Caravan Health
Planning a trip away should be filled with joy, not anxiety
Tripping up and down the coast and embracing van life. The affordable, classic family holiday that should be filled with adventure and love while creating happy memories and spending more time in nature. Taking your favourite creature comforts to make the trip enjoyable; being able to cook fresh food, sip a glass of bubbles under the fairy lights or snuggle in on rainy night…But, for environmental allergy sufferers, this can all be subverted because of one invisible allergen. Affecting your energy, mood and overall well being! This is more of an issue with used or old caravans; ones that have had pets join the adventures or an old leaky window that has led to invisible mould or some old food that spilt and fed a family of roaches leaving behind the dander! All of these seemingly harmless mishaps can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in susceptible people and in turn, ruin what was meant to be a relaxing and often deserving trip away.
Having been in the vulnerable position of overcoming mould illness and managing environmental allergies, I was so restricted on where I spent my time. I had become chemically sensitive and the once nuisance allergy symptoms I had experienced throughout my life had intensified to the point where I was either to scared and anxious to even go out or I was bed ridden from being exposed to something like a scented candle, fragrant washing detergent or a dog brushing against my leg; so holidays and mini-breaks where not even an option. When an opportunity would arise to get away for a weekend or to spend a few days visiting friends, I was pulled from wanting to go, to relax and have fun, but also knowing that I may very well become unwell and or very uncomfortable as I was entering into environments that I was not in control of.
So I started collecting items that may help prevent my symptoms; I bought a queen-sized sheet and sewed it into a sheet sleeping bag, this reduced dust mites and washing detergent fragrances. I packed cotton clothes that covered me from my neck to my toes (super glam!) to protect myself from grasses and animals, I made a personalised medical kit with all of my treatments from antihistamines, soothing creams and water wipes…. And fortunately, the anxiety eased with each short trip I took, I don’t think it will ever go away, not as long as I have allergies, but at least I have systems in place to help make my trips enjoyable and comfortable.
I started to researched caravans, as they could be a way to create my own healthy indoor space where I could comfortably go away and retreat, to relax and to sleep in. The biggest hurdle I came across was, of course, the cost of a brand-new caravan! I was in no capacity to purchase a new caravan, so then I explored second hand ones. The next hurdle; it’s history – had a dog been in the van, was there years of dust build up and all the nasties that can hide within it, had it ever had water damage, unnoticed spills or wet towels that eventuated in mould….? Hello nerves, again.
For this very reason I set up the Vehicle Allergy Assessment for used caravans and cars. This aligns with my sustainable practices through buying used items and I appreciate we can’t all afford a new one (they can come with other issues such as off gassing issues anyway). I have created it so I can physically inspect and sample a vehicle or I can do an assessment over a video call. It is an effective way to determine if a vehicle could put you at risk of allergens.
I not only offer this service to buyers, but also to sellers as it is a fantastic selling point to include in their advertising.
My aim is to help those with environmental allergies to have as much fun, adventure and to relax while on holiday - because if you live with allergies, you deserve a break!
