All-inclusive/catered holidays with allergic children? Or am I crazy?!

[brainonastick]

Well yes, I'm probably crazy for even considering it!

DD1 is milk/egg allergic, but she's passed the baked milk and egg challenges, so I'm wondering whether the thought of a catered holiday is as crazy as it used to be. I love the idea of a holiday where we don't have to do all the cooking. We were thinking of skiing this Easter, as a chalet is a more personal environment, but then I think DD2 is still a bit young for skiing. So maybe some sunshine somewhere in southern Europe for the May half term.

Has anyone here taken their food allergic children on a catered holiday? And if so, any recommendations?

[BogoPogo]

My DD1 is allergic to nuts, fish and egg and we did an all-inclusive holiday in Egypt a couple of years ago when she was 2 and it was fine. There is so much choice that you will be able to find something she can eat! There was always a choice of roast meats and plain vegetables, for instance. If you're really worried you can take some breakfast cereal that you know is safe, and some cartons of whatever milk-substitute you use, so you'll know she won't starve!

[brainonastick]

With the big all-inclusive buffets, were you not worried about cross-contamination though?

[BogoPogo]

No, I wasn't worried about cross-contamination. I don't know how severe your DD's allergic reactions are though. We've always managed to control our DD1's with anti-histimine and ventolin, never had to resort to the epipens yet, touch wood. Our DD1 can tolerate baked egg, but rashes up with raw egg - but the only time that's ever happened is when we've been baking cakes and she's touched the egg mix when I wasn't looking!
Maybe ask one of the big tour operators what provisions they have have people with allergies on all-inclusive packages?

[brainonastick]

Excellent - I was expecting everyone to give me a big judgy glare for even considering a risky holiday . Thanks both of you.

Any other experiences, or resort/operator recommendations?

[girlsyearapart]

We have also done the ai holiday with dd2 who is allergic to egg, nuts & sesame seeds.

The first time we went she was also severely cmp allergic but has since grown out of it.

We took her nutramigen with us & also some snacks & treats from home.

I wouldn't have chosen ai exactly because I was worried about her but thy accidentally upgraded us and it was fine.

We have since been on two more. All fine but it did help that they were all in Spanish speaking countries & I can speak Spanish.

Be sure to take a good stock of piriton & your epipens.

Fwiw she has used the pen 3 times now none on holiday

[ukey]

I think if ur planning on a holiday like this then u must plan well and research before you go. Which you are obviously doing when asking on here...

You can download free allergy cards from

www.brokerfish.com/food-allergy-translation-cards/

you may also find useful info here...

peanutallergyuk.co.uk/travelling-with-a-nut-allergy-part-1/

I know that's about nut allergy, but should still be able to offer you some useful info.

Hope you have a wonderful time whatever you decide.

[brainonastick]

Brilliant, thanks - I'd forgotten about those cards.

[ukey]

is ur dd at risk of anaphylaxis and carry epi pens, if so u will have to remember to inform travel insurance......shop around.

[brainonastick]

Oh yes, and I'd forgotten about the epipen hassle! Sigh.

[ukey]

we used a company called holiday risk, they sent us a printout of the policy including all declared medical conditions. It gave me peace of mind if we were to have any reactions that it was written down as proof that it had been declared and would be covered.

[trixymalixy]

We skied with Crystal last year full board and they were amazing. The childcare team called me before we left to ask about the allergies and reassure that they were all epipen trained. The chef was amazing and made separate meals from the buffet for the kids. They practically got a side of salmon between them one day!

We've always done self catering in the past, but ended up eating out loads of times and actually I found it easier being catered for rather than explaining to a different restaurant every second night.

We did have to take dairy free milk, dairy free spread, breakfast cereal and snacks for them

We're off a week on Sarurday with Crystal again, I'm hoping it will be as good.

[shelsco]

I've booked for a week in May half term ai with Thomson. I actually booked it before DS was diagnosed with severe nut allergy (had sudden reaction to a trace of a nut in November) and started panicking like mad when we got the diagnosis. I rang Thomson and they said they get loads of allergy requests all the time and not to worry. They contacted the hotel manager who said to get in touch a fortnight before we go and they would make special arrangements to make sure DS is catered for.
I did have a look at our hotel (in Majorca) on trip advisor and searched for allergies. Apparently a family who stayed there had cmp allergies and said the caterers were fantastic. Am hoping I have the same experience!

[brainonastick]

These are all really positive stories, thank you so much. Our holiday world has just opened right up.

Happy holidays everyone!

[trixymalixy]

Just back from our skiing holiday and thought I'd let you know we had no allergic reactions in our catered hotel. They cooked DS something separate from the buffet for every lunch and dinner. It was either chicken/steak/fish with rice or potatoes and some veg, so not very adventurous, but safe. We took our own cereal and milk, but there was soya milk and yoghurts available at the buffet. There was also a choice of gluten free bread, cereal and cake, but not necessary for us.