Backpacking Through Europe

[caistor]

My nephew wants to backpack and couch surf through Europe next year.  He has celiac disease.  Any suggestions?

[cyclinglady]

Google gluten-free restaurant cards that you can download. These were handy and were written in several languages. The card really helped in Russia. Just carry extra food (gluten-free cereal-type bars, dried fruit, or nuts always) in case of an emergency. Do not count on the airline to provide safe food even if he orders gluten-free 30 days in advance. Check out celiac sites for each country.

He should have a blast!

[caistor]

My nephew wants to backpack and couch surf through Europe next year.  He has celiac disease.  Any suggestions?

Thank you cyclinglady.  I'll pass your information on.  I'm not sure he is aware of the gluten free restaurant cards. It's also good to know about the airlines.  

[Nikki2777]

He should contact the Celiac Foundations of major countries for advice.  I've done this.  Also stop into grocery stores when he arrives -- Schar products are widely available, in my experience.  Good luck!

[cristiana]

He'll find things a little easier in the UK now as we have a new law that says all allergens (and that includes gluten) need to be listed at restaurants/cafes etc.  So when you go out you can ask to see their list.  Exercise caution, though, as although this legislation is well-meant I have already encountered a few problems... such as a lovely gluten-free omlette with a side of chips (fries).  The fries did not feature on the menu with the omlette - they were a well-meaning extra bonus!  They would have undoubtedly been cross contaminated as in the UK we tend to deep fry fish with batter coatings with our chips!  I gave them to my friend.

 

If he goes to Italy he will find most supermarkets, even small ones, sell a few gluten-free products.  However, although Italy is doing very well on the gluten-free front he would be better sticking to the larger towns when he is food shopping.   My mother in law lives in a country village - where they live in is very limited for gluten-free shopping - but nearby Sestri Levante not only had its own purely gluten-free shop but the supermarket opposite had gluten-free products at the end of every aisle. Very impressive!