It's not possible to say exactly how many people in Europe are affected by pollen allergies. Estimates suggest that around 20 to 30 percent associate spring with pollen rather than with feelings of love. The symptoms of this type of spring fever: constant sneezing, breathing difficulties, itchy, watery eyes, often accompanied with tiredness. But allergy sufferers can breathe through. There are a few travel destinations that make holidays with pollen allergies a relaxed affair.

Arctic cruise

Annie Spratt

Reason to book: Cruises are always a special experience - provided you choose the right shipping company. One of them is Ponant, for example. The cruise line impresses with luxurious ships and breathtakingly beautiful routes. Traveling on the Le Commandant Charcot, for example, makes it clear just how good a vacation with pollen allergies can feel. Because her voyages promise ten days and nights full of beautiful nature, clear air and it's guaranteed pollen-free.

Namibia

Ashim d'Silva

Reason to book: Flowers and plants do indeed bloom in the desert. However, they are usually not the plants that cause sneezing in our latitudes. If you're at high altitudes or on the coast, for example in Walvis Bay or on Penguin Island, you can keep an eye out for penguins and flamingos, instead of looking for the next handkerchief. In the Kalahari regions, for example, impressive giraffes stride through the panorama, while its flora such as dune grasses, thorn bushes and desert shrubs shouldn't pose any problems for allergy sufferers.

Maldives

Sean Oulashin

Reason to book: You don't really need a booking argument for the Maldives. Just the thought of white sandy beaches and palm trees swaying in the wind is relaxing enough. However, they are also a great destination for people with pollen allergies because most plants in the Maldives are pollinated by insects and not by wind. The tropical vegetation is therefore known for releasing less pollen. And if you are sensitive to hazel, birch and the like, you'll definitely have peace of mind on the dream islands.

Ötztal/Tyrol, Austria

© Michal Pech

Reason to book: Holidays with pollen allergies become more relaxed the higher the destination. For example, Gries in Ötztal lies at around 1582 meters. The picturesque village is the starting point for numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking. Obergurgl and Hochgurgl, also located in Ötztal, also score highly, offering such activities. If you want to escape the pollen completely, you have to get above the tree line. In Austria that's around 2,500 meters. Only lichens and mosses grow above this level.

Lanzarote, Spain

Zinah Insignia
 

Reason to book: The Canary Island is the perfect destination for a vacation with pollen allergies. It's of volcanic origin, the landscape is correspondingly barren, unique and characterized by lava fields, volcanic craters and bizarre rock formations. The climate here is mild, pleasant and defined by the trade winds all year round. There's only salty sea air - and no pollen-filled allergy breezes. Outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, windsurfing and mountain biking are on the agenda here; you can even take a dip or two in the sea in spring.