Traveling with Special Diets
For many people with chronic illness, major dietary changes are part of the healing process. Changing one’s lifestyle is never easy, but travel can be especially stressful. I’ve learned through years of experience that following a strict diets is possible on the go. Below are a few strategies that have served me well over the years.
Travel prepared
Ok this one is not new, but it bears repeating. You will reap dividends by doing some prep at home. This may simply mean packing a brown bag for the plane or may be as complex as packing groceries for the entire get-away. The last thing you want is to feel ill or constantly worry about your food source while trying to enjoy some R&R.
Stay in hotels with kitchenettes or use Airbnb to score an entire kitchen set up
Everybody’s idea of a vacation is different, but for me cooking and having my own kitchen is preferred while away from home. I’ve collected a few go-to recipes that are fast, easy and require little equipment. For our family, reducing the number of meals eaten out makes our dining experience special and helps us minimize the search for the next diet friendly location.
Use a meal kit services
Consider buying meal kits from companies like Plated, Blue Apron, Sun Basket and others for vacations when you have access to a kitchen. Depending on your travel destination, the pre-portioned meal kits could even be delivered to the location of your choice or transported with you. The convenience of the kit and the curated menu items may make cooking while on vacation a little more palatable.
Order groceries online at your final destination
Flying to a beach condo but need a week’s worth of supplies? Search the groceries in the vicinity of your final destination and look for one that has curbside grocery pick up. On your way to the condo simply swing by and fill the trunk without roaming the isle of an unfamiliar grocery.
Eat at the grocery
Most stores have a deli, salad bar and hot food counter as well as tables for lingering. I like Whole Foods as the smaller size allows a quicker meal on the road or in a city on a business trip. Eating at the grocery may not be glamorous, but it allows you the ultimate flexibility with quantities and ingredients. This is a lifesaver for avoiding fast food restaurants during road trips.
Do some local research with Yelp
Yelp rarely lets you down. I rely heavily on Yelp when I enter a new city. Look for restaurants that list allergens on their menus. The restaurants that are savvy enough to call out items like gluten can also likely handle other requests.
Be “That guy”
While nobody wants to be difficult or stand out as needy and demanding at a restaurant, the truth is food sensitivities are real. You are not alone in making requests to the kitchen. Chances are high they already have a solution for the sensitivity you are addressing.
Make your own Entree
Often components of different meals will meet your dietary needs but the entree as a whole doesn't. Don't be afraid to mix and match sides and entrees from different dishes. Many kitchens can easily accommodate this request.
Enjoy!
Food is a great connecter of people and culture. Do your best to get out and taste the unique cuisine of your destination. Don’t be afraid to politely ask questions about ingredients and cooking methods. Having a food sensitivity may allow you to learn more about the food culture than you otherwise might have. You may come home with new inspiration and recipes!