Travel For A Funeral

[Googles]

I am probably soon going to be traveling to my grandfather's funeral. I am trying to figure out how to deal with food as I will not be able to travel easily on my own and I have no idea what will be happening with food and meals. I have a very large extended family and so meals will probably be at restaurants that will seat all of us. But until this happens I don't know what is going to happen. When we eat at my grandparent's house I wont be able to guarantee gluten free food or that I can make it to a grocery store (there isn't one close and everyone shares cars) to get food for myself. This will be my first time traveling for more than a day since I was diagnosed. I know there is going to be a lot of stress for everyone. I've never been through this before and then with trying to figure out the gluten free part of it just makes it worse. While some people know, I don't feel that I can do anything to suggest where we eat and what not. I really can't get sick because I will most likely be missing school already and can't take any more time off. Any advice would be much appreciated. I hate first times of doing things.

[Wolicki]

I am probably soon going to be traveling to my grandfather's funeral. I am trying to figure out how to deal with food as I will not be able to travel easily on my own and I have no idea what will be happening with food and meals. I have a very large extended family and so meals will probably be at restaurants that will seat all of us. But until this happens I don't know what is going to happen. When we eat at my grandparent's house I wont be able to guarantee gluten free food or that I can make it to a grocery store (there isn't one close and everyone shares cars) to get food for myself. This will be my first time traveling for more than a day since I was diagnosed. I know there is going to be a lot of stress for everyone. I've never been through this before and then with trying to figure out the gluten free part of it just makes it worse. While some people know, I don't feel that I can do anything to suggest where we eat and what not. I really can't get sick because I will most likely be missing school already and can't take any more time off. Any advice would be much appreciated. I hate first times of doing things.

ok, so prepare, prepare, prepare!

Go to your market and stock up on Lara Bars, apples, nuts, all kinds of potable snacks that you can take with you in an extra bag.

With extended family around, I am certain that someone could drive you to a local store to get some fresh produce: bannanas , grapes, etc to keep you going.

Research the gluten free dining options before you go:

google gluten free in xxx city, or post the city here and ask for suggestions.

Figure out who is going to be deciding where to eat. If they know of your issues, it shouldn;t be a big deal. The host can say "here are our choices....." That way, you know you can have a safe meal, and no one else is put out by having to do the research. Almost any restaurant should be able to accomodate a large family gathering.

Always have your snacks so you don't starve. You can always order a baked potato, then take some of those butter pats wrapped in foil with you. You can buy those at many markets. Then there's no risk of cc. Remember you can always ask for a plain piece of meat cooked in its own pan with salt and pepper.

Stay calm,be prepared and you'll be just fine. You may have a few peanut butter and banana meals, but you'll be spending quality time with family, remebering a loved one

[Ahorsesoul]

Hopefully you've let the family and friends you will be staying with that you have to eat Gluten free. This is not the time to surprise them when you arrive.

[ravenwoodglass]

I am sorry about the loss of your Grandfather. As stated prepare to bring as much as you can with you. If your traveling by car bring a cooler with a few frozen gluten-free dinners you can zap if needed. You might also want to do a search and see if there is a Health Food store nearby so you can give them a call and see what gluten-free stuff they might carry. I hope the trip goes smoothly for you. Traveling with celiac can be tricky but with a bit of preperation it should go okay.

[lynnelise]

First off I'm sorry for your loss!

The other posters had great ideas. Larabars and Kind bars have saved me many times. Fruit is easily transported. Also I keep Thai Kitchen and A Taste of Thai entrees on hand for emergency travel. They don't require refrigeration and you can just add water and microwave! Of course they are low on protein so you might want to supplement lean meats, nuts, ect.

[Googles]

My grandmother knows about my celiac and actually has a friend who has it also. So she is not totally unaware of the requirements. However, I don't know how much of my extended family knows about it. I didn't tell them but my dad may have. Packing food is going to be hard as I will have to fly to get there. I find the ongoing stress hard of not knowing what is going to happen with his health and what will be happening with food. As I just got glutened from food that said gluten free on the box my tollerance for ambiguity in food is low. Thanks for all the support and I will use your suggestions as I can.

[ravenwoodglass]

My grandmother knows about my celiac and actually has a friend who has it also. So she is not totally unaware of the requirements. However, I don't know how much of my extended family knows about it. I didn't tell them but my dad may have. Packing food is going to be hard as I will have to fly to get there. I find the ongoing stress hard of not knowing what is going to happen with his health and what will be happening with food. As I just got glutened from food that said gluten free on the box my tollerance for ambiguity in food is low. Thanks for all the support and I will use your suggestions as I can.

It sounds like your best bet may be scoping things out before you go. Perhaps if you tell us the city someone may live there or be able to find out safe stores and restaurants for you. I hope your grandfather takes a turn for better and his health improves.