Traveling With Seasonal Allergies

— -- Just because you're going on vacation, doesn't mean your seasonal allergies are going to stay at home. While you can't control the weather, flight delays or other travel frustrations, you can plan ahead to help keep pollen allergies from ruining your vacation fun. Here's a checklist of what you can do to help keep your allergies from becoming unwelcome guests on your next vacation.

Check weather reports, pollen counts and seasonal allergy information resources prior to starting your vacation. To find the local pollen and weather forecast in your destination city, http://www.allegra.com/pollenmap.jsp" class=red9pt>click here.

When booking accommodations, ask about the air-conditioning system. Check to make sure it's working properly when you arrive. If not, don't hesitate to ask for a different room. If you're driving, make sure your car's air-conditioner filter is cleaned or replaced if necessary.

Ask your doctor for suggestions on dealing with your seasonal allergies when traveling. Besides having good advice, your doctor will probably be able to help you locate an allergist in the area where you'll be staying, just in case.

Most importantly, make sure your prescriptions are filled well in advance and that you have an adequate supply. Additionally, ask your pharmacist to split your prescription into two bottles. Carry one with you and pack the other. This way if a bag gets misplaced, you'll still have enough medicine to get you through until your bag is found or you can get your prescription refilled.

And last but not least, be sure to carry extra tissues, a prescription refill order (your doctor can give you one) and your allergist's telephone number.