Ten fragrance free travel hacks

Anyone with fragrance sensitivities will know that travelling can be challenging. From the scent marketing in hotels, resorts and Airbnbs, to the cleaning products used, to making sure you have everything you need - just in case. It can feel like a full-on project finding somewhere to stay and then actually getting there to enjoy your holiday!

Here are my top tips and products for as comfortable a trip as possible.

1. Do your research Contact hotels and holiday accommodation before booking to find out what their cleaning and fragrance policies are. I have had very mixed responses with this, from one Airbnb host refusing to believe anyone could struggle with Febreze, to another host asking for a list of recommended products so she can start moving her holiday cottage to fully fragrance free and marketing it as such. Out of the hotel chains, I would recommend contacting them direct in addition to head office. Malmaison for example gave us a room clear of all fragrance in Oxford but the one in Leith had an internal bathroom which despite removing the shower products, was still highly fragranced. I have produced a template that you can copy and send through to any prospective holiday accommodation. Contact me for a copy!

2. A simple white pillowcase I always take a pillowcase with me - not to actually put on the pillow, but to lay over the top and as long as it's cotton it tends not to budge in the night. Most hotels do use fragrance free laundries but this just gives two additional layers of cotton, just in case.

3. Your own pillow If you have space in your luggage, just take your own pillow - and then be sure to put the additional pillowcase underneath to put a layer between your pillow and the mattress. You may have to wash the pillow protector when you come home!

4. Travel towel Again, most hotel towels don't smell of anything due them boil washing everything, but a microfibre travel towel can just cover you in case you do find they're fragranced.

5. Travel bottles Most of us with sensitive skin are used to travelling with everything we need in our hand luggage in case our hold luggage goes missing. I make sure every single thing I rely on can be taken in my hand luggage as you just can't guarantee availability in other countries. A travel bottle set is worth having ready to go!

6. Laundry sheets In my original hunt for fragrance free laundry detergent, the humble sheet joined my rosta of products. The fact they can be used as travel wash too is such a bonus. They take up no room at all and can be ripped in half to use in a hotel or kitchen sink.

7. Tissue packs As above. I always pack Cheeky Panda bamboo tissues - both a box and the packs for your handbags.

8. Hand wipes I have two that I use - one antibacterial and one that just simply cleans. These can also be handy for wiping down your tray table and arm rests on aeroplanes if they seem a bit wiffy.

9. Toilet roll Sadly, loo roll manufacturers seem to have decided that fragranced toilet paper is something the world needs. It does not. In fact, regardless of any allergies, surely everyone knows that women for one should not be using fragranced products to wipe their bottoms! Anyway, taking at least one roll of your own paper means you will at least have something clean and fragrance free to dry your face on. I use Who Gives a Crap as each roll is individually wrapped, protecting it in your luggage.

10. Supplements & Medications Whatever you do, don't forget any supplements you take, your antihistamines and any prescribed medications. I often take one tube of my tacrolimus ointment in my hold luggage and one in my hand luggage as you never know. And if all else fails, it is those little tubes that will deal with any reaction quicker than anything else can.

It seems a lot, and sometimes the thought of a night away can seem like too much bother when you have to be so organised. But I promise you, once you get in to the habit, it does become easier to navigate.

Remember too, a change in air, climate, flora, fauna and water can change how your skin behaves. Who knows, you may even find you're less reactive depending on where you go - and if you find that place then future trips can become easier to plan and even more joyful!

Happy travels!

Please remember to always check ingredient lists as they can (and do) change formulas from time to time. What suits one individual may not suit another and with any holiday accommodation, if your host has no sensitivities themselves, they can often be scent blind. Be careful to communicate your needs clearly, patiently and with kindness.