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Discussion Boards => Teens and Food Allergies => Topic started by: Macabre on October 01, 2013, 09:04:43 PM

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Title: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 01, 2013, 09:04:43 PM
DS will soon be going on a school trip over a long weekend.  He will be staying in a hotel suite with 7 other boys, and they will have a kitchen.

I will meet with his coach next week to plan for this. The airline is fine--I just need to worry about stuff once they're there.  What I need help with is figuring out accommodations in his accommodations (ha) and how to prepare him to pack for lunches.

About the accommodations, he and DH and I would like them to be blatantly PF.  I'm honestly not quite sure how to make this happen without DS catching some flack for it.  There is no way to do this confidentially.  Many of his teammates are already aware of his PA I believe.  Breakfast is provided at the hotel.  This is usually fine for DS.  I don't worry about that.  I do worry about granola bars and trail mix. So I've got to figure out a way to make sure the room is PF. 

DS will have to prepare his own lunch every morning, while the other kids' meals are taken care of (meals are included in the cost, but DS' will need to take his own lunch).  So he needs the area to be a safe one to prepare meals.  If you have any ideas about this, I'm open.  I have a good relationship with the coach.  I told her this weekend about DS' reactions at school by accidental ingestion. 

I need some food ideas. He will at least need three lunches, but he might need to plan on having something on hand for a dinner or two, too.

I think they'll have the chance to shop a little bit, but he's said he wants to take food with him--tortillas and Nutella.  I see there is a grocery store 1 mile away.   He could get some canned, nukable soup for a dinner option, but he's not going to want to take that with him.

But for lunches.  Hmmm.  Last year when he was gone overnight for a trip, I packed him a lunch for that day and for the next day: a tomato soup in a can, some almonds, crackers and I don't remember what else.  At least he'll have a fridge and so doesn't have to take shelf-stable food. But I can imagine he'll want to have food he can prepare quickly in the morning. His speech lunch box looks like a small black brief case. It's about the size of a piece of paper and 3.5 inches thick. 

So, here's what I've got so far (and I don't know of any other allergies in the suite):

To take in a checked bag:
-tortillas
-Nutella (and I'll have him leave it there) But Nutella on a suit is problematic.  Not sure how I feel about it.
-plastic spoons, forks and knives
-a box of zip lock sandwich bags (probably not snack bags--I'll keep it simple)
-Wet Ones packets
-Clorox wipes travel size--2 or three


To buy:
-veggie cream cheese
-fruit
-chips/crackers


What can you all think of?  He is a vegetarian but has a very broad palate. 

I'm just at a loss.

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: starlight on October 01, 2013, 09:11:54 PM
They make portable everything now. Maybe some easy mac or the single-serve spagettios? I think they even have single-serve mashed potato cups now where you just add water.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: starlight on October 01, 2013, 09:14:56 PM
And cereal cups, then he just has to find milk.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 01, 2013, 09:21:45 PM
I don't know if he'll have access to a microwave at lunch.  I should have clarified that.  In fact, I doubt he will.  He needs to take his lunch.  Breakfast at the hotel should be fine. And he'll need to have a few standby dinners--just in case.


Just wanted to clarify before too long about the lunch situation.  I assume he'll be able to buy his drink at lunch where he is, but he'll need to take the rest. 
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 01, 2013, 09:52:34 PM
He's not sesame allergic, right?

Hummus singles.  DD uses Sabra singles-- they can be had at most delis.  That and a handful of pretzel thins, a can of mandarin oranges with a pop top, and a fork...


= vegetarian lunch.

This is actually a lunch that DD took a fair amount this summer.  Add some pea pods or carrot sticks and it will keep without refridgeration until lunchtime and be nutritionally VERY complete.

String cheese or Babybel can be used to up protein and fat content. 

Edamame?  Almonds?





Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 01, 2013, 11:07:59 PM
Another trip-tip that we use a fair amount.

Taco Bell.

Black bean burritos and seven-layers are both vegetarian and should be safe.  The former keeps VERY well as a lunch food, even for a couple of days in the fridge, in a pinch.

We've done this for events where DD needed a lunch that was unfussy and low key, and where she'd be wearing dress clothes.

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 02, 2013, 06:31:44 AM
Ah, so if he runs into a Taco Bell there, that could be an option. I'll check around his hotel. Or he could buy/take a pull top can. I wonder if progresso makes veggie black beans. Amy's doesn't have a pull tab.

Of course, there are side effects of beans ...,
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: rebekahc on October 02, 2013, 08:38:18 AM
My first thought was to minimize kitchen contamination by bringing already assembled things that can go from his suitcase to the fridge to grab out as needed - cream cheese/veggie tortilla roll-ups; serving portions of baby carrots, fruit, etc; pre-made sandwiches (could even be frozen and then defrost in the fridge); etc.  Send some paper towels for him to use between his food and the prep surface.

Tagging on to CM's hummus idea... at Sam's I've gotten the Sabra singles packaged in a little pod with pretzel chips.  Sam's also sells boxes of just the singles.  Oh and singles of Wholly Guacamole - they come in both a ketchup type packet and now dipping cups.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 02, 2013, 08:56:29 AM
Okay-- so in Europe, our "meal" plan for most lunches?

Energy bars.  DD ate sunbutter Enjoy Life bars (a couple of them, along with dehydrated fruit, or soybeans from Simply Tomatoes) and I ate Odwalla bars (non nutty varieties, obviously).

This worked great, honestly.  DD preferred it to carrying an actual lunch-lunch.  Short-term, I thought it was a pretty good solution.

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: spacecanada on October 02, 2013, 09:39:41 AM
We're packing for vacation right now and have to consider lunches for travelling and when were're there.  We're vegan and PN/TN-free.  Tortillas with hummus and fresh veggies are great if you're travelling domestic and don't have to worry about border crossing rules.  They can be premade and last a couple days in the fridge.  Burritos work really well too if you can freeze them so they don't go soggy.  LibreNaturals or Enjoy Life granola bars, SunRype fruit bars, and fresh fruit for snacks.  Instant oatmeal cups with extra toppings such as raisins or chocolate chips make up most of our quick to-go vacation meals, mostly because they're easy to bring and you can get hot water just about everywhere.  Make some muffins and pack them in a bag with a spoon - another one of our favourite easy vacation meals.  Sandwiches are always an option too, but he'd need a placemat to roll out on the counter to prevent cross contamination whilst making them - we try to avoid this on vacations... I'm paranoid about cross contamination outside my own kitchen.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 02, 2013, 06:04:50 PM
Pumpkin oatmeal whole wheat mini-muffins (I have a recipe if you need one) are filling and have good nutrition/protein.  I also have a good oatmeal snack bar recipe (I made coconut/choc chip ones, then pumpkin raisin/craisin ones). I've done those for traveling/conference lunches and supplement with fresh fruit or cut up veggies. Another good filling item is sunbutter whole wheat banana bread (I'll add in mini-chips or coconut to that too).

hard cheese and crackers, grapes, sunbutter banana bagels or roll-ups, applesauce, edamame and blanched snow pea pods w/ soy sauce on the side, cold pizza!  Can you send him with some veggie pizza in a cooler?
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 02, 2013, 06:06:50 PM
quinoa cakes (looking for the recipe) --- sticky rice balls?
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Mookie86 on October 02, 2013, 09:04:47 PM
ds1 doesn't want the extra weight of ice or even containers, so all lunches are eaten at room temperature.

-- Cereal:  either eaten dry or milk boxes are OK at room temperature
-- Hot dogs:  either in a roll or as Morningstar Farms corn dogs
-- Hummus sandwiches
-- ____ butter sandwiches (sunbutter, cashew butter, whatever he can eat)
-- Frozen squeezable yogurt, and they defrost by lunchtime
-- Wraps of nutella and sliced banana
-- Leftover pizza (it does fine sitting out for a few hours)

Maybe send him with rolls of paper towels to use as a prep. surface and a lot of plastic silverware.  I wouldn't trust his roommates to keep the area PN-free.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 03, 2013, 08:11:19 AM
He will wipe surfaces with Clorox wipes, which are proven to remove peanut protein. He'll run the dishes through the dishwasher in the suite kitchen. He can prepare his food on a plate.

There are a lot of great suggestions here!

He has to take his suit and several dress shirts, so he may only take a hanging bag with his toiletries at the foot of it. So I wonder about how much he can take with him. Especially already prepared food. Maybe we just need to make site he takes another checked bag. I'm not sure about sending already prepared food in it though. Does that concern anyone else? 

We tend to travel very lightly food-wise as a family and tend to just buy what we need when we get somewhere, so I'm not very familiar with how prepared food travels.

We'll have to test the hummus if he likes that idea. Maybe with a plastic knife?  He doesn't like sesame on buns, but I don't think he's allergic. He would live that tapenade hummus.

He had a Sunbutter bar once. I'll talk with him about those options.

Not that I can expect he will be lucky enough to find MSF products there, but how would a corn dog (I live those) keep?  I find they get soggy. If you've got a way Mookie, please share. Could be useful elsewhere!

Okay, for the banana sandwiches, See the very first confessional post. :) I adore a banana and Sunbutter wrap. :yes: but how would that (or slices) keep for several hours?  I never send that for lunch because I worry about the banana getting yucky. (Same with avocado. I would love to use avocado in school day sandwiches, but u worry about the avocado.)

Much to ponder. Thanks everyone!! Keep ideas  coming!
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Mookie86 on October 03, 2013, 09:08:38 AM
I make a banana/nutella wrap at 7:15 am, and ds2 eats it at 11:45.  It keeps fine, for his taste anyway.

As far as the corn dogs, here's the trick to taking them places and not having them get soggy.  Immediately after microwaving them, remove them from the plate and wrap them in paper towels to absorb moisture.  You might need to use a couple of paper towels.  Then, put them on a totally dry plate to cool off.  After they're cooled off, put them in the container/plastic bag how they'll be transported.  Leave open lid/bag until you're on the way out the door so any additional moisture can escape.

I had another idea if he can purchase food there.  Does he eat any of the Yves deli slices or Tofurkey slices?  Those are easy sandwiches.  I have no idea if they're PN free and I can't check my fridge, for I rarely buy that stuff.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: rebekahc on October 03, 2013, 12:11:31 PM
For avocado that lasts until lunch... the Wholly Guacamole brand has just-avocado packets, too - Wholly Avocado.  Those would stay fresh to be added to a sandwich at lunch time.  For DD, we freeze them and they defrost by lunch.  Ingredients: 100% Hass Avocados

(http://eatwholly.com/images/products/dev-avo-large-snackpacks.png)
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Janelle205 on October 03, 2013, 03:48:37 PM
This may sound really disgusting, and I don't know how easy it is to find PF sunflower kernels, but one of my favorite quick to carry lunches is cottage cheese mixed with sunflower kernels spread on whole wheat crackers.

Before OAS, I would mix finely chopped fresh cucumber in as well.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: maeve on October 03, 2013, 04:15:26 PM
Is there shelf-stable vegetarian food you could mail to the hotel in advance?
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Ra3chel on October 03, 2013, 05:44:32 PM
Pumpkin oatmeal whole wheat mini-muffins (I have a recipe if you need one) are filling and have good nutrition/protein.  I also have a good oatmeal snack bar recipe (I made coconut/choc chip ones, then pumpkin raisin/craisin ones).

Yes to both, please!!
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 03, 2013, 07:45:27 PM
In recipes :)

The snack bar is this: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Playgroup-Granola-Bars/   with the following tweaks

- half the sugar
- white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour
- replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce

I'll add in dark chocolate chips and flaked coconut (usually the Baker's sweet one...sometimes unsweetened if I can find it)

Another version I add 3/4 cup pumpkin and only use 1 TB oil and toss in Craisins.

Maybe it's the applesauce addition, but they come out soft for me. I like that. I also don't bake them for the length in the recipe --- when I can see they are baked through I'll take them out.

Once cooled --- I'll cut into bars and seal them in Glad Press & Seal and chuck them in the freezer. they freeze and defrost exceptionally well.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 04, 2013, 06:19:56 AM
Thank you nameless!
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 04, 2013, 08:13:48 AM
The coach has already told kids in his room they can't bring/but anything with peanuts (and we actually meet next week--haven't met yet). :heart: DS said one kid wants to make a curry dinner for the suite. I am nervous about that.

It could be awkward, but I'm thinking of finding out what spices he needs, getting several small Nalgene bottles at The Container Store and sending Penzey's. We've also got two Penzey's stores hers, so I should be able to get anything. Hopefully.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Mookie86 on October 04, 2013, 08:49:52 AM
Mac, maybe your ds can contact the kid and say that he'd like to help him with the meal and your ds would be happy to provide the spices, or whatever ingredients concern you. 
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 04, 2013, 05:23:58 PM
Allergies aside...making Curry in a hotel kitchen/suite is NAAAAAAASTY after-smell that will linger for days and days and days...

They should consider that, or consider carefully which night they'll do it.

Adrienne
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 05, 2013, 11:25:20 AM
Oh good point nameless. That is certainly true in our house.

Nameless the quinoa cake recipe--if you have the have to find it, it would be great to have.

Okay--packing prepared food to go on a plane:  how would y'all do that?

RC I didn't initially see your post about the hummus and Wholly Guacamole at Sam's. that may motivate me to get a membership there again. We used to have it for the purpose if getting our safe pecans, but then I noticed a warning on them, so I didn't renew my membership. Then I called the pecans and nothing had actually changed in their processes.  So we may but them again. I'll see if I can find the singles elsewhere first. I love that idea.

Oh this is so much more expensive to have an allergy.  $25 for an additional checked bag.

But I'm so happy he is going to have this experience--away without us for several days. It will be a good thing for him--and for us--in preparing for the future.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Mookie86 on October 05, 2013, 11:32:22 AM
Make sure hummus and guacamole are in checked baggage.  DH once triggered a full search by trying to take individual-sized hummus packs as a carry-on.  I asked the TSA agent when he completed his search, and he confirmed that the hummus should not be a carry-on and that's what triggered the search.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 05, 2013, 12:13:49 PM
Yeah-- if you carry some foodstuffs through security, be sure that you have a 'special requirement' note from your doc.  :)
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 05, 2013, 01:33:31 PM
Oh no--we're planning to do an extra checked bag. But I've not carried food before in checked baggage.  Maybe some Nutrigrain bars. Maybe. But we normally just buy the few things we need once we get to our destination.  We typically don't do much meal planning at all on trips (y'all don't throw tomatoes at me!!)

When DS had a theatre workshop in NYC for a week we had a room with a fridge. We just bought stuff for his lunch there. This summer in Orlando we bought a bag of clementines, Nutrigrain bars, cheese and crackers and wine. It was really just for breakfast (which our hotel did not include) and evening snacks. 

But this is new territory for me.

I assume any liquid or burstable stuff will be in a one-gallon zip lock bag inside the checked suitcase. But stuff you'd want cold--how would you pack it to. Be checked?
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 05, 2013, 02:15:30 PM
I wouldn't even TRY keeping things cold in checked baggage, honestly-- plan for a flight delay or a possible lost bag. If you try to put things into insulated packaging, they WILL get ripped into and checked, I think.

We made sure that we were minimizing that risk of having our foodstuff "rifled" through, in flying to Europe.  We made sure that we CARRIED on sufficient calories for 2 days, at least-- and divided up other foodstuffs so that we would have SOMETHING even if one bag were lost or completely destroyed.

Can the adult chaperone carry a single ziplock with a few shelf-stable staples for him?  Like Sunbutter and a package of tortillas, or something?

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 05, 2013, 03:22:48 PM
Yeah - you won't be able to keep anything cold in a checked bag...it will get searched and possibly removed. I had gel ice-packs removed once.

To keep things from getting squashed...like Nutrigrain bars...put them into a plastic tupperware or a shoebox. DOUBLE ZIPLOC seal anything that can leak...and...tape the lid on with masking tape. It's amazing what a non-pressurized compartment will do to your liquidy food stuff.  If the jar is sealed already (like an unopened sunbutter) put it in a ziploc as is...don't repackage.

If you are packing something like hummus...leave ample room for the container to 'grow'.

It'll all be good --- remember that they can always make a special trip one evening to the grocery store with a chaperone and a cab ride. He won't go starving. Sure - he might end up with sunbutter roll-ups the entire time worst case...but he won't starve :)  They won't deny him a trip to the grocery store   :yes:

Relax...breathe deeply.

Adrienne  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: paparenttoo on October 05, 2013, 10:06:35 PM
Oh no--we're planning to do an extra checked bag. But I've not carried food before in checked baggage.  Maybe some Nutrigrain bars. Maybe. But we normally just buy the few things we need once we get to our destination.  We typically don't do much meal planning at all on trips (y'all don't throw tomatoes at me!!)

When DS had a theatre workshop in NYC for a week we had a room with a fridge. We just bought stuff for his lunch there. This summer in Orlando we bought a bag of clementines, Nutrigrain bars, cheese and crackers and wine. It was really just for breakfast (which our hotel did not include) and evening snacks. 


Mac, can you FedEx all of the  non-parishable food items to the hotel ahead of his arrival. Would allow you to avoid having to hassel w/airport issues. Can you call hotel and make arrangements so he can pick up package @ front desk?

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Mookie86 on October 05, 2013, 11:01:13 PM
Is there Peapod or another delivery system in the area where he's going?  For the minimal grocery store delivery fee, you can select exact brands and have it delivered exactly to the hotel.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 05, 2013, 11:36:32 PM
Hmm that's an idea. Some things instill think he'd need to take. I wipe down Nutella and almonds before I Put them in my cart and again before I OIT them in my pantry. But it would be easier to have some exact brands delivered. I might worry that they had just packed peanutty things. Maybe I could get over that.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: nameless on October 06, 2013, 03:59:06 PM
I can't find my quinoa cake recipe :(   I'm not sure it would keep anyway.

Adrienne
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 11, 2013, 07:50:45 PM
Not sure of timeline and if trip is still in future . . . was recalling that the hotels typically are stingy about the dishwashing powder/detergent.  I'd stick a couple of those D/W "pod" things into checked bag . . . maybe one into carry on so the dishes can be washed upon entry to the hotel room before even used?

That way he is SURE they are clean to begin with.  Also, be sure the HOT water valve under sink is ON to the dishwasher -- more than once we have found this off so that the D/W is only washing with cold.  (Nice way to save money in hotel, huh?!)

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 12, 2013, 09:00:52 AM
Ooh-- great ideas. Thank you!  He leaves soon.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on October 14, 2013, 07:12:18 PM
I will sometimes saturate a sponge with dish soap, put it into a sealed freezer bag, and that way I have dish soap and a kitchen sponge upon arrival-- and I just leave it in the trash when I depart. 

 :yes:
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: twinturbo on October 14, 2013, 07:18:54 PM
I'm stealing that one.

I have a variant of that for soap on the go. The pre-saturated baby cleansing cloths I cut into quarters or eighths that I put in a baggie. For those who don't react to the ingredients that is.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: ajasfolks2 on October 14, 2013, 07:51:11 PM
*LOVE* CM's suggestion -- in fact, FREEZE the thing and then it is NOT a "liquid" and could be carried in carry-on without having to be in the stupid quart Ziploc of all "liquids" as pulled out for TSA at security screening!!

Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: maeve on October 15, 2013, 06:37:50 AM
*LOVE* CM's suggestion -- in fact, FREEZE the thing and then it is NOT a "liquid" and could be carried in carry-on without having to be in the stupid quart Ziploc of all "liquids" as pulled out for TSA at security screening!!



It can also then be used as an ice pack to keep foods cold. I've often seen the frozen wet sponge suggested as DIY ice packs for school lunches.
Title: Re: Hotel Concerns and Planning for Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 16, 2013, 12:00:07 PM
Great find:
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/null_zpscccb1c88.jpg)
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on October 16, 2013, 12:03:45 PM
He'll have six epis available on the plane. I've told them that if he has a reaction on the plane that the pilot must land and they're to give him an Epi evey 15 minutes until EMS has him.

Here's what I'm giving to the two teachers going to carry in their purse. These came from the Container Store. And we've had then for ages.

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/null_zps3f35b350.jpg)

If a teacher were male, I'd be using the small Eagle Creek bag with a carabiner. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on November 10, 2013, 05:39:02 PM
Wow--booking the next trip. We are using miles for it. The team is flying on an airline that serves peanuts, so DS is flying on a different airline alone. We thought he might fly US Airways, and he is most familiar with that airport having flown it most in recent years. But using our miles, he'll be flying through a much larger airport--one where we used to live.

To me, that risk is less than being in a plane with all that peanut protein. 

But--forging new territory, we are!  I'm glad the first trip was with teachers. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on January 12, 2014, 06:28:27 PM
DS is on his second trip. He flew alone there and had a layover at the airport he's most familiar with. 

He had two AuviQs on his person, and in his backpack had both Epi kits pictured above. Once he got to the hotel, he was to give one to each coach so there'd be backup on the way.

He has a few the remaining Benadryl strips left in the world in his wallet, along with a WetOne packet.

He knew a safe place to eat at on the way (we've only seen it at this airport, but he's eaten there a few times, and they have "no nuts" language on their menu.  It's like a Chipotle or a Qdoba or Moe's. 

Things we did to make traveling easier: 
-he took a few snacks on the plane (Belvita cookies, fig newtons)
-he took wipes and wiped down his tray table like he always does flying with us
-we had a copy of his flight plans as pictures on our phone in addition to the email. It would have been very easy to send this to someone (well, his coach also had it)
-he signed us up to receive email/text alerts for his plane status. This was just a nice thing.
-he texted us when he arrived at the gate for his first and second legs--and also when he was on the plane.
-he texted us when he was at baggage claim
-we talked about having a NYC subway face for hailing a cab and dealing with it.  His team arrived earlier, so he had to catch a taxi from his (city) airport to the hotel.
-he texted us the name of the cab company and number of the taxi (name and phone could be done by taking a photo and texting it to us).  If the last place we heard from him was the cab, I wanted to be able to trace things.  I actually told him to snap a photo of the driver's info card that you often see on the back of the passenger front seat, but he didn't see one. 
-he texted us when he got to the hotel and once he'd made contact with his coach.

And that's the last we heard from him until today, lol. 

He took portable Clorox Wipes and Wet Ones with him to clean surfaces.

He did not have a kitchenette this trip.  He took the portable packets of Nutella, some tortillas, an assortment of plasticware, and some sandwich bags/large bags/snackbags to use for lunches.

He took a different lunch bag this time, as he has a backpack that came with his suitcase that fits his Chromebook nicely.  So I bought a neopropylene slim bag. 

At the grocery store he was going to buy:
--cream cheese
--spinach
--fruit
--carrots
--paper towels (to have a clean surface for preparing lunch.


He totally lucked out, and they have Krispy Kreme at the tournament. 

I have asked him twice about food in texts.  He has not responded.  ~)  But he is still alive and has not had a reaction.  And he did text us about results.  :)

We'll see how things go, but this worked out well. 

I'm really proud of him. :)
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: momma2boys on January 12, 2014, 06:38:36 PM
     :thumbsup:  hope you are not too stressed out!
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on January 12, 2014, 08:23:06 PM
Me, too-- though my DH just nodded and said "Yeah, but he's what-- 15, right?  He'll be FINE... GOSH, it's not like he hasn't ever traveled before."  Oh, and also asked if he was excited/jazzed about the activity while he was there.  LOL!

Which seems to be about what your DS is thinking.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on January 13, 2014, 07:14:43 AM
Ha, well, with his height, we do worry less about someone messing with him.

I forgot to mention how the apps for FourSquare and Find my Frienda were invaluable.

Also, he doesn't have an ATM card anymore. Our bank is not in our new state. The only way to get cash here is to use the debit card to get cash over the amount. So he has had a debit card for a year and a half.  It makes me feel so much more secure knowing that he can get what he needs when he needs it. 

Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: twinturbo on January 13, 2014, 11:23:56 AM
Slight off topic here but are you eligible for USAA membership? It might be a banking solution for you on ATM and deposit.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on February 14, 2014, 07:02:38 AM
I don't think so. But we're good.


So basic stuff he takes: tortillas, Nutella packets (I've only found then at Target), a gallon zip lock with sandwich bags, plasticware and paper towels. And wipes.

He buys other stuff while there.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on June 10, 2014, 04:26:41 PM
Bumping.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: CMdeux on June 10, 2014, 10:47:16 PM
Grazi!

Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on November 01, 2014, 10:00:26 AM
Bump.


DS took his (now annual) trip to NYC a couple of weeks ago. He took the exact same things I mentioned a few posts above.

All worked out well.

He has two more tournaments that he'll travel by place to with the traveling team and then another one in May. He'll hopefully go to Nationals this year in June. It's in Dallas, and you'll bet we will go, too! 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: PurpleCat on November 02, 2014, 08:18:29 AM
With DD's list of allergens............sigh, it's going to take a lot of work and planning when the time comes. 

Thanks for bumping this post to get it on my radar.  I wish there was a way to "bookmark" or tag posts on this site for future reference.

Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on November 02, 2014, 03:08:00 PM
Oh, you can. When you are in a thread, save it to your browser's bookmark list. You could create a list specifically for FAS. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: PurpleCat on November 02, 2014, 03:14:29 PM
I bow to your brilliance and this page is bookmarked!  Thank you again!
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on February 12, 2015, 08:41:10 PM
DS leaves tomorrow.  On the way there he has an hour layover at an airport he's very familiar with. 

On the way home he has a layover at O'Hare.  I struggle to find something to eat when I'm there.  His layover is only an hour, so I wanted him to take the Go Picnic meal he has safely had before--with Sunbutter. 
(http://www.gopicnic.com/Sunbutter4-1_Openbox_2.jpg)

But I went to three Targets and couldn't find he Sunbutter one.  :(

However, I did find some roasted chick peas that are made on dedicated nut fee equipment, Enjoy Life Coco Loco bars and Nutella bread stick dips.  So he'll use those for dinner on the way home. 

I'm a wee bit nervous about his going through O'Hare, but not too much. 

He is flying alone on this trip, as his team is taking Delta. 

edited to add:  The roasted Chickpeas are The Good Bean.  They are made on dedicated equipment, but their "No Nut Bars" are NOT.  Ironically.  They're good, provide protein and are filling.  They can be found in the canned bean aisle at Target (not with the snacks). 

GoPicnic
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: YouKnowWho on February 12, 2015, 10:00:59 PM
I hope he has safe travels.

I have never seen the Go Picnic boxes before - I must find in a store soon!
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on February 12, 2015, 10:06:31 PM
They are assembled things.  All the others have nuts and/or meat.  But the Sunbutter ones have been fine for him. They are great to keep in his locker if he has to stay late.  I believe they are all GF (I do know at least some of them are). 

Target sells them.  They had some breakfast ones on closeout on an endcap, but DS can't do any of the breakfast ones.

He learned about them from a theatre/speechie friend who is celiac.  She uses them all the time..
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on February 17, 2015, 10:21:21 PM
Ah, the conversations with a teen with food allergies traveling alone:

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/Mobile%20Uploads/D89E9ABF-49ED-4278-9BF0-07E28A3D2596_zpsyavpsiuf.jpg)

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/Mobile%20Uploads/1728C7C8-50EE-45E0-A555-CB7602469C73_zpsels5gcqe.jpg)

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/Mobile%20Uploads/DADC7D9A-7F68-48C4-B3A8-21104A36AA45_zps0ecefqd0.jpg)

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/Mobile%20Uploads/60DC5C54-3C46-4FEC-8A8F-F3F13FD373B0_zps4s2fqaz7.jpg)

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/McCobbre/Mobile%20Uploads/25703BCC-F19F-4F8F-898B-C57619B2544F_zpsqfnbdnbs.jpg)
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on April 01, 2015, 03:56:56 PM
Bumping for myself.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: YouKnowWho on April 01, 2015, 07:21:26 PM
I blame you Mac - Go Picnics were on sale and I might have bought a dozen of the sunbutter ones in the last week ;)
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on April 02, 2015, 11:29:22 AM
:)


I just ran across this thread while looking for cell phone threads, and have to link it here. Perfect!  AND YKW--GP mentions GoPicnic meals to boot!

High school trip to NYC
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on February 12, 2017, 10:18:36 AM
I haven't posted in this thread recently, but now that DS is in college, I'd like to note that being able to travel in high school--and travel by himself--made adjusting and making food choices in college so much easier for DS. And easier for DH and me.

His 504 in high school really helped make these trips possible.

I'm grateful he had these opportunities.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on April 25, 2017, 08:42:15 AM
I am at such a loss at to how to let my dairy/egg allergic child go on trips and eat out when I am not there.  He is almost 13.  He is definitely outgrowing dairy.  I know its doable but how do you let go and what do I need in his 504 going forward.  The school just told me that he should bring his own food on the Hershey trip bc the nurse who was going cancelled.  I HATE that.  I have been researching and working on finding safe options for him so he doesn't stand out.  I am just pissed at the school for not letting me know this sooner.  I had to ask. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: becca on April 25, 2017, 10:42:10 AM
Honestly, dd has always felt safest having her own safe food along with her.  She brings something whenever she goes out with friends, so, if she's not comfortable with her options, she's got safe food.  I do know that Gingerpye has sent her kids on school trips.  But, maybe one of them went along?  Reach out to her, she might have suggestions.

I think an amusement park environment is risky for trusting food prep wrt handling dairy and cross contact.  Thinking about handing of cheese burgers, pizza, etc...and employees being seasonal, young, or perhaps non native English language speakers.  I hate to be discouraging, but that's how we operate.  It's just much less stressful for dd to know she's got safe food with her.  It does suck to not be able to traipse around the food courts with her friends, sampling treats with wild abandon, but food allergies suck.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: PurpleCat on April 25, 2017, 01:47:46 PM
Every child is ready to be responsible for themselves away from home at different ages.  You and your child know best what is going to work for both of you.

Who are the chaperones?  Are any of them adults your kiddo is comfortable relying on?  Are they epi trained regardless of the food he eats?

My kiddo has been fairly independent.  She has gone on an 8th grade school trip to Washington DC and on a trip to Florida with my sister.  She often goes to amusement parks.  She travels on overnights with friends.

Local around town independence was pre middle school.  In middle school, she started doing things like movies, eating out, malls, bowling, amusement parks, etc... with friends and without us.  She has progressed from there to concerts, etc...


It really depends on if your child is ready to self advocate no only for safe food, but for resolving contact issues, and to have a plan if a reaction should occur.

That being said, if it were my DS2 (who is just 13 and has no allergies), I'd have reservations based on his maturity and behavior and tendency to follow the pack.

Some amusement parks are better than others.  One that was out of state (this goes back to middle school) actually said to me, look we are small and we don't have a lot of food options and your daughter's allergies scare us, please, can she bring her own food!  Sure!  Whatever works out best for all!  They gave her a complimentary locker to put her cooler in so she did not have to carry it around.

Hershey was great!  Now we did go with her there as we were on our way home from a softball tournament when DD was 12.  We prearranged where she could safely eat for both lunch and dinner.  The staff were fantastic!   We had a great day at the park! 


Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on April 25, 2017, 02:36:00 PM
DS is pretty mature but he's a 12yo boy...lol.  It looks like they will be eating in a cafeteria and the band director emailed me to say that the chefs are used to dealing with allergies.  He is going to talk to them today and report back.  I am sure I will be reaching out to whoever is in charge of the food if I like what I hear.  I want DS to be more independent.  He cares much less about having to bering his own food places.  He wants to go on the French trip to Montreal next year...not sure he can do that w/o one of us along as his ability to communicate in another language is not great and the teacher will have her hands full.  I know they speak English too but last time we were in Quebec the language barrier was apparent at one of the restaurants we tried .There is also a DS trip which I would love for him to go on without us....I should get some info about that now so I can start thinking about it. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: hedgehog on April 25, 2017, 02:42:55 PM
Not allergy related, but goes to theme park food prep.  We were at Six Flags a few years ago, and DD heard someone behind the counter say that the lettuce looked like it had gone bad, then asked if she should use it.  :-X
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: GoingNuts on April 25, 2017, 02:50:05 PM
DS always brought his own food. At some point early on we really have up trying to make sure he didn't stand out or getting him an equivalent food, and just made sure he had something safe and portable. It is a PITA, but it is what it is.

There was only one place he went to where we trusted them to prepare meals; the Y based Outdoor Ed facility where he went 3 years in a row in HS.  They were quite used to FA's, and were great to deal with.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on April 25, 2017, 10:58:41 PM
I posted in the other thread. We only dealt with peanut, which is such a different ball game. But he's been fine eating at theme parks all his life if we just ask lots and lots of questions.

But to help him pack food: is it a day trip? Refried beans spread on tortillas keep well and are slim.


We found a neoprene rectangular sleeve that has a slim profile for a backpack.

You may call ahead to see if anyone has Divvies. We bought them there the last time DS did a band festival there. It might be nice for your DS to be able to get Divvies--especially when his friends go to the chocolate shop (a huge part of the experience)
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on April 26, 2017, 06:14:04 AM
Thanks Mac.  You know what the saving grace is here?  This child HATES chocolate - lol.  I am not sure how he is related to me.  I know there is a Nathans at Hershey and he can eat those hot dogs but I would have to check about the grill.  I am still waiting to hear back from the band director.  I will look onto if they still carry Divvies bc he would love to buy a treat.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on November 16, 2017, 08:27:10 AM
I am back to this thread.  The permission slip for the DC overnight trip came home.  DS is now only egg allergic. Its a hard allergy bc its in so many things and flyers are contaminated....lots of things to consider. 
 I really want him to go without us.  He could use that freedom/independence.  There is a dinner cruise and I will contact the company that runs it.  I am sure that I will have send him safe breakfast food bc eggs are everywhere at those hotel breakfast buffets.  They are also stopping at Golden Coral ( :P) on the way home.  I will have to send him food for that too and there is some free time when they buy lunch on their own in DC.  I am glad this is in May and I have time to plan. 
One of DD's friend's moms works at the middle school and teaches 8th grade.  She asked me lat night what we were going to do.  I said maybe one of us would go but I really don't want to....I really need to call her and talk about how it was last year when she went.  We were at a school fundraiser last night and it wasn't a good place to chat.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: hezzier on November 16, 2017, 10:29:25 PM
I have no advice, but I can imagine how you feel.  Our middle school doesn't have trips like this, but our school in Illinois did.  I can't say that I'm sorry we moved before DS hit MS there.  I will be dealing with this for swim team in a 2 years or so.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on January 17, 2018, 07:02:01 AM
I contacted the tour company and she sent me some info.  I need to call each place they will eat individually.  She said Golden Coral will make grilled chicken on a clean grill but I do not think I am comfortable with that...the food on the dinner cruise looks ok - taco bar/Mac and cheese - but I need to call and double check.

We are considering being in the area but not chaperoning.  DH's company has an office nearby.  He can work from there and if we need to provide food for DS for the dinner cruise, he can just show up at dock and hand it off.  Same for when they leave - heat up food in a thermos and hand it to DS before they depart the city for when they stop at Golden Coral..We will see.  I need to talk to the school nurse.  My friend who works at the school said she is not going.  This group is notoriously bad and there have been false accusations made against some teachers this year.  She doesn't want to even take a chance. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on January 18, 2018, 06:45:30 AM
“Clean grill” my foot.  I laugh when restaurants tell me that.

That sounds like a great plan, MaryM.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on January 21, 2018, 08:02:06 AM
“Clean grill” my foot.  I laugh when restaurants tell me that.

That sounds like a great plan, MaryM.

Right?  I need to call the dinner cruise company and ask some questions and the school nurse for her advice - she is really great.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: MaryM on May 31, 2018, 01:12:42 PM
DS had a great time!  Tomorrow he goes off on the band competition trip to Hershey for the day.  I have the menu and it looks safe with the exception of the Mac and cheese - the macaroni has egg. 
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on June 02, 2019, 02:33:37 PM
Bumping for myself.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on June 02, 2019, 04:22:24 PM
Just bought some That’s It bars. They are made in a Top 8 free facility. Also: Kashi chocolate Chip and Chia bars. We haven’t bought them in a year. I am hoping they are still safe.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: GoingNuts on June 02, 2019, 06:52:37 PM
Never heard of That’s It. Off to google.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: hezzier on June 02, 2019, 09:14:02 PM
Mac-do you have a Trader Joe’s?  We’ve been buying the Enjoy Life Protein Bites...they are in the energy bar section.
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: Macabre on June 07, 2019, 01:59:52 PM
That’s a great idea. I couldn’t make it by TJ’s, but I did this:

Trip there:
Ate before leaving to airport

Prepared six naked refried black bean burritos (flairs size actually) and placed in a zip lock bag. I put that in a gallon zip lock and a soft little cooler pack inside that. We will see if that gets through TSA and works in general. I told him if they take the cold pack to buy bottled water afterward and put it against that.

Trip home:
Sent a zip lock with plastic knife, paper towels, another bag along with tortillas, individual Barney Butter cups, and a small jar of Nutella. He really doesn’t like sun butter and he knows that if an announcement is made not to eat treenuts that he will need to rely on other things.


In general:
Good Bean dried chick peas for the trip there and back (filling protein)
Kashi Chia and Chocolate Chip granola bars (thanks, Nameless, for that tip many years ago!)
Made Good granola balls

And he has plenty of tortillas and Nutella/Barney Butter in case he needs food there.


He will be on four planes and only one an actual Delta plane. KLM doesn’t serve peanuts (they do serve almonds).  He has a plastic bag for his backpack to go in on that flight. He’s checking one bag, and his food bag is a $5 IKEA bag that we can throw away—it’s lasted longer than planned anyway.  He’ll wear an old pair of Tom’s shoes on the flight home that can be thrown away or washed. 


He’s at the airport waiting to board!
Title: Re: Teen Traveling with School: Hotel Concerns and Meals Away
Post by: PurpleCat on June 07, 2019, 04:18:57 PM
Happy Safe Travels!