The summer season brings some much-needed relief and relaxation to holidaymakers. A break from work, a chance to explore new lands, both near and far. However, adventures abroad to unfamiliar environments can also bring their own fair share of discomfort and stress to those who suffer from pesky allergies. Skin conditions such as psoriasis can be triggered by cold and dry weather, while hay fever and asthma can be induced by various allergens such pollen and airborne mould spores. Not to mention dreaded insect bites, which can turn the holiday of dreams into a holidaymaker’s worst nightmare.
Whilst travellers can’t necessarily allergy-proof their holidays altogether, they can choose destinations that will minimise the effects of allergies on their body and immune systems. And lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work already, analysing the top destinations worldwide so you’ll know where to go to best alleviate common allergies and reactions, plus the best month to travel for the cheapest hotel stays.
- Psoriasis. Florida is the top destination for holidaymakers who suffer from psoriasis. The Sunshine State’s consistent sunshine, high humidity and natural UV rays are just what the doctor ordered for sufferers of the skin condition.
- Hay fever. Shorter pollen seasons and higher rainfall in Scotland and Wales make for the ideal city break destinations for anyone affected by hay fever. Higher rainfall essentially washes pollen from the air, lowering the pollen count and relieving symptoms for hay fever sufferers.
- Asthma. The Wielickza Salt Mines in Poland prove the perfect therapy for asthma sufferers with wanderlust. The antibacterial qualities that populate the air at these salt mines hold the power to soothe blocked and inflamed sinuses, allowing sufferers to breathe easy.
- Coeliac disease. Austin, Texas is one of the most coeliac-friendly cities in the States for those in search of a gluten-free diet abroad, especially the neighbourhoods of Allendale and Hyde Park. Tokyo, Japan is also a favourable place to travel to due to the abundance of rice, seafood and meats in many restaurants.
- Insect bites. There are at least three popular holiday destinations worldwide where it’s possible to avoid mosquitoes: Iceland, New Caledonia, and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, all provide the perfect summertime solution for those prone to bug bites.
KAYAK.ie reveals the best time to stay in a 3-4 star hotel for each destination.
In addition to knowing where and when to go to best avoid your allergy symptoms, here are a few other helpful tips we can offer:
- Know the pollen forecast or the weather for your destination.
Beach or mountain holidays are great options for allergy sufferers, as allergies are not found in sea breezes, dust mites are not prevalent over 750 metres, and snow kills mould spores.
- Use KAYAK’s helpful tools to find the right hotel for you
Our hotel search filters, such as air-con, spa/wellness, pet-friendly and non-smoking are designed to help you find the right hotel. If you often suffer from allergies on holiday, use these filters to narrow down your options and find somewhere that won’t worsen your symptoms.
- Bring your allergy medicine with you!
Sometimes, in spite of all your hard work planning you may still suffer from allergy symptoms . Be prepared – bring along some allergy medicine just in case!
Data for hotel prices is based on hotel searches and clicks on all KAYAK locales for the respective destinations between 01.08.2015 – 31.12.2016 for travel between 01.01.2016 – 31.12.2016. Prices are per double room per night in 3 or 4-star hotels. Prices are subject to change, may vary or may no longer be available.
