If spring has you sneezing, you have lots of company -- about 40 million to 50 million allergy sufferers in the country. Traveling // in that condition, sufferers know, is not pleasant. Spring -- you guessed it! -- is the worst season. Then summer: 73 percent of respondents to a new survey suffer most at these times.

Travel writer Arthur Frommer, Dr. Jay Grossman and Efidac/24, a 24-hour over-the-counter nasal decongestant, offer some solutions.

Before you go:

* Identify the allergens in the area you'll be visiting.

* Reserve a nonsmoking hotel room or seating assignment.

* Make reservations at a hotel that does not allow pets.

* Talk with your doctor about activities to avoid and which products you should take.

* Check whether an indoor exercise room is available at your hotel.

Be sure to pack:

* Enough medication for the trip, and remember to put it in your carry-on luggage.

* A long-acting nasal decongestant.

* A long-acting, less-sedating antihistamine.

* Medicated eye drops, acetaminophen, aspirin.

* A plastic pillowcase cover or hypo-allergenic pillow.

When traveling:

* Keep your air vent fully open.

* Do not travel in cars that have transported furred pets.

* Keep windows rolled up.

In the hotel:

* Use the plastic pillowcase.

* Remove the bedspread.

* Use central heating or air conditioning, rather than opening a window.

Best bets:

* Dry climates (e.g., Nevada) often have less pollinating vegetation and are less prone to mold allergens.

* High altitudes (e.g., Colorado) tend to have fewer molds and allergens.

* Some coastal beach areas (e.g., Southern California) are good for avoiding grass pollens during spring.