Hello, my dear gluten-free fellows! I hope this blog post finds you in the best of health and spirits. A lovely story came across my kitchen counter the other day, and I thought it might just be the perfect topic to discuss on this fine day. By now, we seasoned gluten-free veterans know all the basics about maintaining our lifestyle — shopping for foods, baking without gluten, dealing with gluten contamination, and so on. But what about travelling? Gluten-free life does not mean you stay pinned to your gluten-free kitchen, does it? Absolutely not! Today, we’re going to talk about gluten-free adventures and how to travel with ease without swinging your diet pendulum off balance.

On Friday, Sally, a lovely reader of Easy Gluten Free, shared her vacation story. Like us all, she loves the thrill of visiting new places, tasting local delicacies, experiencing new cultures, but since she is also a coeliac, her excitement was tinged with worry. Can you guess her biggest concern? Well, staying gluten-free in an unknown land where she had no control over how food was prepared. Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry, though. We’re here to make our Sallys feel more confident when planning their travel adventures.

Before we get started, though, take a minute to check out our previous posts on [“Understanding Gluten Cross Contamination”](/understanding-gluten-cross-contamination) and [“Decoding the Gluten Free Labels”](/decoding-the-gluten-free-labels). Both these posts will give you foundational knowledge on how gluten sneaks into our lives uninvited.

Planning is the key when it comes to travelling. Whether it’s the accommodation, the sightseeing, or staying gluten-free, scrupulous planning aids in smooth sailing while exploring new territories.

First off, do a quick online search of gluten-free restaurants in your destination city or town. Several apps and websites provide lists of gluten-free friendly places. You’ll be amazed to see how diverse the options can be — from dedicated gluten-free bakeries to local cuisine that happens to be naturally without wheat and its sneaky cousins. Don’t forget to check reviews before you make reservations, though.

Air travel can often be a maze when it comes to food choices. Most airlines provide gluten-free meals on board, but it’s always best to confirm or make special requests at the time of booking your flight. You wouldn’t want to starve on a long-haul flight, would you? Absolutely not! Also, pack some gluten-free snacks for both the flight and your stay. Trust me, when hit by those late-night snack cravings, having a small stash of your favourite gluten-free cookies can be a lifesaver.

Now, staying at Airbnb’s or vacation rentals with kitchens offers a fantastic advantage — you can prepare your own food! But remember, cross-contamination can easily happen in a shared kitchen space. A handy preventative measure against cross-contamination is to pack essentials like a non-stick pan, a cutting board, and some basic cutlery.

Can’t carry a portable mini-kitchen around? Don’t worry, hotels often understand their guest’s requirements better than you’d expect. Call ahead and speak to them about your dietary needs — they might be able to provide a separate cooking space or utensils, or even a gluten-free menu for breakfast!

Another tip to remember is to always carry a translation card if you’re travelling overseas to a country with a different language. The card, printed in the local language, should explain that you’re unable to eat gluten and list all the potential sources and names it might be known by in their cuisine. Trust me; it can be a real game changer while dining in foreign lands.

I hope these tips give you a good start towards planning your gluten-free adventure. Remember, though, that everyone’s experience is unique, and it’s okay to stumble and learn. As long you pack a good spirit of adventure, a little bit of extra attention to details, and your gluten free travel strategies, you’ll have a beautiful journey, full of joy, discovery, and most importantly — healthful, gluten-free meals.

And whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy. Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what travelling is all about? Exploring, experiencing, and savoring the taste of life — gluten-free style!

Next time you plan a vacation, drop a line about your travel adventures and tips that worked for you. Sharing is caring, after all! As always, feel free to ask any questions or share your concerns — remember, we’re all in this gluten-free journey together.

Happy gluten-free travelling, friends. Safe journeys!

**Category: Lifestyle & Social**