Road Tripping with Allergies

Follow these 5 tips to alleviate allergy symptoms and enjoy your road trip without the runny noses or itchy eyes.

Collage of a dog in a car with bedding, a beach ball and a vacuum on a road with a smiling sun

1. Timing

Aim to hit the road before 10 AM when pollen counts are at their lowest. Late afternoon is the next best time to head out.

2. Transport

Before you set out, clean your car thoroughly, preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Drive with the windows rolled up and keep the AC or fan on circulate to keep pollen out. If you spill any drinks, be sure to mop them up quickly to prevent mold from growing.

3. Destination

Choose your destination and type of vacation carefully. If you’re prone to allergies, hiking and camping are not a good idea while beach holidays, in fact any holidays that involve swimming, are a wise choice – the pollen count is lower around large bodies of water.

4. Accommodation

More and more hotel chains are offering hypoallergenic rooms for people with allergies. Check out allergyfriendlyhotels.com to find out more about availability. If your destination doesn't offer this option, request a room on the highest floor possible and take along your own allergenic pillow and bedding.

5. Passengers

If your pets travel with you, give them a bath before you leave and keep them in a crate in your car or invest in a washable pet seat cover. That way you’ll limit the amount of dander that is spread around your vehicle.