Vacationing In The U.s.a

[MauriceReed]

Hi there, I wonder if anyone on this forum can help or possibly put me in contact with somebody that can.

My wife and I are looking at the possibility of taking a vacation in the States next year. The holiday is a 15 day escorted tour of the American National Parks and it starts in Rapid City. My wife was diagnosed as suffering from Coeliac disease about 9 years ago and so when travelling has to be careful what she eats.

We did a similar tour a few years ago from Boston up through New England, into Canada crossing back into the U.S. at Niagara then heading down to NYC. Whilst we could get to a diner for breakfast where she could get bacon & eggs etc the problem comes when on the road. When the bus stops on the freeways the usual food outlets are all fast-food outlets like Wendy's, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts etc. As you will know, in these places the great majority of foods are heavily gluten-based which meant that she often had to go without. Thus, leading to extensive periods of hunger and discomfort.

The full details for the itinery of the tour can be found at the following link.

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I appreciate that this forum is intended for sufferers of Coeliac disease in the U.S.A. but I hope that you can extend a hand to a fellow sufferer visiting from the U.K.

I'd be much obliged for any advice you can give on obtaing gluten-free foods along the way so that we can take this once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Thanks in advance.

[missy'smom]

You are welcome any time. This is an international forum with many members from many countries. Wendy's has a list of their menu items that are gluten-free. Their chili is gluten-free. I am very sensitive and have eaten it without ill effect. It's not the greaterst chili that ever was but it'll do in a pinch. Open Original Shared Link I suggest that you print out the list and bring it with you just in case. I'm sorry I can't offer more for now. I'm sure others will pop in and post some more suggestions.

[cymrudenver]

I'm a Brit too, moved to the USA 7 yrs ago. I've never eaten gluten-free in the UK, but I've heard the gluten-free choices are better over there. I'd suggest she brings as many easy to carry snacks as possible - difficult with the strict luggage weight limits I know - Is there an address you could have food mailed to for when you arrive in the USA?

Wendys has gluten-free Chili and baked potatoes, a couple of other things I think too, check their web site. Chick fil A is a great fast food place if you see one and they are good about serving their chicken salads etc gluten-free.

have a wonderful trip, I'll sure you'll get more advise.

[AMQmom]

When we travel, we schedule stops near the Whole Foods grocery stores and stock up our cooler. Another American store that carries gluten-free choices is Trader Joe's. Whole Foods has the best selections, though. Many American stores are starting to carry gluten-free items - you would be able to find things in almost any grocery chain.

I would suggest that you speak to the tour company and ask them if they could make some stops near a grocery store. I can not imagine a company risking bad p.r. by not accomodating allergies/special needs. Even if you do not get to shop more than a couple of times, you could stock up and get through most of your trip. I have found really comfortable coolers that look a lot like purses and just always have one with me. Maybe you could pack zip-lock bags and use ice from the hotels daily if you are unable to have those freezer packs.

This past year, food labels have changed to more clearly address "gluten-free" over here. Most labels are really easy to read.

I hope that you enjoy your trip!

[Phyllis28]

You might consider arriving a day early and stocking up on specialty gluten free food for the whole trip. Below is a store in Rapid City that looks like they carry gluten free food. I would suggest you e-mail them.

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Another option is to contact the hotel and ask if they will accept a delivery and order gluten free food online and have it delivered to the hotel.

Below are suggestions on what to buy:

Gluten free bars - Enjoy Life, Glutino and/or Lara Bars

Gluten free cereal

Gluten free bread

Peaunt Butter and Jelly

Any non-perishable gluten free goodies that look interesting (example cookies or pretzels)

Gluten free salad dressing

Small plates, small bowels, plastic knifes, forks and spoons, paper towels

A few days of fruit and other perishables of your choice.

Additonally you may want to bring or buy a manual can opener and a sharp knife.

You might also consider getting a much detail about where the tour company plans to stop for meals and research and contact these places directly yourself.

National Parks are not near any large population centers and dining and grocery options are limited within the boundries of the parks. If arrangements can be made for access to a refrigerator and freezer each night it will be very helpful. This would allow you to bring a small cooler on the bus each day to keep food cold.

There should be access most places to a micorwave. You will need to contact each park or hotel to find out where it is. Sometimes it is in the hotel breakfast eating area other times you have to go to the grocery store that the campers buy food at. Bring a wet towel to wipe it down and cover your food.

The grocery store in the park should also have naturally gluten free food such as fruit, vegetables and cheese you can buy as you go. Check with the tour company to make sure you will have time to stop by.

Hope you have a super trip.

[MauriceReed]

Hi all, thanks for those tips. The store in Rapid City seems to be a good starting point.

As I said before, the main concern is when on the road and the bus makes a stop for lunch etc the main food outlets as one would expect, are things like Dunkin Donuts, pizza parlours & burger places. A bit of searching and tips from others are showing that there are possibilities. Luckily for me I can literally eat & drink anything, and I mean anything. I have guts of iron but it is my wife who is the sufferer and the last thing we want is for her to get ill when travelling. Fortunately if she does injest a very small amout of gluten it doesn't always affect her. For example she can take malt vinegar on fries with no ill-effects, a splash of soy sauce will have no effects either.

A lot of the places where will be over-nighting are very small towns so I dont' hold out much hope for finding a store with a range of gluten-free foods but the bigger cities such as Salt Lake & Vegas do have places like the Outback Steakhouses which will be a life-saver.

Anyway it's over a year away yet so we have plenty of time to prepare.

Cheers