TRAVELING IN STYLE : Side Trips : Nothing to Sneeze At

If you’re prone to allergies, then watery eyes, itchy nose and scratchy throat can soon snuff out the pleasures of a springtime trip. Here’s some advice on how to manage your sensitive senses while traveling:

Dr. Bernard Geller, Santa Monica allergist and USC professor of pediatrics: “Stuff some plastic dry-cleaning bags into your suitcase. When you get to your hotel, take off the pillowcase and wrap the pillow in the bag, then replace the pillowcase. That way you won’t spend eight hours breathing in the molds and other allergens often found in pillows.”

Julie McBride, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, Milwaukee: “If you’re taking allergy shots or other allergy medication, check with your allergist before going to where pollens are most active. Adjust your medicine if necessary. To learn where and when pollens are worst, consult the U.S. Pollen Calendar, which we provide free. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the academy at 611 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, Wis. 53202.”

Christopher Hobbs, herbalist and vice president of the American Herbal Products Assn., Santa Cruz: “If you are stuffed up, try mahuang or Chinese ephedra. Excessive use, though, can lead to nervousness. Or try echinacea, an immune system booster; goldenseal, which helps reduce mucous membrane inflammation; eyebright, a mild decongestant and anti-allergen, and nettle, a natural antihistamine.”