Travelling can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to a gluten-free diet. Questions like “Where will I eat?”, “Will I be able to find gluten-free food in stores or restaurants?”, or “Will people understand coeliac disease and how to safely handle my food?” are completely valid.
While planning ahead might seem like it takes the spontaneity out of travel, it’s absolutely worth it for a safe and enjoyable experience.
This guide is here to help you feel confident and prepared for your gluten-free journey!
Plan ahead of your trip
Try to find out about hotels, restaurants and shops that offer gluten-free food.
If you are staying in a hotel, notify them before your arrival.
Contact Coeliac Societies
If you need help with travelling information contact us or other Coeliac Societies for further details.
An easy way to find contacts for other coeliac societies is by checking the AOECS Members List. Another helpful resource is CYE’s Travel Net, which is regularly updated with useful travel information.
Useful Resources
In addition to the AOECS Members List and CYE’s Travel Net, mobile apps like Find Me Gluten Free are great starting points for finding gluten-free options while abroad. These apps let you search by location and read reviews, but it’s always wise to double-check with each restaurant to ensure they can safely cater to coeliac needs.
Snacks for commuting
Whether you’re traveling by plane, bus, or train, long journeys can make it difficult to find safe gluten-free food. Consider packing fruit, nuts, crackers, biscuits – anything you enjoy that is gluten-free to keep you going.
Language Barrier
Travel Cards are a great tool for explaining coeliac disease in another language, especially when dining out abroad. You can find many free resources online – celiactravel.com is one of the most well-known and widely used.
A helpful app for translating food labels and menus is Google Translate.