Traveling For Business To Seattle/bellevue (Suggestions)--Newly Diagnosed

[alannakitty]

Hi everyone!

 

I just joined.  I'm in the process of being diagnosed and after my last test I will be on the gluten-free diet/lifestyle. 

 

My question or my appeal for advice is that I will be traveling for business not even a month into my new lifestyle change and I'm afraid that going away on business will make what is already a hard task (finding things to eat that are safe/allowed) will be even harder.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for flying/traveling gluten free?  I figured I can bring some snacks for the plane they are offering food service.  I also notified the hosts of the conference and they are aware of my special dietary needs for the few meals they will be providing. 

 

What do people suggest?  I just read that carrying a card with what I'm "allergic" to is helpful (different forum).  I feel like when I ask people about food prep and other things they look at me like I've grown two heads even if they are like ... ah, yeah gluten free. 

 

Thanks in advance!

[ryann14]

Ask questions, talk to managers, if you have a smart phone or use of a computer use the application or website find me gluten free. I don't live in Washington but when I do travel then I bring snacks and go to to the grocery store and buy food I can make in the hotel. Good luck!

[MinnesotaCeliac]

Hi everyone!

 

I just joined.  I'm in the process of being diagnosed and after my last test I will be on the gluten-free diet/lifestyle. 

 

My question or my appeal for advice is that I will be traveling for business not even a month into my new lifestyle change and I'm afraid that going away on business will make what is already a hard task (finding things to eat that are safe/allowed) will be even harder.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for flying/traveling gluten free?  I figured I can bring some snacks for the plane they are offering food service.  I also notified the hosts of the conference and they are aware of my special dietary needs for the few meals they will be providing. 

 

What do people suggest?  I just read that carrying a card with what I'm "allergic" to is helpful (different forum).  I feel like when I ask people about food prep and other things they look at me like I've grown two heads even if they are like ... ah, yeah gluten free. 

 

Thanks in advance!

No need to worry if you are prepared, it takes some planning and knowledge (comes with time and experience) as it will not be as easy as before going gluten free. It also depends on your comfort level of eating out. When I travel I carry safe gluten free food with me on my carry on (Laura bars, almonds...etc and twice as much as I'll need just in case there is a delay). I will book hotels that I will have access to a microwave and fridge (either a room with a kitchenette or a hotel that will deliver a small fridge and microwave to the room). I look for a wholefoods (usually book a hotel near one) and swing by a get food for my stay.  Note: you can find gluten-free food at almost all stores now (not a huge variety,but it is getting better)...I just prefer wholefoods.

 

Another very helpful thing to do is contact the local GIG/Celiac support group prior to going, so you are armed with information from people that know the gluten free diet and the local area. Most if not all are more than willing to help a fellow Celiac/GInC. Awesome folks.

 

Contact me if you ever travel to the Twin Cities and I'll give you a list places to eat and where to get gluten-free food.

 

Cheers and goodluck!

[cyclinglady]

All excellent suggestions!  I would just add that if your hotel offers a buffet type breakfast, talk to the people who actually prepares your food.  More than likely, they'll accommodate you. Lots of them use prepackaged foods and will even show you the box.  Other's will cook your eggs on a separate grille.  For business we (both hubby and I are gluten-free) book rooms with refrigerators and we grocery shop upon arrival.  Google for gluten-free restaurants in advance.  

[tarnalberry]

How long is your flight? Where are you staying? I live immediately south of Bellevue (as in, the city border is across the street), and there is a lot of gluten-free friendly stuff in the area. (More in Seattle, but you didn't specify where you are staying...)

[notme45]

Here is my advice:

 

1.  Get the "Find Me gluten-free" app for your smartphone.  If you don't have a smartphone then buy a smart phone.  The app will help you find gluten free restaurants and grocery stores that sell gluten free products.  I will make a big difference in your life when you travel.

 

2.  Plan in advance where you will buy food at and bring food with you.  On my last trip I had a frozen loaf of bread in my luggage (I like Canyon Bakehouse bread) and when I landed I went to a deli and bought lunch meat.  Lunch meat is almost always gluten free. 

 

3.  In general, the nicer the restaurant is the more accomodating they will be. 

 

4.  If you are going to a restaurant, try to call in advance and ask questions. 

 

5.  Your best bet is usually to order a steak with NO seasonings other than salt and pepper and no sauce.  Other good option is roasted chicken.   

 

6.  GoPicnic is a brand of boxed snacks that requires no refrigeration. You can buy these at Target, Amazon, or Sprouts (if you have Sprouts near you).  GoPicnic is good for plane rides and as an emergency meal. 

 

7.  Subscribe to Gluten Free Living

 

8.  Traveling with Celiac Disease is a bit of a pain but is not the end of the world as long as you plan ahead.

[Tim-n-VA]

I will have a lengthy layover at the Seattle airport in late October.  Allowing for a comfortable cushion on travel by the light rail, I could have 3-4 hours.  Any suggestions for lunch in the downtown area?

[Jestgar]

What do you like to eat?

 

Open Original Shared Link in the ID is awesome.

 

Open Original Shared Link is good.  Really good if you hit happy hour

 

Most places are really aware of what they serve and I've never had a problem.

[Tim-n-VA]

Moderately adventurous: Something either uniquely Pacific NW or something not readily available gluten free. For the latter, I saw "biscuit b%$@#" online.

[Jestgar]

If you are traveling with someone else, the Open Original Shared Linkis fun.  You get a pile of steamed seafood, corn and potatoes dumped on your table.  Just ask them to skip the bread that comes with the meal.

[Salax]

There is a PF Changs downtown, a place (I think it's called something cinnamon?) in pike's that has amazing baked goodies (if they are still there, been awhile since I was there in 2011), try the gluten free registry website, found most places on that site.