How To Reduce Contact With Allergens When Staying In A Hotel

Use these simple tips to reduce your contact with allergens and have a more enjoyable hotel stay anywhere you go around the globe!

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If you have allergies, you’re not alone! There are over 300 million people worldwide that suffer with allergies everyday.

As we know all too well, our allergies travel with us when we go on vacation – no matter how much we might want to leave them at home!

While we may remember to make a plan for where to eat our meals so we don’t get sick, we can sometimes forget how much environmental allergies can play a role in our overall feeling of well-being.

Hotels can be hotbeds for common allergens. That includes things like mold, mildew, dust and dust mites.

The toiletry products they offer and the detergent they use to wash their sheets and towels can also be problematic for sensitive skin.

Luckily, there are some simple ways to reduce contact with allergens while staying in hotels.

Here are some easy ways to reduce the chances of hotel allergens putting a damper on your vacation away…

1. Do Your Research

While there are some hotels that do cater specifically to people with allergies, it is definitely not the norm. That is why it is important to look at more than just the price and location when selecting a hotel.

Especially when traveling abroad, make sure to check the hotel’s smoking and pet policies ahead of time. I have been surprised in the past about hotels that allow pets in all of their rooms.

When researching hotels, make sure to start with this at top of mind. It can be a helpful way to narrow down your search to hotels that will create a more enjoyable, and safe, stay for you.

2. Come Prepared

The most useful way I have found to reduce contact with allergens when staying in a hotel is by bringing my own necessities with me. Specifically, everything that will be touching my skin has to be verified as a safe choice!

Pillow Cover and Pillowcase

This includes bringing my own pillow protector and pillowcase from home.

The cover is to seal in any dust mites or allergens that might live inside the hotel pillow.

The pillowcase is important to me as it ensures that whatever us touching my face has been washed with a detergent free of potential allergens.

Towel and Washcloth

Along the same lines as my reasons for bringing a pillowcase, I prefer to bring my own towel & antibacterial/antimicrobial washcloth.

To keep things light and compact, I choose a thin but really absorbent material for the towels. Something that dries quickly and won’t grow bacteria like these awesome antibacterial microfiber bath towels.

It’s also worth noting that I like to choose brightly colored towels so they are easy to tell apart from the hotel towels, as most hotel towels seem to be white. You don’t want the maid to accidentally take your towel when cleaning the room!

Toiletries

It seems obvious, but I will say it nonetheless: bring your own toiletries!

Anything you will be putting on your skin should be safe for you and free from your allergens.

I have been to numerous hotels with soaps and lotions that contained goats milk or oats, both of which can cause allergic skin reactions for me.

After those experiences, I learned to always pack my own soaps, shampoo and conditioner, shaving creams, and other necessities so I’ll know I have a safe option.

Wipe It Down

When entering a hotel, it can be hard to know what types of cleaners have been used – or if things had been cleaned well at all!

That is why bringing alcohol free cleansing wipes can be a lifesaver.

Wipe the door handles, toilets, remote controls, light switches and other areas that may have bacteria and allergens you want to avoid.

Air Purifier

Did you know there are travel size air purifiers perfect for a hotel room? Well, now you do!

These amazing little machines can help to remove dust, mold, pollutants and odors.

They also won’t weigh your luggage down, this awesome air purifier is compact and less than one pound!

3. Ask For What You Need

Sometimes you will get a hotel room that just won’t work. Maybe there is a smell that concerns you, or you notice water stains or mold in the bathroom. If that is the case – don’t wait to say something!

Speak to the hotel staff and let them know you need a new room and why the room won’t work for you. It is always better to move rooms than to stay in a room that could cause you to feel ill during your trip.

Although it can be uncomfortable, it is well worth it to protect your health and safety.

Conclusion

Preparing in advance and bringing the right items can greatly reduce contact with allergens when staying in a hotel. This can mean feeling more energized, refreshed, and clear headed when taking on each new day! I hope you feel empowered to take steps to protect yourself from potential reactions by implementing these few things.

Have you experienced issues with your allergies when staying in a hotel? How did you handle the situation? I want to hear from you!

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