by Kat Ward
As a travel agent living with celiac disease, I understand the unique challenges of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet while traveling with my family. Traveling should be a time to connect and make unforgettable memories but it can be daunting when one gluten exposure threatens to ruin the entire trip.
Here are some practical tips and strategies to help ensure your journeys are both safe and enjoyable.
Research and Planning
Before setting off on your adventure, thorough research is key. If you’ve been Celiac for some time you’re well aware that gluten free does not necessarily mean Celiac safe. Choosing a destination that offers plenty of safe dining options is key. After all, it’s not a vacation if the food isn’t great!
When it comes to all-inclusive resorts marketing gluten free options, often they’re marketing to the health-conscious client who is eating gluten free as a choice and doesn’t require the strict protocol a Celiac client requires. Furthermore, very few resorts will outright state they are suitable for celiac travellers due to liability. This makes research time consuming and confusing.
So what can we do? The most helpful information will come from the personal experience of other Celiac travelers. Lean into local gluten free or Celiac Disease Facebook groups, gluten free restaurant apps (Find Me Gluten Free is popular) or a travel professional who specializes in gluten free travel to make recommendations on where to travel and safe spots to eat.
Tried and Tested
If travelling with Celiac Disease is new to you, lean back into travel by visiting well-populated areas known for spectacular dining. Larger cities like New York, London and Toronto have a reputation for being Celiac-friendly with numerous restaurants and bakeries offering gluten-free options.
Theme park travel has become wildly popular for those with special dietary needs. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort have a stellar reputation when it comes to food allergy options and protocol.
You might not believe it, but Italy is actually one of the best counties in the world for Celiacs to visit. Yes, the home of pasta and pizza! There are entire food tours dedicated to gluten free eating around Italy.
Cruising has also become a haven for special dietary need travellers looking to see the world on a luxurious ship. Some cruise lines allow guests to communicate their dietary needs ahead of time and as a result receive consistent personalized attention from dining staff while on board.
Communication is Crucial
Language barriers can present a significant hurdle when travelling with a special dietary need but they don’t need to stop you from living your best travel life. There are a variety of apps that can assist with translating your special dietary needs ranging from free to paid services. My favourite free option is called Gluten Free Card, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
When you’re on vacation it’s important to recognize that safe food options start with you. I always remind my clients to advocate for themselves and ask the necessary questions every time they order food, whether it's their first visit to a destination or their fourteenth. Kitchen protocol, staffing and substitution options can change from day to day so be sure to ask about those dedicated fryers, utensils and preparation areas every time you dine.
How to Handle the Airport
Airports around the world are slowly starting to improve when it comes to safe gluten free options but we aren’t quite there yet. Safe food options in airport terminals tend to be limited, non-existent, or quite pricey. This is why I always recommend packing a gluten-free travel kit, especially for your travel days.
Keep in mind that travel days can be unpredictable so pack more in your carry on then you think you need. Some of my favourite non-perishable snacks are jerky, gluten free granola bars and protein bars. Personally, I recommend avoiding anything with nuts. If anyone aboard your flight has an anaphylactic allergy to nuts you will not be able to consume them on your flight. Double up those snacks in your checked bag for the route home.
Protect Yourself while Travelling
No one likes purchasing travel insurance but if you’re traveling with a special dietary need I strongly recommend it. If you live with a pre-existing condition you need to ensure that your travel insurance coverage will still protect you in case of an accidental gluten exposure where you need medical assistance.
While I cannot advise you on what to purchase, my advice is always: review, review, review. The biggest mistake I see my clients making is assuming their credit card coverage will cover them without actually reviewing their policy. Speak to a travel insurance advisor about your travel plans, your current health concerns and what kind of coverage you want to have.
Staying Positive and Flexible
Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Traveling with celiac disease may require extra effort, especially the first few times you get out into the world. The most important thing to remember is that your diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of your travel life. Embrace the opportunity to explore new cultures, foods, and experiences while staying healthy and gluten-free.
Kat Ward is a writer and travel agent based in Mississauga, specializing in gluten-free vacations. Living with celiac disease herself, she brings a personal perspective to helping others travel safely and enjoyably.
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To book a vacation with Kat visit puremagicvacations.ca
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