Have allergies in Miami? Here’s where to travel on your next vacation for relief
Allergies can make anyone miserable, especially when traveling. And some destinations might make you sneeze more than others.
We spoke with board-certified allergist Dr. Juan Carlos Murillo Delgado on some of the best and worst places to travel for allergy sufferers. Murillo is an assistant professor at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, a physician consultant at Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida and a spokesperson and fellow of the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology.
Here’s what he says:
Best places to travel to avoid allergies
Knowing what makes you allergic is key to creating a game plan to reduce symptoms. Pollen makes many people sneeze. And while allergies shouldn’t stop you from traveling, some destinations are better for your nose:
▪ Aspen, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah and other mountainous regions are usually great year-round destinations for people with pollen allergies, according to Murillo. Salt Lake City was recently named one of the best places to live for people allergic to pollen in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s annual “Allergy Capitals” list. The 2025 report is based on pollen scores for trees, grass, weed pollen, over-the-counter allergy medication use, and number of allergy specialists in the 100 most-populated U.S. cities.
▪ Beaches are another solid destination for people with pollen allergies because the salty, ocean air is generally free of allergens, Murillo said. You don’t need to go far for this trip. South Florida has lots of popular beach staycation spots, including Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and the Florida Keys. But be on alert for smelly seaweed. It’s sargassum season in Florida and the washed-up seaweed can cause health problems for people with chronic respiratory conditions.
▪ Cruising is a popular choice, especially in Florida, home to the three largest passenger cruise ports in the United States, including PortMiami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Being out at sea, surrounded by water and the salty ocean air, is one of the best ways to avoid pollen from trees, plants and flowers.
▪ People with pollen allergies can also consider places like Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona, which have a dry desert climate. This type of hot climate with low humidity means there won’t be as much pollen floating around compared to other parts of the country, Murillo said.
Not everyone is allergic to the same thing and some people are allergic to multiple allergens, including certain types of pollen, pet dander, insect bites, mold, dust and certain foods.
People who are allergic to mold, for example, might struggle in South Florida’s warm, humid climate, a breeding ground for mold, according to Murillo. Being on an enclosed ship and cruising through the humid Caribbean might not be the best choice either.
Worst places to travel for allergies?’
The best and worst places to visit with allergies depends on what you’re allergic to and what time of the year you go.
Destinations with high humidity or places that have a high prevalence of mold, dust mites or pollen are generally not the best for allergy sufferers, according to Murillo. But anyone who lives in South Florida is probably used to always having a stuffy nose. Allergies are common year-round in Miami and Broward.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s annual “Allergy Capitals” report also gives some insight into what are some of the country’s most challenging cities for allergy suffers. For the third straight year, Wichita, Kansas, was the No. 1 spot on the list, making it the “most challenging city for pollen allergies,” followed by New Orleans and Oklahoma City.
The most challenging city in Florida for allergies?
Jacksonville is one of the nation’s allergy capitals and ranked No. 20 on the list.
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Tips to reduce allergies while traveling
Murillo recommends speaking with your doctor about undergoing an allergy test to see what makes you sneeze. Then you can create a game plan. But here are some general tips to help reduce sneezing, runny and stuffy noses, and itchy, watery eyes:
▪ Start your allergy medication a few days before, and during, your trip. Your allergy kit should include antihistamine medication, a nasal spray and eye drops if you’re prone to itchy and watery eyes.
▪ Drink lots of water to stay hydrated on flights as dehydration can make allergy symptoms worse, the doctor said. Carry saline nasal gel and apply as needed to avoid dryness in the nose.
▪ Monitor pollen forecasts and check local air quality data to get an idea of your risk for allergies and asthma. The Weather Channel, for example, has a 15-day allergy forecast that ranks a ZIP Code’s allergy risk from very low to very high. It also offers a three-day pollen breakdown for tree pollen, grass pollen and ragweed pollen. For air quality data, a good option is AirNow, which tracks air quality data across the country. The iPhone weather app also gives air quality data.
▪ Book non-smoking and pet-free hotel rooms. Try to avoid carpeted rooms and ask if any rooms have HEPA filters or air purifiers available to reduce allergens. Some travelers may also want to ask for rooms away from the pool or parking lot to avoid fumes. Those allergic to dust mites may want to bring their own pillow protectors, too
▪ If you’re taking a road trip, head out early or late in the day to avoid peak pollution — and South Florida’s gridlock rush-hour traffic.
MORE: Where’s the worst pollen in South Florida? What a car test found
