanuts\u201d in Italian. Also, you can use the app to help translate the menu.<\/li>
• Know Emergency Numbers in Italy
  Dialing 118 in Italy is used for reporting a medical emergency like calling an ambulance.<\/li>
• Pack Safe Snack and Dessert Items
  I packed a variety of safe snacks and desserts items such as, That\u2019s It Bars, Goldfish, Oreos, Rice Krispie Treats. I also packed Cup O\u2019Noodles and Mac & Cheese cups in the event we needed a safe meal.<\/li>
• Bring Wipes
  When you aren’t able to wash hands, carrying wipes helps minimize cross contact and germs. I always make sure to wipe down the airplane seat, tray table and arm rests upon boarding.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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