In the Bag
There is no getting around it; we don’t travel lightly. So first of all, type out a list of everything that you and your family need for traveling.  Print out the list and cross off the items as they’re packed.
Your child’s special needs should be at the top of the list. Things like latex-free goggles, sunscreen,  special soap, shampoos, Epi-Pen and other medicines, are not easily replaced so make sure you have what you need. Keep your child’s allergist’s number handy in the even that you have questions or need a refill while you’re on the road. 

You can ship a box of staples directly to the hotel from home or from Amazon.com. Your rice milk, pasta, breads, cookies and crackers will all be there waiting for you.  We always bring a cooler of frozen foods: safe hotdogs, casseroles, gluten-free,  casein-free chicken tenders etc. If we fly, we simply duct tape the lid of the cooler shut and check it with our other baggage.

If you run out of room in your suitcases,  cut back on the clothes you bring and throw in a load of laundry or two while you’re away.  If you use a special detergent,  pour enough for two loads into an empty bottle and wrap it with Glad Press n’ Seal.

Are we there yet?
Now, it’s time to relax right? Well, as my sister says “It’s not vacation, it’s relocation.” All the same stuff in a different place. 
Preparing to travel can seem like more work than planning a small wedding but you and your family deserve to travel and have fun.  The memories of all of the extra packing and cooking will be gone in a few days while the memories of your kids playing on the beach or on their first airplane ride will be with you for ever.

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Gina Clowes is the founder of the online support group AllergyMoms.com, serving thousands of families and professional members worldwide. She writes monthly for HealthCentral.com.