by Jana Čarnohorski, Croatia
Let me guess, you’re already dreaming about your next travel adventure? You’re searching for flights and booking hotel rooms, but there is one more question hovering anxiously over your head: how to find safe gluten-free eating spots when abroad?
Finding eating spots as a celiac can be stressful and time-consuming. However, there is nothing to be afraid of because celiac disease cannot stop you from enjoying your trip!
If you need a little help with getting around as a celiac, here are my top 5 pieces of advice for finding the best gluten-free eating spots when travelling abroad.
- Start preparing in advance
For anyone who (like me) leaves everything to the last minute, I kindly recommend not to. Do your research in advance, map out the gluten-free spots that you found and get familiar with the gluten-free culture in the country that you travel to before you get there. Trust me, travelling is much more relaxing when you know what to expect (food-wise).
- Check out Travel Net
If you’re travelling to a European country, there’s no better source of information than Travel Net! With the help of our delegates, CYE gathered information about gluten-free food in local supermarkets, possible maps with gluten-free places, and instructions on how to get around as a celiac. Instead of spending hours trying to find reliable information, you’ll get everything you need to know in one place on Travel Net!
- Look at the local association’s website
While Travel Net gives you an overview of the gluten-free culture in a country, it’s always useful to check out the website of the local coeliac association for any additional information, such as gluten-free restaurant maps or produce registers. The association contact and website link can also be found on Travel Net.
- Check out gluten-free spot apps
We all know that all-gluten-free spots are scarce and sometimes we have to “go rogue” with our choice of eating places. Nevertheless, travelling is no time to risk your health and it is important to find reliable restaurants with safe cooking conditions and well-informed staff. You can find these spots on numerous web pages and apps, but always take them with a grain of salt. My advice is to also check out their reviews to see if any coeliacs have reported them safe to visit.
- Bring “emergency” snacks
As they say, “better safe than sorry”. First days on travels are usually a mess and it’s always good to have something edible in your bag to get you through your day until you get your bearings. Whether it is a sandwich or just a snack, have something to keep you full until you get to your safe gluten-free eating spot.
That does not seem so hard, does it? Take your time to research before you travel and always remember that your health comes first when picking eating spots.
Happy travelling!