Low Pollen Holiday Destination for Hay Fever Sufferers

If you’re tired of battling the watery eyes, runny nose, and incessant sneezing that comes with hay fever, it might be time to escape on holiday. But you’ll want to make sure you don’t travel somewhere where hay fever is just as likely – luckily, there are plenty of places across the world where we can avoid those unpleasant symptoms.

Using research from the University of Worcester on grass pollen counts (the most common form of hay fever), we’ve found the best places to travel for hay fever sufferers.

The Greek islands have a lower pollen count than some areas of the mainland, especially during the summer months from July. With beautiful sunny weather, kilometers of golden sandy beaches, charming neighbourhoods, and historic architecture, Corfu is the ideal holiday destination for those wanting to avoid their hay fever symptoms and have fun doing so. Some parts of the island are dedicated to a raucous nightlife, whilst others will be quieter and more peaceful, so you can pick the area that suits you or travel around for some variety.

Kenya has a relatively low pollen count all year round, making it an ideal destination for hay fever sufferers. We recommend the Maasai Mara, the bucket list safari destination. With over 1,500 square kilometres of rolling savannah plains, the Maasai Mara National Reserve offers stunning scenery and an opportunity to see all sorts of unique wildlife in their natural habitat. For a truly unforgettable experience, take in the Maasai Mara at sunrise in a hot air balloon.

Southern Italy enjoys a low pollen count from July and through the winter, making it the perfect time to visit Sicily. With a rich history and culture, white pebble beaches and that exquisite Italian cuisine, you won’t run out of things to see or do on this island. Palermo offers open-air markets where you can try local delicacies or visit Agrigento and the classical Greek ruins. July and August can be particularly hot and busy, but the tourists lessen in September and the warm weather stays all through to November.

Morocco has a low pollen count nearly all year round and with low rainfall and ambient temperatures in the Springtime, it can be the perfect destination for hay fever sufferers wanting to escape the pollen. The city of Marrakesh is a popular tourist destination and for good reason. The souks of Marrakesh are a must-visit, to buy some authentic local wares (haggling here is also a must!). As well as the hustle and bustle of the city, Marrakesh is a great base for exploring the surrounding desert and Atlas Mountains, with guided hikes or camel rides.

The Canary Islands enjoy a low pollen count in the summer months, thanks t the hot and dry climate. We recommend Lanzarote for your holiday. With golden beaches and vibrant tourist resorts, amazing volcanic landscapes, and fantastic seafood Lanzarote really has something for everyone. Visit Playa Blanca if you’re looking for a lively area or go to the Old Town in Puerto Del Carmen for more traditional architecture and authentic Spanish food. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports or cycling across the island.

Queensland in Australia has a low pollen count from March through to August. Although this includes the winter months in Australia, Queensland still enjoys an average temperate of 22°C even in its coldest month of July, so it can still be a fantastic holiday destination. Queensland is even known as the Sunshine State, with tourists and residents making the most of the gorgeous weather with an outdoor lifestyle. It’s famous for its pristine beaches but also boasts beautiful mountain ranges inland.

Once you’ve found your perfect low-pollen travel destination, make sure you’re covered with international travel insurance. Whether you need cover for a single holiday, or an annual policy for multiple trips, travel insurance from Expatriate Group is flexible, providing you with exactly the cover that you need. Get a quote for your travel insurance today.