Manual for the celiac traveler

Trying different cuisines is one of the extra attractions to travel.

For the people gluten intolerant, food can be a real problem when visiting new destinations. Holidays are to be enjoyed and nothing should get in the way, not being celiac either, and fortunately traveling gluten-free is possible with a little planning.

What is being celiac? This disease is more widespread than is thought, it is a chronic intolerance to gluten protein, which can be found in wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelled, triticale and derivatives. The problem is that most of the foods that are currently consumed contain traces of these cereals.

Hence the importance of planning certain aspects of the trip in advance, to ensure that the celiac will consume a 100% gluten-free diet. Traveling gluten-free is possible by following the following steps when organizing your holidays:

Know your destiny

From the means of transport to the arrival of the final destination, the celiac traveler You should investigate if, if you have to eat by plane or train, they offer gluten-free catering. Many companies already contain specific menus.

Before choosing a destination, we must always investigate if it is a place that offers alternatives for celiacs: possible celiac associations, search for gluten-free restaurants, investigate on Google by putting the name of the destination accompanied by “without gluten” and find out if you are familiar with the concept.

On the Internet you can find many specialized blogs that will help to detect restaurants, shops and supermarkets that have food for celiacs. With the help of a mobile phone and Google Maps, a map can be created in which all the establishments that contain gluten-free products are marked.

Cards for celiacs

When you travel abroad it is always good to get a Gluten free restaurant card, a card that explains your food intolerance in the language of the country you visit.

Always carry provisions

You have to be aware that being celiac is not a joke, and you cannot jump into the diet, that is why, for safety, you should carry some basics. That is, emergency food in case, despite the investigations, the promised premises are not found first. This kit should carry basic products such as bread, cookies or snacks to replenish energy in case of need.

Explain the situation

If you go to a restaurant you should always inform the waiter of the situation. If the trip is to a foreign country and communication is complicated, there are some cards that by showing them to the waiter will serve to publicize the prohibited foods.

Accommodations

Finally, traveling gluten-free is also taking into account the accommodation that is selected. The best option for this type of traveler is to rent a tourist apartment where you can prepare your own food. The best alternative to ensuring that food is gluten-free is to make it yourself.

If the option is to choose between a hostel and a hotel, the second is much better since they are usually larger establishments that offer more possibilities and alternatives. It is the most comfortable option, since you do not have to cook but it is more expensive than the apartment option.