That’s So Celiac Traveling tips, Tricks, and more!
I love to travel whether it be via a car and/or airplane. Travel for me used to be simply planning the way of transportation and packing my suitcase. However, living with celiac disease adds an extra step of preparation, which surrounds fuel…for my body.
Unfortunately, I have noticed that airports or rest stops do not always have the best options for those with celiac disease, so I have learned what to pack. I have a few staples that go with me no matter the way of transport; gomarco bars, Gogo Squeeze Applesauce on the go pouches, and banana chips. These are easy to travel with and travel well no matter what form of transportation you take for your travels. Just make sure you are fueling your body with whole nutritious foods that are going to serve your body as much as possible!
You better believe that I also pack my “vitamin suitcases” [3x/day suitcase or 4x/day suitcase], so I do not miss a beat when it comes to my vitamin and supplement routine. Even while traveling, you have to continue putting your body first!
For travel via airplane, here are some of tips, tricks, and advice:
Pack items that can fit into your carry on easily and do not need to be refrigerated and/or frozen.
A lot of airports you can find small servings of hummus and/or guacamole. These two items typically come prepackaged with pretzels but are separately packaged. Hand those pretzels or food item to the person you are traveling with and utilize celery, carrots, and/or gluten free pretzels that you packed before you got to the airport.
If you want a sandwich, utilize frozen gluten free bread and add whatever sandwich fixings you want to this. Your bread should be unfrozen and hopefully soft enough to eat in a few hours! I do this when we go to theme parks and/or have a long day of travel.
Pack a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout your travels.
I fast when I travel and how I treat the fast changes if I am flying a few hours (domestic flights) or more than 8+ hours (international flights). I typically tend to liquids (shakes, water, soup, coffee). Fasting helps my body adjust to the different environments it has been exposed to while traveling.
My go to shakes consist of water and Vanilla DNS powder. I will carry a shaker bottle in my carry on for this. Plus, you can rinse the shaker bottle and use it as your water bottle as well!
For travel via car, here are some of tips, tricks, and advice:
Pack items that can easily fit in a bag and/or cooler that fits in your car and can be easily accessible.
I still back my go to items as I know they work for my body, but I can add even more items that work for my body like:
Sandwiches (utilize the frozen bed still and add the sandwich fixings – keeps everything cold and good if there not room in the cooler)
Your own hummus and all the vegetables because you have the cooler!
Hydration is just as important while traveling via car as it is via airplane. Make sure to stock your cooler with all your hydration needs.
If you are looking for “fast food” suggestions, then I have three that I tend to utilize when I maybe did not prepare well enough for the road trip:
Clean Juice (you know your girl loves her smoothies, plus they have some GF and clean meal options)
Chick-fil-A (Gluten Free options are pretty decent; please be aware the kitchen is not gluten free, so is a possibility of cross contact. I always tell them I have celiac and need for whomever is handling my food to switch their gloves & wash their hands. Typically, the manager handles this for me.)
Chipotle (they have always catered well to my celiac needs and had a positive experience)
Now outside of the actual traveling part and making sure I can eat safely and well, what do I do when I am in a new place and want to make sure I can continue to safely eat? I do research! I research a few ways to make sure I am finding all the best celiac safe spots:
Instagram is a great tool – utilize hashtags like #floridaglutenfree #tampaglutenfree #stpeteglutenfree
This not only allows you to find restaurants but maybe even good Instagram accounts to follow and grow your community
Two of my favorite accounts to follow and utilize for gluten free travel resources are:
@GlutenFreeGlobeTrotter and her website
Google is another great tool and can be overwhelming, so I like to utilize Find Me Gluten Free which can be utilized via web browser or you can download the app!
Google, but be extremely specific. I know I just said Google can be overwhelming, however let’s say you are traveling internationally, “London Gluten Free Restaurants” or “London Gluten Free Breakfast”. These will not only bring up the Find Me Gluten Free option, but other resources like blogs! I like to read through blogs and see what people stated about certain restaurants.
I love the traveling allows you to connect with others, adventure outside of your comfort zone, see places you never thought you would, and to try new foods! I thought celiac disease was going to take those joys away for me and I am so happy I have not let it! You can 100% still enjoy traveling even if it is not as simple as figuring out the logistics of traveling and packing a suitcase anymore!
Cheers to your next travels!