>   I've had no problems with packaged foods and medicines when I've
> travelled.

Depends very much where you are going  -  for instance if you are going to
the US, they will confiscate (I had a packet of chips (crisps) confiscated
one time).

>   Re: Japan - for the most part Japan is a great place to be lactose
> free.

Unfortunately, I will be in Japan a mere 3 hours on the outward journey, 13
on the way back.  I'm going to NZ (and actually, thats not til Xmas - it
will be our only trip this year though) and Japan Airlines is always the
cheapest route at that time of year.

I've found most Japanese food to be great for allergies though - I am also
allergic to onion and there is very little of that, even in cooked food.  In
fact, when I used to live near a Japanese takeaway place in London, Inari
(those deep fried tofu packages, with rice in) and miso soup were my
recovery foods after an allergy attack - the only thing I could safely eat.
Unfortunately, there are no Japanese places in Wolverhampton!

Megan