The mode in which you intend to travel is important.
  If you travel by car, bus, or train, be prepared for possible irritants or allergens that might worsen your symptoms.
   If you travel by car, and you know that you will be using the air conditioning or heater, air out the car for about 10 minutes running the heater or air conditioner first.
  This will help remove dust mites or molds that might be in the system.
  Remember to open the windows for the entire 10 minutes so that allergens escape.
If you plan to travel for a lengthy distance, you may want to consider keeping the windows closed.
  Outdoor allergens can prove hazardous to your allergies or asthma.
  If you have mold or pollen allergies, this is especially harmful.
  You probably already know how dangerous cigarette smoke or outdoor air pollution is.
  This is just another reason to keep the windows closed.
  If you travel in the early morning or late evening, you may also lessen your response to outdoor pollution.
   Traveling by airplane poses other hazards that you might not have thought about.
  This is especially true if you suffer from food allergies.
  Most of the time, the foods the airline provides come from vendors.
  The airline stewardess might not be able to tell you the ingredients.
  If you are known to have severe allergic reactions to food, always have your epinephrine handy.
The air on a plane is very dry.
  It is wise to delay traveling if you are suffering an ear infection or sinusitis.
  If this is not possible, take a short-acting oral decongestant about an hour before departure.
  You might also want to chew gum to help decrease any pain you might experience from the altitude.
If you are planning a cruise, there are also a few recommendations you need to be aware of.
  Most cruise ships have adequate medical personnel and facilities; however, it is wise to ask first.
  If you have severe food allergies, this may impact your decision to travel by ship because most of your meals are on the ship.
  Anaphylactic type reactions are the most difficult ones to treat at sea.
  Again, you must have your epinephrine handy.
   Environment at stops also will have an impact on your allergies and asthma.
  If you will be stopping at cold, damp climates, prepare for dust mites and indoor molds.
  If the air is cold and dry, this will pose another irritant for your asthma.
  If you will be in damp climates, some of the more common allergens include dust mites, indoor molds, and pollens.
    As always and with any medical condition, prevention is key to avoiding worsened symptoms.
    Always prepare!  Always have your rescue medications at hand.
  Follow these recommendations to ensure fun and safe traveling.