Travel is, without a doubt, one of the most enriching experiences we can have โ and itโs the driving force behind Glutendtrotters. Since celiac disease became part of our lives, gluten-free travel has brought new challenges, but weโve never been willing to compromise our values or our passion for discovering the world.
Weโve always wanted to instill in our daughters a passion for discovering new countries, meeting their people, and experiencing their cultures. Our hope is that they grow up to be tolerant, open-minded individuals, free from prejudice and ready to embrace the richness the world has to offer.
Fortunately, with careful planning and a few key strategies, itโs entirely possible to enjoy a safe and pleasant gluten-free trip. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you face this challenge just as we have, offering tools and tips to prepare your journeys and ensure a memorable, worry-free experience.
We know how important it is to feel safe and confident while traveling, and weโre here to offer you our full support. Join us on this exciting gluten-free adventure!
1. Research before traveling
From our perspective, preparation is the key to success in every aspect of life โ and when it comes to traveling as a celiac, it becomes even more crucial. Before setting off, itโs essential to thoroughly research your destination, with a special focus on the availability of gluten-free food options.
Understanding the local food culture, the typical ingredients used in its cuisine, and the range of gluten-free products available in supermarkets will help you plan your trip with confidence. This knowledge not only ensures a safer journey but also allows you to fully enjoy the culinary side of your next adventure without unnecessary worries.
In countries like Italy, gluten-free products are easy to find thanks to strong celiac awareness and brands like Schรคr. In contrast, destinations such as Morocco require more preparation, especially in the south, where gluten-free options and knowledge are scarce.
Joining online communities like Glutendtrotters is a great way to access up-to-date, first-hand information about different destinations. The internet is full of celiac travelers who share their experiences and recommendations, making it easier to plan safe and enjoyable trips.
Through us and other bloggers, you can find valuable tips on safe restaurants, local gluten-free brands, and what to avoid in each destination. Weโre here to help you enjoy your trip with confidence and peace of mind!
2. Choosing Gluten-FreeโFriendly Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation can make a huge difference in your travel experience, especially when living with celiac disease. In many of our gluten-free travel adventures, weโve chosen apartments with a kitchen, as they allow us to prepare our own meals and significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Also read: Celiac Cross-Contamination: What it is, Main Risks and How to Prevent it
When traveling with children, having access to a kitchen can be a real lifesaver. If someone feels unwell in the middle of the night, you can quickly prepare a soothing tea, and you also have more space for the rest of the family to rest without interruptions.
In destinations where gluten-free products are hard to find, staying in an apartment gives you greater control over what you eat โ a crucial factor for a worry-free stay.
On the other hand, if you prefer staying in a hotel, itโs essential to choose one that understands the needs of people with celiac disease. Some hotels and campsites offer gluten-free breakfasts and menus and, most importantly, are willing to take extra steps to prevent cross-contamination.
Contacting your accommodation before arrival to inform them of your needs is an excellent way to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.
3. Transportation and Meals While Traveling
As weโve mentioned in other posts, a small backpack has become an essential travel companion. For long flights or train journeys, itโs absolutely indispensable. While many airlines offer gluten-free meals, itโs crucial to request them well in advance when booking your ticket. Still, itโs always wise to bring your own food in case the special meal isnโt available or isnโt enough.
On train or bus journeys, where food options can be more limited, carrying a bag with gluten-free snacks is a smart habit. It not only ensures you have something safe to eat but also lets you enjoy the trip without worrying about finding suitable options along the way.
And during your tours and sightseeing, itโs always helpful to carry a snack and some water to get through any waiting lines comfortably.
4. Meal Planning
One of the most stressful aspects of gluten-free travel is food โ or more precisely, knowing where to eat. However, with good planning, this challenge can be greatly reduced. Itโs a good idea to bring a list of restaurants offering gluten-free options, and apps like Find Me Gluten Free, which we use regularly, can be a huge help in finding safe dining spots at your destination.
Itโs also wise to pack a small supply of gluten-free foods in your luggage, such as cereal bars, cookies, or bread. These items can be a lifesaver when safe options are hard to find, like during excursions in rural areas. On our trip to the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech, this strategy proved invaluable โ it allowed us to enjoy the entire day and return to our Riad to eat calmly and without worries.
5. Grocery Shopping
We live in a time when food intolerances and allergies have increased significantly, leading to a wider range of products suitable for celiacs. In many countries, major supermarket chains have dedicated gluten-free sections, making life easier for gluten-free travelers. However, in other places, you may need to look for specialty stores.
Itโs a good idea to carry a list of safe brands and get familiar with local labeling. In some countries, gluten-free products are clearly marked, while in others it can be harder to identify dangerous ingredients.
6. Using Technological Tools
Technology, which may seem like a threat to some, is an essential ally for us on every trip. Weโve already shared how useful apps like Find Me Gluten Free and Gluten Free Scanner are for finding safe options. To that list, we add one of our favorite planning tools: Google Maps.
With Google Maps, we can create custom maps marking restaurants and supermarkets with gluten-free options near the places we plan to visit. This way, during the trip, we just open the map on our phone to quickly find where to eat or shop, saving time and making daily planning much easier.
And of course, translation apps can help you overcome language barriers if youโre not confident explaining your dietary restrictions in another language.
If you already know where you want to eat, donโt hesitate โ book in advance. This way, youโll avoid the stress of looking for a place at the last minute.
7. Attitude and Adaptability
Traveling as a celiac can be challenging, but with the right attitude, you can fully enjoy the experience. Itโs important to stay flexible, be ready to adapt to circumstances, and remember to use a bit of humor to navigate tricky situations. You may not always find exactly what you want to eat, but that shouldnโt stop you from enjoying your trip.
Instead of focusing on the limitations, try to see the opportunities. Discovering new cuisines, learning about different food cultures, and finding creative ways to adapt your diet are just some of the experiences that can enrich your trip.
DREAM WITHOUT FEAR, LIVE WITHOUT LIMITS, TRAVEL GLUTEN-FREE
Gluten-free travel requires a bit more effort and planning, but with the right tools and an open mind, you can enjoy a safe and fulfilling travel experience.
From prior research to choosing the right accommodation and planning your meals, every step is crucial to ensuring you can enjoy your trip without worrying about your health.
For us, all this preparation โ which might seem like a hassle at first โ has become a must that only increases our excitement and curiosity to discover more of the world.
The key lies in preparation and making use of all available resources โ whether technological, community-based, or personal. With a proactive mindset and a positive attitude, celiacs can discover that the world is full of possibilities and that, with the right precautions, traveling can be just as rewarding as it is for anyone else.
Our goal is not only to share practical tips but also to inspire you to go out into the world and embrace all the experiences travel can offer, sharing our greatest passion. With preparation, knowledge, and a good dose of adventure, traveling โ gluten-free or not โ is always the best choice.
So, donโt think twice! Go out into the world, discover new cultures, and enjoy the incredible experience of traveling gluten-free. Youโre not alone in this adventure โ weโre here to support you every step of the way and to hear all about your experiences if youโd like to share them with the Glutendtrotters community.
See you on your next adventure!
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