Gluten-free travel requires preparation and consideration for transportation, accommodation, and dining options. Car trips offer the most flexibility, while airlines may offer gluten-free meals. Hotels may have gluten-free options and provide refrigerators and microwaves. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats are safe options.
Vacation planning involves more than just deciding on fun things to do. Where to sleep, where to eat, and transportation to, from, and on vacation all play a big part in gluten-free travel. Anyone who suffers from dietary restrictions knows how important it is to stay away from foods that can cause health problems, even when travelling. No time is a good time for allergies, but the holidays might be the worst time to deal with gluten intolerance.
The most important tip for traveling gluten-free is to be prepared. Keeping your dietary needs in mind when planning a trip is vital to making the best plan possible. Most people make transportation choices first when planning a vacation, and this decision can affect anyone with issues like celiac disease.
Car trips offer the most flexibility when it comes to gluten-free travel. Road travelers can bring a variety of gluten-free foods into the car, so they won’t have to worry about finding suitable dining options during the journey. Traveling by train offers some flexibility with carry-on luggage, so you can usually bring special foods with you and stow them on or in front of your seat. Soft refrigerators work well for driving or walking the tracks, because they can keep food fresh without taking up too much space.
Some airlines offer gluten-free dietary options for an in-flight meal, but they rarely advertise special meals or offer them in advance. Ask about your food choices before booking a flight to see what’s available. There are many restrictions when it comes to hand luggage, so always check what is allowed and what is not. You may be able to take a cooler with you as baggage, but what you bring inside is subject to search and may be thrown out if it doesn’t meet safety guidelines.
More and more hotels have joined the world of gluten-free travel by adding selections that support this lifestyle to on-site restaurant menus. In some cases chain hotels are more likely to offer gluten-free dining options, but it never hurts to ask what sort of accommodations can be made when booking a room. Many hotels and motels also provide a refrigerator and microwave in the room, which makes it easier to maintain a special diet. Ask about nearby grocery stores when you check in, and stock up on gluten-free items at the start of your trip. Your hotel concierge or front desk can provide a list of area restaurants with selections for those with dietary restrictions.
Some of the best foods for maintaining a gluten-free diet require no special stores, storage, or preparation. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed, marinated, or breaded meat or fish can be found in restaurants and hotel dining rooms that don’t specifically offer specialty meals. Knowing what’s allowed and what to avoid can help make traveling gluten-free easy and enjoyable.
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