Travel doesn’t have to stop when you go gluten-free

This is a must in my opinion, whether it’s snacks for your short flight or a meal to eat at your gate or during your flight.

I have done this many times and it is a huge life saver! Travel days are long and nourishment is important. No one wants to spend $20+ on snacks that don’t keep you full. I like to make a GF frozen pizza the night before (minimal clean up yay) and then bring the rest of it with me to have at my gate or during my flight. Relying on the airport and airlines to provide GF food isn’t reliable.

Most long-haul flights, at least internationally offer full meals. Most airlines offer gluten-free meals. These must be requested in advance, usually 48 hours +, however it’s best to request at time of booking. One downside of this is you cannot pick more than one option, for example if you are also vegetarian, you can only opt for the gluten-free meal and it is often chicken or beef unfortunately.

As someone with food restrictions, I try to be mindful of others that may also have food restrictions. Opt for snacks that don’t contain nuts and other top allergens. If you are traveling internationally, keep in mind food restrictions which commonly include fruits, vegetables, nuts and dairy products but always check a country’s specific restrictions.

Opt for accommodations that have a kitchen or at least a mini fridge. You can request a mini fridge at almost any hotel. This allows you to either cook a few meals for yourself or at least purchase small items like yogurts, cheese, hummus etc. that need to be refrigereated. It’s also helpful for leftovers if you want to order an extra meal at a GF restaurant for the next day. Choosing a place to stay that is near a grocery store, small market or even GF restaurant or bakery can be a life saver, especially on the day of your arrival after a long travel day.

Whether you are staying somewhere that has a kitchen or not you can utilize grocery delivery services. This can save time hunting down gluten-free snacks. These services can also be helpful to have a gluten-free meal delivered to your door if you aren’t able to stay somewhere close to a restaurant with GF options. It can also be helpful to purchase something extra at a cafe for a snack/meal later in the day or to eat the next day.

There are always new gluten-free brands and snacks to try out, but travels days aren’t the best to try them! Opt for snacks you know you like and keep you full. It’s not worth risking not liking the snacks you brought or even an allergic reaction if you have food allergies.

New York City, London, Los Angeles and Italy are some of the best places for gluten-free food. However, don’t limit yourself to just these destinations! With a little bit of preparation and research you can feel comfortable going most places!

If you are traveling internationally and don’t speak the language download Google translate in the language for offline use. It can also be helpful to translate a few phrases for asking questions at restaurants and keep them in the notes app on your phone for easy access.

Research traditional cuisine beforehand to see if any of the traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free. Utilize translation cards — see below under helpful travel items.

A couple of weeks or days before your trip it can be helpful to call restaurants during less busy times to ask about their celiac safe gluten-free options. This can help narrow down places to go before you arrive at your destination. It’s still important to ask questions when you arrive to dine just to confirm nothing has changed.

Find Me Gluten Free

Flush Toilet Finder & Map

The celiac cruises are offered in partnership with Royal Caribbean International, AMAWaterways, and Oceania Cruises.