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Tips for Traveling with Food Allergies

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Spring break is right around the corner, so for all you travelers (especially anyone traveling with food allergies- either yours or someone else’s)- this post is for you!

Food allergies can be really tricky to navigate, especially when traveling. To navigate and conquer traveling with allergies it’s key to plan ahead, know the variety of foods available at the destination you’re going to, and most importantly pack some travel-friendly foods to bring with you.

Your final destination will determine the amount and types of foods you’re able to bring with you. For example, if you’re traveling internationally you may be limited when bringing plant-based products like nut butters or produce; on the other hand if you’re traveling domestically you’ll be much more able to bring foods with you.

Wherever your final destination may be, follow my top 4 travel planning tips to help you prepare.

1) Investigate the turf: If you’re going abroad or even if you’re going to another state within the US, it can be helpful to do a quick search on google to find out what type of food is available and native to the area. Researching the food environment in the place you’re going can give you an idea of how much you’ll have to plan ahead and how much you’ll need to bring with you.

2) Plan to eat: Find out what’s offered in your final destination. Doing things like calling ahead to your hotel or searching for “safe” restaurants on the internet that will be able to provide allergy-friendly options will save you time and a lot of stress once you arrive. Identifying three or four places that you know will be good and reliable places to dine if you’re in a pinch will save you a lot of stress and planning.

3) Travel smart: If you’re traveling via air or by train, most major companies will have gluten free or allergy-free options. It’s important to call ahead to inquire about what choices you may have to eat safely while en route. For example, Virgin Airlines (America, Atlantic, and Australia) offers gluten free meal service for travelers but you need to call ahead to notify them.

4) Pack snacks: Pack snacks that travel well- snacks like fruit, nuts, allergy-friendly granola bars like KIND, Chia bars Lara Renola (or others) with you in your suitcase or carry on. If you’re traveling for a longer period of time you should think about bringing more substantial options with you such as gluten free oatmeal or bread. I always carry gluten free bread and/or oats along with nut butter and some whole nuts incase I get into trouble!

Here’s a short list of a few of my favorite easy-to-travel with foods:

Oats

Gluten Freeda

Bread:

Udi’s

Nuts:

Almonds

Walnuts

Cashews

… Or any that you like!

Nut Butter:

Justin’s

Bars:

KIND

Chia

Lara Renola

Yawp Eats

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