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Celiac.com 03/20/2024 - For travelers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, dining out can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. Carnival Cruise Line has heard the call for smoother sailing and responded with the introduction of a 'Featured Gluten Free' menu, available every evening in the Main Dining Room. This new menu streamlines the dining experience, offering a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are guaranteed to be gluten-free. Previously, gluten-free options were scattered throughout Carnival's menu, making it challenging for guests to identify suitable choices. The dedicated gluten-free menu marks a significant improvement, providing clarity and peace of mind for those with dietary restrictions. From classic favorites like spaghetti carbonara to Carnival's signature melting chocolate cake, guests can indulge in a diverse array of gluten-free delights without compromising on taste or quality. Dedicated Gluten-Free and Vegan Menus Carnival's commitment to dietary inclusivity extends beyond the introduction of the gluten-free menu. Recent initiatives, such as the rollout of vegan menus and the adoption of Menu Mate software, demonstrate the cruise line's dedication to accommodating the diverse needs of its passengers. By focusing on dietary accommodations, Carnival ensures that all guests can enjoy a memorable dining experience, regardless of their dietary restrictions. As Carnival Cruise Line charts a course towards a more inclusive future, other cruise lines are sure to take notice. By setting the standard for dietary accommodations, Carnival is paving the way for greater inclusivity within the cruise industry. With plans to expand the accessibility of the gluten-free menu through digital platforms, Carnival is poised to lead the charge towards a more inclusive and worry-free dining experience for all passengers. So, hoist the anchor and prepare to set sail on a culinary adventure like no other. With Carnival Cruise Line's dedicated gluten-free menu, smooth sailing and delectable dining await all passengers, ensuring that every voyage is a journey to remember.

Celiac.com 11/04/2023 - Are you a gluten-free traveler looking to explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia? Good news: you can embark on a worry-free adventure Down Under while savoring delicious gluten-free cuisine. In this guide, we'll show you how to make the most of your gluten-free journey in Australia, from planning your flights to dining at safe restaurants and ensuring you have gluten-free snacks at the ready. Booking a Gluten-Free Meal on Your Flight When booking your flight to Australia, it's essential to plan ahead for your gluten-free meals during the journey. Several major airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, offer gluten-free meal options. During the booking process, look for the dietary preference section, and select "gluten-free" or "GF" to request your special meal. Remember to confirm your gluten-free meal when you check in for your flight and again when you board. Airlines take your dietary requirements seriously, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs. Having a gluten-free meal prepared on the flight is the first step to a successful trip. Booking Gluten-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Australia Whether you prefer the comforts of a hotel or the homely ambiance of a vacation rental, Australia offers various gluten-friendly accommodation options. You can use popular apps like Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, to find hotels, and Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeToGo to find suitable vacation home rentals. On these platforms, you'll often find property descriptions that mention gluten-free amenities or nearby gluten-free dining options. Additionally, you can read reviews from previous guests to gain insights into the accommodation's gluten-free friendliness. The Advantages of Staying in Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels Opting for vacation rentals can be a great choice for gluten-free travelers. With a kitchen at your disposal, you can prepare your meals with ease, ensuring they meet your dietary needs. Use the same booking apps mentioned earlier to discover vacation rentals equipped with full kitchens. This way, you'll have a home away from home where you can comfortably manage your gluten-free diet. How to Find Gluten-Safe Restaurants and Order Gluten-Free Food In Australia, finding gluten-safe restaurants is a breeze. Use apps like TripAdvisor and Yelp to locate highly-rated gluten-friendly eateries and read reviews from other gluten-free travelers. Additionally, Google and Bing's search engines can help you discover gluten-free hotspots and check their menus online. Many popular restaurant chains in Australia offer gluten-free menus or options. Chains like Grill'd, Mad Mex, and Nando's have embraced the gluten-free trend, so you can dine out without concern. Don't forget to communicate your dietary requirements to the staff to ensure a safe and delicious meal. 10 Australian Restaurant Chains that Offer a Gluten-Free Menu: Grill'd - Grill'd is a popular burger chain in Australia, known for its gluten-free bun options and delicious, customizable burgers. Mad Mex - Mad Mex serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine with a wide range of gluten-free menu items, including tacos and burritos. Nando's - Nando's offers a tasty selection of flame-grilled chicken dishes and sides, with clearly marked gluten-free options. Schnitz - Schnitz specializes in schnitzels and offers gluten-free coating options for their mouthwatering chicken and beef dishes. Hog's Breath Cafe - Hog's Breath Cafe is famous for its prime rib steaks and gluten-free menu items, ensuring a hearty dining experience. Hudsons Coffee - Hudsons Coffee provides a range of gluten-free sandwiches, snacks, and baked goods to complement their coffee and beverage offerings. Pizza Capers - Pizza Capers offers gluten-free pizza bases and a variety of gourmet pizza options to satisfy gluten-free pizza lovers. Outback Jacks Bar & Grill - Outback Jacks features gluten-free steak and ribs, providing a hearty dining experience in the Australian Outback. La Porchetta - La Porchetta serves up Italian cuisine, including gluten-free pizza and pasta dishes, perfect for Italian food enthusiasts. Zambrero - Zambrero offers a range of Mexican-inspired dishes, including gluten-free burritos and bowls with fresh, healthy ingredients. These restaurant chains in Australia cater to gluten-free diners, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals while adhering to your dietary needs. How to Find Gluten-Free Foods in Australian Grocery Stores Australia boasts a variety of supermarket chains that carry gluten-free products. Major stores like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi offer dedicated gluten-free sections where you can find a wide range of gluten-free foods. Explore the aisles and discover gluten-free bread, pasta, snacks, and more to stock up during your travels. 10 Supermarket Chains in Australia that Sell Gluten-Free Foods: Woolworths - Woolworths is one of Australia's largest supermarket chains, offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, and household goods. Coles - Coles is another major Australian supermarket known for its extensive product selection, including fresh foods and household items. Aldi - Aldi is a discount supermarket chain with a focus on affordability and a unique shopping experience. IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia) - IGA stores are independently owned and offer a diverse range of products, catering to local communities. Foodland - Foodland is a South Australian supermarket chain known for its commitment to supporting local producers and providing fresh produce. Harris Farm Markets - Harris Farm Markets is a supermarket chain specializing in fresh produce, groceries, and specialty foods. SPAR - SPAR is a global supermarket brand with a presence in Australia, offering a range of products and competitive prices. Drakes Supermarkets - Drakes Supermarkets is a family-owned chain known for its commitment to local communities and fresh food. Ritchies IGA - Ritchies IGA is an independent grocery chain with a focus on quality products and community support. Friendly Grocer - Friendly Grocer is a convenience store and supermarket chain offering essential products with a friendly touch. Top Australian Gluten-Free Food Brands: Orgran - Orgran is a leading brand in gluten-free foods, offering a wide range of products, including pasta, breakfast cereals, and baking mixes. Simply Wize - Simply Wize provides a variety of gluten-free products, including snacks, crackers, and baking ingredients. Sanitarium - Sanitarium offers gluten-free breakfast options like Weet-Bix Gluten Free and So Good almond milk. Macro Wholefoods Market (Woolworths brand) - Macro Wholefoods Market, available at Woolworths, offers a range of gluten-free products, including snacks and pantry staples. Freedom Foods - Freedom Foods specializes in allergen-friendly foods, with a focus on gluten-free cereals, snacks, and dairy alternatives. Well & Good - Well & Good produces gluten-free baking mixes and pantry essentials for those with dietary restrictions. Springhill Farm - Springhill Farm offers gluten-free, artisanal baked goods, including slices, cookies, and cakes. Kez's Kitchen - Kez's Kitchen provides a range of gluten-free cookies, cereal bars, and other baked treats. Table of Plenty - Table of Plenty offers gluten-free muesli, rice cakes, and snacking options for health-conscious consumers. The Importance of Packing Gluten-Free Snacks and Sandwiches While Traveling For extra peace of mind, pack gluten-free snacks and sandwiches for your journey. This is especially vital for your plane flights to and from Australia and any long road trips. Portable options like gluten-free granola bars, rice cakes, and pre-made sandwiches ensure you have safe, convenient meals whenever you need them. With these tips and the convenience of modern apps and search engines, your gluten-free adventure in Australia can be enjoyable, stress-free, and filled with culinary delights. Enjoy your travels with confidence, exploring the Land Down Under one gluten-free bite at a time!

Celiac.com 07/21/2023 - Embarking on a journey to explore the vibrant landscapes, rich culture, and tantalizing flavors of Mexico is an adventure that many dream of. However, for individuals with celiac disease, careful planning and preparation become paramount to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Fear not, fellow gluten-free travelers, for Mexico has much to offer, especially in the realm of gluten-free dining. From indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine to finding gluten-friendly accommodations, this guide will provide you with the confidence and knowledge to navigate the country with ease. Join us as we embark on a gluten-free adventure through Mexico, where we'll uncover the secrets of booking gluten-free flights, discovering gluten-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, savoring gluten-free Mexican dishes, navigating local grocery stores, and the importance of packing gluten-free snacks for your travels. With a little preparation and a sense of culinary exploration, you can savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico while keeping your dietary needs in check. Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering delights and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico, all while confidently navigating a gluten-free journey that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Booking a Gluten-Free Meal on Your Flight When planning your trip to Mexico, it's crucial to consider your dietary needs, especially when flying. Many major airlines understand the importance of accommodating passengers with gluten intolerance. Many airlines such as American, Aero Mexico, United, Aeroméxico, Delta, Volaris, Interjet, Viva Aerobus and TAR Aerolíneas may offer gluten-free meal options. When booking your flight, be sure to request a gluten-free meal in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether or not they offer a gluten-free meal, be sure to bring your own gluten-free food on the flight, just in case. The worst way to begin a vacation is to start out hungry, so be prepared with some safe food whenever you board a plane. Booking Gluten-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Mexico Finding gluten-friendly accommodations is essential for a worry-free trip. Utilize popular apps like Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor to search for hotels or resorts that offer gluten-free options and are willing to accommodate your dietary needs. Additionally, consider vacation home/apartment rentals through platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeToGo. Opting for vacation rentals in Mexico offers several advantages for gluten-free travelers. These accommodations usually provide more space, privacy, and access to a kitchen. Having a kitchen allows you to have full control over your meals and ensures that they remain gluten-free throughout your stay. The Benefits of Staying at a Mexican Resort Hotel When planning a trip to Mexico, staying in a resort hotel can offer a luxurious and stress-free experience. Not only do Mexican resort hotels provide world-class amenities and breathtaking views, but they also excel in catering to guests with dietary restrictions like a gluten-free diet. Here are some of the top Mexican resort hotel chains known for their dedication to guest satisfaction and accommodating dietary needs: The Royal Resorts: This renowned chain operates several luxury resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The Royal Resorts have a reputation for exceptional service and are known for their commitment to meeting specific dietary requirements. Grupo Vidanta: With stunning resorts in popular destinations like Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos, Grupo Vidanta offers an array of dining options that include gluten-free choices. Their attentive staff can assist in arranging a gluten-free diet to ensure your culinary needs are met. Palace Resorts: Known for their all-inclusive luxury, Palace Resorts have properties in Cancun, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya. Their skilled culinary teams understand the importance of gluten-free options and are prepared to accommodate guests with special dietary requests. Dreams Resorts & Spas: With multiple locations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Tulum, Dreams Resorts & Spas pride themselves on providing a high level of service and personalized attention. Their restaurants offer gluten-free menus and are happy to cater to specific dietary needs. Karisma Hotels & Resorts: Karisma operates a collection of luxury resorts in Mexico, such as El Dorado Spa Resorts, Azul Beach Resorts, and Generations Resorts. They offer a gourmet inclusive experience with a focus on personalized service, including specialized menus for guests with dietary restrictions. When staying at these Mexican resort hotels, it is advisable to contact the hotel in advance and inform them of your gluten-free requirements. Most of these establishments have well-trained staff who can work with you to pre-arrange meals and ensure your dining experiences are safe and enjoyable throughout your stay. By communicating your needs ahead of time, you can have peace of mind knowing that your gluten-free diet will be well-catered for during your luxurious resort getaway in Mexico. Security is another factor to consider when staying in Mexico, and major resort hotels typically offer better security than smaller hotels, or staying in private vacation rentals. Catalonia Royal Tulum Resort. Image: CC BY 2.0--GOC53 How to Eat Gluten-Free in Mexican Restaurants Mexican cuisine offers a variety of gluten-free options, but it's crucial to understand how certain dishes are prepared and their potential for containing gluten. Apps and like Yelp and TripAdvisor can help you find restaurants that cater to the gluten-free crowd, and you can read reviews that are written by other gluten-free travelers. Here are some popular Mexican dishes that are typically gluten-free, but this may vary depending on their ingredients: Arroz (Rice) Birria Caldo de pollo (Chicken soup) Carne Asada (Grilled meat) Chorizo (Mexican sausage) Empanadas (if made from corn) Enchiladas (if made from corn) Guacamole Nachos Quesadillas (if made from corn) Salsa picante (Spicy sauce) Salsa rojo (Red salsa) Salsa verde (Green salsa) Sopes Tacos (if made from corn) Tostadas (if made from corn) It's important to be cautious of potential gluten-containing ingredients and preparations. Wheat flour, bread, and bouillon cubes can be used as thickeners in sauces, soups, mole sauces, and meats. Some dishes like taco meat are usually naturally gluten-free, but some variations may use wheat in ingredients like salsa Inglesa, Maggi sauce, or Knorr cubes. Communicate your gluten-free needs clearly to the restaurant staff, and they will guide you through safe options. Whenever you order be sure to ask if the tortillas are 100% masa / maiz, and below is a restaurant card you can present to the staff at hotels, restaurants, resorts, etc. Sope Ahogado. Image: CC BY 2.0-- eekim Gluten-Free Spanish Restaurant Card: English Translation: While traditional Mexican cuisine includes many naturally gluten-free dishes, there are some foods that may contain gluten due to specific ingredients or preparation methods. It's important to note that variations can exist, and it's always best to double-check with the specific restaurant or cook to ensure gluten-free options. Mexican Foods / Dishes That Might or Usually Do Contain Gluten Flour tortillas: Traditional flour tortillas are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, corn tortillas are typically gluten-free. Tamales: The masa dough used to make tamales can sometimes contain wheat flour. It's advisable to inquire about the ingredients and preparation method. Churros: These delicious fried pastries are typically made with wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, some establishments may offer gluten-free versions. Breaded dishes: Some Mexican dishes, such as milanesa (breaded meat cutlets) or empanadas (pastries with savory fillings), are coated in breadcrumbs or wheat flour. Mole sauce: Traditional mole sauces may contain gluten as they often use bread or wheat-based thickeners. Gluten-free variations or homemade versions can be found. Beer: Many traditional Mexican beers are made with barley, which contains gluten. However, gluten-free beer options are becoming more widely available. Some sauces and condiments: Certain sauces, such as adobo or enchilada sauce, can contain flour or gluten-based thickeners. It's important to check the ingredients or ask for gluten-free alternatives. Flan: While the base ingredients of flan (caramel custard) are generally gluten-free, it's essential to confirm that no wheat-based additives are used. Chile Rellenos: Wheat flour is typically used to coat these stuffed chili peppers before they are deep fried. Remember, these examples highlight potential sources of gluten in Mexican cuisine, but variations can exist. Always communicate your dietary needs to restaurant staff or cooks, and seek out establishments that offer gluten-free options or modifications. Super Chedraui Isla Mujeres. Image: CC BY-SA 4.0--Larry D. Moore Finding Gluten-Free Foods in Grocery Stores Major Mexican Supermarket Chains with Gluten-Free Food Options: Bodega Comercial Mexicana Casa Ley Chedraui City Market City Club Costco Fresko H-E-B Mexico MEGA Sam's Club Soriana Soriana Mercado Sumesa Superama Wal-Mart Popular Mexican Gluten-Free Food Brands: KuidaT Somos Nature's Heart Schar Herdez Doña Maria Old El Paso Don Poncho Goya Ortega Explore their gluten-free sections or inquire with store staff to find suitable options for your dietary needs. Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image: CC BY-SA 2.0--Rod Waddington The Importance of Packing Gluten-Free Snacks and Sandwiches While Traveling When traveling, especially during flights, train rides, bus trips, or car rentals, it's essential to have gluten-free snacks and sandwiches readily available. Pack your own snacks to ensure you have safe options during your journey. Portable gluten-free options include pre-packaged snacks, nuts, gluten-free bars, fresh fruits, and homemade sandwiches made with gluten-free bread. By planning ahead, utilizing travel apps, researching gluten-friendly options, and packing gluten-free snacks, you can confidently embark on your trip to Mexico while ensuring a gluten-free experience. Enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine and explore the vibrant culture without compromising your dietary needs. ¡Buen viaje!!

Celiac.com 07/08/2023 - France is known for its delicious cuisine, from croissants to crème brûlée. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, traveling to France may seem like a daunting task. But fear not, with proper planning and preparation, gluten-free travel in France can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Booking a Gluten-Free Meal on Your Flight Many major airlines, including Lufthansa, United, American, and Delta, offer gluten-free meal options on their flights. When booking your flight, be sure to request a gluten-free meal in advance. It is important to confirm this request with the airline a few days before the flight to avoid any last-minute surprises. I highly recommend packing gluten-free sandwiches and bars during your flight, and during your entire trip. It's always best to be safe instead of sorry, and in my experience the times I ended up sorry were when I got too hungry, usually while traveling. Booking Gluten-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals in France When booking accommodations in France, it is important to do your research and find hotels or vacation rentals that cater to gluten-free travelers. Using travel apps like Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor, you can search for hotels and rentals that offer gluten-free options. Many hotels offer gluten-free breakfast options, and some may even provide gluten-free snacks or meals upon request. When booking a hotel in France, it's important to call ahead and ask about their gluten-free breakfast options. While many hotels offer gluten-free options, it's always best to confirm in advance to avoid any disappointment or inconvenience during your stay. Additionally, some hotels may be willing to cater to your dietary needs and provide gluten-free snacks or meals upon request. Taking the time to research and communicate your gluten-free needs can help ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay in France. Hotel Breakfast Buffet. Image: CC BY-SA 2.0--opera.cadet The Advantages of Staying in Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels Staying in a vacation rental can provide more flexibility and options for gluten-free travelers. Vacation rentals often come equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to prepare your own meals and ensure they are gluten-free. Popular vacation rental apps like Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeToGo offer filters to help you find rentals with a kitchen and other amenities that cater to gluten-free travelers. How to Eat Gluten-Free in French Restaurants When dining out in France, it is important to communicate your gluten-free needs to the waiter or restaurant staff. Many restaurants in France offer gluten-free options, but it is important to ask about cross-contamination and ensure that your meal is prepared in a gluten-free environment. Apps and like Yelp and TripAdvisor can help you find restaurants that cater to the gluten-free crowd, and you can read reviews that are written by other gluten-free travelers. To help communicate your needs, consider carrying a basic gluten-free restaurant card written in French that explains your dietary restrictions (we recommend keeping it simple). Gluten-Free Restaurant Card in French: Gluten-Free Restaurant Card Translated into English: French Restaurants are not world famous for their ability to cater to those with gluten-free requirements, so a great fallback is to find a Vietnamese or Turkish kebab restaurant, as they offer many naturally gluten-free options, but be sure to use your restaurant card and speak to the staff about your needs. Both of these options can be found in most medium to large sized towns and cities throughout France. A French Bistro. Image: CC BY 2.0--awsheffield Finding Gluten-Free Foods in Grocery Stores French supermarkets like Leclerc, Carrefour, Les Mousquetaires, Système U, Auchan, Casino, Lidl, Cora, Metro, and Aldi offer a variety of gluten-free products, including popular French gluten-free food brands like: Valpiform Gerblé Céliane Schär Bjorg Jardin Bio La Vie Claire Gerblé Sans Gluten Le Pain des Fleurs Priméal. Use search engines like Google and Bing to find the nearest supermarket that offers gluten-free products. Each of these supermarkets, hypermarkets, or discount stores offer a wide range of food and grocery products and each of these companies has its own network of stores and may have different store formats and offerings based on their business models. Lidl Supermarket. Image: CC BY-SA 2.0--Billy McCrorie The Importance of Packing Gluten-Free Snacks and Sandwiches While Traveling As mentioned, it is very important to pack gluten-free snacks and sandwiches when traveling in case you cannot find gluten-free options on the go. This is especially important when traveling by train, bus, ferry/boat, plane or car. Popular gluten-free snacks and sandwich options include rice cakes, nuts, fruit, and gluten-free bread with fillings like cheese or meat. In conclusion, gluten-free travel in France requires proper planning and preparation, but it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Use travel apps like Booking.com, Expedia, and Tripadvisor to find gluten-friendly hotels and rentals, communicate your dietary needs when dining out, and pack gluten-free snacks for your travels. Bon voyage!

Celiac.com 08/05/2022 - The mere thought of traveling with gluten-free children can be so overwhelming you might think—why bother? Once you learn the tricks of traveling gluten-free you will be glad you made the effort, and you will treasure the memories forever. Our family has learned over the years to roll with the punches— finding gluten-free meals on vacation is always possible— although it can be challenging at times. We have successfully traveled gluten-free with children aged 2 through 12. Fine dining is more practical now that the kids are older, but through the years our methods for gluten-free travel have remained mostly unchanged—although now we don’t pack much gluten-free food in our suitcases. This is due to better planning and more readily available food in natural food markets and grocery stores. Recently, my daughter and I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia to teach a class and discovered a relatively new resource. The Victoria chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association has a list of area restaurants that understand the gluten-free diet— we used this list to narrow down our choices and had excellent gluten-free meals. Many support groups across the country have developed gluten-free restaurant lists, so it pays to contact the local support group in your travel area. The Gluten Intolerance Group, Celiac Sprue Association, Celiac Disease Foundation, and www.celiac.com all have support group lists, so it is relatively easy to make contact with these local support groups. You will also want to go on-line and determine what gluten-free items are available from fast food restaurants. Consider regional fast food restaurants that you haven’t checked into before, as there are many across the country that you may want to visit, and it pays to know which of their items are gluten-free. We don’t eat at these places most of the time, but on vacation they can be life savers! When planning your trip, seek out hotels with high-end restaurants. Their wait staff and chefs are more likely to understand the gluten-free diet, or they are more apt to be able to modify their fresh, made-from-scratch foods to meet your needs. Bed and Breakfasts are another good choice, and those we have stayed at have been very accommodating to our special diets. Condos with full kitchens and vacation home rentals are our top choice. Be sure you have access to an outdoor barbeque to keep your time in the kitchen to a minimum. We often rent the same home year to year—find a place that you like, as there are many benefits to knowing exactly how the kitchen is stocked. By staying in the same place repeatedly you will also learn where the best stores are located. Call ahead to find out where the closest natural food market is (the internet is a great help in locating such stores), and ask if they stock your favorite gluten-free items. When you contact the staff ask them if they will hold your favorite items for you. On one trip we called ahead but failed to ask for the items to be held and by the time we arrived they were sold out of all of our favorite items! By calling ahead you can free up needed space in your luggage and you won’t have to worry about items that you bring getting crushed. Sometimes a natural food market can be a long distance away from your rental, so be prepared to make one big trip to that store for your gluten-free crackers, pastas, cereals, baking mixes, and snacks. We now pack only frozen homemade breads and frozen slices of healthy sweet bread, since these items travel well and can be hard to find. Plan at least one night out for fine dining (if your children are old enough to make this enjoyable). We have had some terrific experiences on our travels at some wonderful restaurants. Call early in the day (or a few days in advance) and speak to the head chef so you can learn what menu items are safe. If the head chef is not working the night of your visit they may still be able to inform the kitchen staff of your special needs. For air travel it is important to have a good supply of high-protein snacks in your carry-on bags such as granola bars, bananas, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and crackers. Order a fruit plate in advance, even though you won’t be able to eat the wheat-containing packaged items that often come with it, you will at least have some fresh fruit. Our luck with ordering the gluten-free meals some airlines offer has not been very good, so we stick to the fruit plates. Remember that problems will always arise—and even the best laid plans may go awry. One example of this is our trip to Boston last year which offered us a few surprises. We arrived on Saturday evening in downtown Boston at the Harvard Club, a reciprocal health club to ours. Unbeknownst to us, the club has a skeleton staff during the summer months, as many of its members aren’t in town much then. Their restaurants were all closed. Although I had called ahead to talk to them about food, I failed to mention our dates of travel, so on a Saturday night we began walking down a popular street lined with busy restaurants to look for some place that we could eat. Out of about 30 restaurants there was only one high-end steak house where we thought we could eat. At 9 pm not a single table was available. I explained our situation to the bar hostess who took charge of moving things around in the bar to make a spot for us. They allowed us to dine from the restaurant menu, and we managed to have a fabulous meal, even though it was expensive, but it was our only option aside from a nearby convenience store. The next day we had breakfast at the Harvard Club and then walked all over Boston. We had lunch at one of several places that served fresh fish which we found in a guide book. That Sunday evening we were walking in Cambridge and discovered that almost everything was closed. We ended up in an almost empty French restaurant and had another fabulous meal. The balance of the trip was easier as we stayed with relatives in a home. My aunt knew of a great natural foods market but we never made it there because the regular grocery store had an entire natural foods section with all of our favorite items. Plan some extra time into your vacation to accommodate your special diet, but do not stay home and avoid travel because of it. Our family has so many great gluten-free vacation experiences. It would be a shame to limit ourselves because of our diets. Karen Robertson’s Banana Bread Reprinted with permission from Karen Robertson’s Cooking Gluten-Free! A Food Lover’s Collection of Chef and Family Recipes (Celiac Publishing, 2003). This recipe makes one loaf. Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 4 medium, ripe bananas, peeled and mashed 1 teaspoon milk 2 cups Multi Blend Gluten-Free flour mix 1⁄2 teaspoon xanthan gum 1 teaspoon baking soda 1⁄4 teaspoon salt Directions: If you do not have time to make the bread right away, freeze your ripe bananas for later use in this recipe. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 5 x 9-inch loaf pan. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla on high speed until pale in color and light in texture. Beat in eggs one at a time until well blended. With a fork, mix bananas and milk in a small bowl and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt. Blend dry ingredients into the creamed mixture alternately with banana mixture. Turn batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean with a few crumbs clinging to it. Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack. Note: If using a standard gluten-free flour blend, add 1⁄4 teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.

Celiac.com 08/20/2021 - I recently spent two weeks traveling through Austria and Italy. As always, my motto was “Be prepared, but stay flexible.” It was a fabulous trip and I thought you might like to know what I did to make it successful. Plan Ahead: Do an Online Search Before You Leave I knew the cities we planned to visit, so I did an online search for health food stores that stocked gluten-free products. I went to “Google” and then typed in “gluten free products” with the city name. I found many stores and took this list with me, using maps and guide books to determine which stores were closest to our hotel. My research paid off. In Vienna the very next morning we walked to the nearest health food store which was about a mile away from our hotel. I bought enough bread, cookies, cereal, and crackers to last two weeks. We rented a car so I had room for all this food in the trunk, but carting all this food around Europe might not have been practical if I was traveling by train. There were two main brands of gluten-free foods in this Vienna store: Dr. Schaer and 3-Pauly. All of the breads were packaged in aseptic containers, so they didn’t require refrigeration until they were opened. Some of the health food stores in Austria (and Germany) are called Reformhaus and there were some additional products with this name on them. I had brought along heavy duty plastic bags so I could transfer the bread to these bags once I opened the packages. Nights were chilly so I stored the food in the trunk of the car, which was like a refrigerator. While I was in this store, I noticed a hand-written chalkboard message by the bakery. With my limited German, I could translate enough of the words to figure out that one could order fresh-baked loaves of gluten-free bread, ready for next-day pick-up during weekdays. Wow––I was impressed. Later in the trip, I found an excellent Reformhaus health food store in Salzburg, Austria––steps away from Mozart’s birthplace––with a great selection of gluten-free packaged foods. Use Dining Cards in Restaurants I used information from the web site of the Celiac Society of Austria to develop my German (Deutsch) dining card and edited it with the help of my daughter-in-law’s Austrian parents. I used the cards frequently. However, most restaurant workers speak English in the larger cities such as Vienna so we could converse in English about my needs. I already had an Italian Dining Card from my previous trips to Italy, so that proved useful in Italy. This was a terrific source of help and there are also dining cards on the web site as well. The European celiac web sites are not written in English (German in Austria and Italian in Italy) so you will need someone to help you translate them. On the Italian web site, there are gluten-free restaurants listed by city. Stay Flexible and Open to New Adventure One day around lunchtime on our way back to Vienna, we noticed a sign that said “Gasthaus” and followed the road, which went on and on for miles up the mountain, eventually leading to a forest. We both thought “this is either going to be very good or very bad.” As it turned out, we eventually found a lovely Gasthaus at the top of the mountain and we were its only luncheon guests. The owner understood what it meant to avoid gluten and spoke good English. She, like most other persons we met on this trip, was aware of the gluten-free diet. She likened it to an allergy, pronouncing it with a hard, rather than a soft “g” but she understood the importance of avoiding gluten. She served us a wonderful Pumpkin Soup and Pork Roast with Red Cabbage. She proudly gave us a tour of the Austrian Gasthaus, showing us all of the guest rooms and explaining how she came to be a Gasthaus owner. It was fascinating because we had never been behind the scenes in an Austrian Gasthaus. It turned out to be one of the most delightful experiences of our trip. Gluten-Free on the Autobahn Being receptive to pleasant surprises also helped me while driving the Autobahn in Austria’s and the Autostrada in Italy, Europe’s equivalents of the Interstate highways in the U.S. They have gas stations and restaurants along the way that are similar to ours in that they sell coffee, soft drinks, packaged food, and souvenirs. I was amazed to find clearly marked, gluten-free packaged foods at these stops in both Austria and Italy. In fact, I found the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever tasted in one of the Italian truck stops called Auto-Grill or Fini Grill. The bread was manufactured in Milan, Italy by CoPharma and the package bore the name of Giuliani. The package was clearly marked “senza glutine”(without gluten) and also marked “senza latte” (without milk) as well. In Austria, I found clearly marked “gluten-frei” almond cookies that I used to make Tiramisu when I got back home. Memorable Meals One of my favorite questions after a big trip like this is “What was your favorite meal?” Unquestionably, my favorite meal was the roasted goose on our first night in Vienna. We had just arrived in late afternoon and immediately searched for a good restaurant, which wasn’t hard. Vienna is full of excellent restaurants. Most restaurants post their menus outside the front door so we could determine if the dishes seemed appropriate. I had heard about the famous Pumpkin Soup (Austria is known for pumpkin products) and wanted to sample it. Our Viennese waiter spoke excellent English and seemed to understand my dining card so he suggested the Pumpkin Soup, which was absolutely outstanding. And, then he said, “By the way, in addition to our other specials today, we have Roasted Goose with Red Cabbage.” It was simply prepared, but outstanding in flavor. I had to forego the customary huge dumpling that is typically served with this meal because it contains flour, but I was very content with my goose and cabbage. The runner-up meal happened the next night in Vienna. We needed a quick supper since we were headed to a Mozart concert (his 250th birthday in 2006 so there were lots of Mozart events). We found an Austrian restaurant and the only thing that was acceptable for me was the Pumpkin Risotto, which turned out to be absolutely fantastic. Again, the dining card was very useful, but the waiter also spoke English. It was perhaps the best risotto I’ve ever eaten. And, the concert was one of the very best we’ve ever attended. Then, there was the fish in Italy, along the Adriatic Coast. Again, the waiter quickly understood my dining card and recommended the whole fish, which was filleted and roasted to perfection. In fact, I often ordered grilled or roasted fish in many restaurants because it was the safest item on the menu and it was fabulous every time. I didn’t order dessert very often because I seldom found anything that was safe and I never risk eating dessert when I travel unless I’m certain that it is gluten-free. But we found many gluten-free chocolate bars and I had Pamela’s biscotti to dunk in the very strong European espresso, so I never lacked for sweet endings to any meal. Breakfast in Europe Most European hotels include a breakfast buffet of cold meats, cheese, wide selection of cold cereals, breads, pastries, fresh fruit, and yogurt. Everything but the cheese and yogurt was off-limits, so I toasted my special bread (using the white toaster bags I brought along for this purpose) and ate gluten-free cereal I had purchased in Vienna. Sometimes, we could order poached eggs so I did this whenever I could. I hope my experiences help you if you’re planning a trip to Europe. Do your homework, be open to adventure, have fun and be well.

Celiac.com 04/16/2013 - For a celiac traveler from the United States, New Zealand is a pleasure. Gluten awareness is widespread, there are gluten-free food options virtually everywhere you go, and product labeling for allergens and gluten is typical. Because New Zealand is English-speaking, there is no problem communicating gluten-free needs. And, of course, it’s summer there when it’s winter here and it’s beautiful. Who could ask for anything more (other than a shorter plane flight)? When my husband and I were planning an extended trip in 2009, I decided that traveling gluten-free would be easier in NZ than in the other destinations that we considered: Bali and Thailand. While Southeast Asian cuisines are rice-based and do include many gluten-free foods, conversations with friends who have lived there made me hesitate. The main problem for us is that we travel mostly on bicycle and like to be away from the major tourist areas. While staff at tourist hotels and luxury resorts may be familiar with food intolerance, once you go off the beaten track, people are unused to accommodating the “odd” requests of foreigners. I knew that in Southeast Asia language barriers would be an issue. My friends warned that the idea of food allergies and intolerance is not well-known there and they thought, too, that cultural conventions of politeness might lead people to assure us that foods were safely gluten-free when, in fact, they were not. On the other hand, my son had spent a week in New Zealand and his scouting report read: “gluten-free products, including bread and crackers, are easy to find even in the smallest convenience stores.” We bicycled in New Zealand again in 2012, and once more we spent two months there. Now, I have suggestions and experiences to report from both North and South Islands. First, it’s always good to do some homework. Before leaving and also while In New Zealand, I suggest cruising the Internet for information. A useful site is http://www.glutenfreeliving.co.nz/ which displays restaurant and retail store options for various locations. The information is not always up to date (restaurants may close or change hands), but “no worries, mate,” as they say. Other gluten-free options are almost always easy to find. If you are traveling on New Zealand Air, be sure to order gluten-free meal options on your trans-Pacific flights. In 2009, I had some concern when I saw the term “low-gluten” in the subject line rather than “no-gluten” or “gluten-free” when customer service replied to my e-mail, but that may have been a legal precaution on their part. In addition to requesting gluten-free meals well in advance, be sure to double-check at the airline counter to make sure that the requests are in the system. I found the food entirely acceptable (and a choice of 77 in-flight movies also helped pass the time…). In fact, on the most recent flight there was an unexpected benefit to being gluten-free: special meals are the first to be served. While the flight attendant was handing my tray to me, the plane hit turbulent air. Meal service was instantly suspended and as far as I could tell I was the only passenger who got to eat for the next hour. Of course, I always take the precaution of carrying some gluten-free food/snacks, as well. You never know when you might need them. Actually, I did need them on the 2012 trip – but ironically that was when I couldn’t have them! We had decided to layover for a few days in Fiji to break up the long flight. I anticipated (correctly) that there would be little gluten-awareness in Fiji, so I was traveling with plentiful supplies. But I was dismayed to find that arriving passengers were required to discard all food items, without exception, at the airport. That made the next five days in Fiji a little challenging. I relied on cooking locally available basic resources that I bought in public markets, such as eggs, vegetables, coconut, fish, meat and yams. It was hard to find food that I was sure would be safe in grocery stores and almost impossible in restaurants. Because I am a budget traveler, and because I want good control over what I eat, I do prefer to buy and cook my own food in any case. In New Zealand, food items tend to be clearly labeled, much better than they are in the US. All of the larger supermarkets, such as New World, Pack n’ Save, Woolworth’s (locally known as “Woolli’s”), and Countdown have gluten-free breads of various sorts, as well as rice crackers, sweets, and an array of pre-packaged items such as soups, risotto, and curries that may be labeled gluten-free. However, there are always hidden surprises; for example, it was hard to find hummus that did not indicate the possible presence of wheat in the chickpeas (only Lisa’s Organic hummus was gluten-free). The ubiquitous smaller grocery outlets, such as dairies (the equivalent of convenience stores) might or might not have much in the way of gluten-free foods. Traveling by bicycle in more remote areas, such as heading towards East Cape from Opotiki, stores were sometimes far apart and minimally stocked. I occasionally found myself with nothing to eat for lunch but tinned salmon or sardines. Anyone traveling in a car could easily avoid such a situation, though. As might be expected, health food and organic food stores typically have a selection of gluten-free food items including bread, snacks, baked goods, pasta and alternative grains. Sometimes they carry gluten-free meat pies and other entrees in the freezer case. They tend to have easily identifiable names, such as Homestead Health, Bin Inn Wholefoods, Commonsense Organics (which carries, among others, Breadman brand fresh baked breads), etc. Always use your own commonsense, though. I did see occasional red flags, such as purportedly gluten-free baked goods unwrapped and sitting in a display case next to other goods baked with wheat flour. In those situations, I politely say that I would like to buy certain items but cannot do so if there’s a chance of gluten contamination. Also, I tell them that I worry that if this is an issue in one part of the store, I can’t be sure about other items they carry. They usually listen carefully to requests that might improve their sales. Having stocked upon gluten-free items at a shop in Auckland before a long train trip on the Tranz Scenic to Wellington, I discovered that I would have done fine without that precaution. The canteen on the train featured a line of prepackaged meals under the Wishbone label, all of which were very visibly marked for dietary restrictions including dairy free, gluten free, no meat, low fat, and low glycemic index. I enjoyed the "butter chicken"(tandoori spiced chicken with rice and sliced almonds) for lunch and saved my gluten-free groceries for dinner. On the other hand, when traveling by bus over long distances, I found it necessary to carry my own food. Meal stops on the bus routes were rarely more than ½ hour, and generally restricted one’s choice to a single café or cafeteria-style restaurant that did not have much for the gluten-free traveler. We stayed mostly in "backpackers," hostels that have kitchen facilities. They are found everywhere. One tip is to pick backpackers that have high ratings in the BBH New Zealand backpackers network guide. These will be the cleanest and best-organized places. The more highly rated hostels will cost more (it’s okay – they are worth more), but you will save a bit with a BBH membership. Backpacker accommodations range from dormitory-like arrangements to private rooms with bath. They may be large and full of boisterous young people, or small and quiet. With small places, you may have the kitchen almost completely to yourself. In the communal kitchen and eating area there will be a varying selection of cookware, utensils, and dishware. We carry camping gear including a thin plastic cutting board, a nesting pot set, lightweight cups, bowls and utensils, and plastic storage containers labeled with our name. I often used our own cooking pots and plates in backpacker hostels since hostel guests do not always do the best job of cleaning up their dishes. If I did use communal pans or utensils, I washed them thoroughly beforehand, using something other than a possibly contaminated communal sponge or dishrag. It is a good idea to cook and eat outside of the most crowded mealtimes, particularly at large, popular hostels. Otherwise, the atmosphere of “combat cooking” may defeat your efforts to keep gluten off surfaces and people may assume that your newly washed pot is there for them to use. But it is wonderfully convenient to be able to cook your own food and refrigerate your groceries and leftovers. You need to bag your food, clearly label it with name and date, and make sure that it is sufficiently protected to prevent contamination from other people’s food in a stuffed refrigerator. A lot of restaurants and cafés throughout New Zealand offer gluten-free menus or menu options. While you need to be prepared for this not to be true in the more remote areas, even there you will often have pleasant surprises. I do recommend that you advise the waitperson that you are celiac. If they look at you blankly, say that this requires that you be very strictly gluten-free. If they still look blank, go somewhere else to eat. In a properly gluten-free-conscious place, the staff will confirm with the chef that your menu choice is safe and note the need for special care on your order. I had one worrisome experience after eating at an Indonesian restaurant in Napier. The Dutch owner seemed very knowledgeable about celiac and told me exactly what I could have, including sauces. Afterwards, as we were paying for the meal, I saw that some of the bottled sauces were for sale. I read the label on one and it clearly contained wheat. The owner was mortified and assured me that these were from older stock and that the sauces I was actually served were gluten-free. Life as a celiac is never risk-free – but since I had no reaction later, I can hope he was right. The bottom line is that New Zealand really is a great destination for the gluten-free traveler.

Celiac.com 12/20/2016 - I know of many people with celiac disease who dread traveling. They even cringe at eating out in restaurants. One person actually said it on the Web: "I have celiac disease, and I was sick of being poisoned in restaurants, even after asking for gluten-free food." It can also be disastrous to spend even one week in a foreign country where there is a language barrier. Part of the problem? Point your finger at yourself. Many of us do not prepare ahead and travel with our diet in mind. According to Wm. K. Warren, Medical Research Center for Celiac Disease in San Diego, celiac disease is twice as common as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and cystic fibrosis. The website GlutenFreeTravelSite.com has named Pennsylvania as the most celiac-friendly destination in the world. Wow! Eating out can be difficult for several reasons. We do not yet have a global definition for gluten-free. It does not exist in the restaurant world. Most restaurants buy in bulk, such as a 12" x 6" can of tomato sauce, a gallon of sweet and sour sauce, and huge bags of fries, which more and more are being tossed in pure flour prior to frying. I have heard that McDonald's is now offering items that do not have gluten in the ingredients to allow for the possibility of inadvertent cross contamination. Their famous fries are made gluten-free in a separate fryer. Hamburger patties and many breakfast items are also gluten-free. Early breakfast at McDonald's before you "hit the road" with a packed car in which your children are belted in. This sounds like a travel brochure for New Zealand, but Celiac.com states that traveling in New Zealand is a pure pleasure for the celiac. Gluten awareness is widespread, there are gluten-free food options virtually everywhere you go, and product labeling for allergens and gluten is typical. Those of you planning a Disneyland holiday this year will be pleased to note that Disney is earning major kudos from people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and other food allergies. They claim that for more than a decade Disney has worked to provide information and options to guests with food allergies. I read a negative blog about gluten-free dining in Maui, and have one to add myself. I would suggest calling ahead; I would suggest not dining at the peak busy periods. Our waiter did not know what celiac disease was, and I did not have my information sheet with me in those years. (I have grown up since then!) The waiter was told twice about gluten; it was described to him. When the meal arrived at our table 3/4 hour later, my husband asked him again if there was any flour used in the making of the dish, and had he checked with the chef? Slight hesitation, hopped on one foot indicating he was busy I assume. He said the meal was "okay". I was up all night ill in someone else's home. We called the next day to do some late sleuth work, only to find out that the waiter had not checked with the cook and just ‘assumed' the meal was safe to eat. I now travel with a small file containing our "SAFE TO EAT" and "UNSAFE FOODS", or as my husband calls them, "SAFE" and "SORRY". I have laminated my own list. I carry a home-made typed sheet about celiac disease, not going into our reactions in a big way, but telling people that ingesting gluten, that means rolled oats too, can make me very ill. Celiac disease is a most difficult disease to diagnose, and equally difficult to explain "quickly" to a host or hostess, or restaurant waiter. Statistics are not standing still. Coeliac disease (celiac = Western)< (Coeliac = Great Britain, in the United Kingdom is the leading charity (Coeliac UK), and affects 1% of the children in the United Kingdom. All major grocery stores have a large gluten-free section. The last time I visited my family I made a pig of myself eating cream buns and pie, all with the International Logo, and though food is more expensive in the UK, the gluten-free food was not as expensive as it is here. We made gluten-free restaurant cards with the explanation regarding the disease on the back. This year, when we traveled to the Grand Sirenis Mayan (all inclusive) in Mexico I did not have to keep saying, "NO FARINA". (To the person filling the heated trays, I was "nuts".) After so many years of traveling to all inclusive hotels in Mexico, this year the light bulb went on. My husband wrote out an information sheet about celiac disease and our "Safe and Sorry" list and went on the World Wide Wonderful Web and had it translated into Spanish. We were able to advise the assistant manager right away upon registration. No-one at the registration desk had heard of celiac disease, so that was my education class for them. But I received exceptional service. Every restaurant we booked for supper had the information sheets faxed to them by the registration desk ahead of time and we just had to mention our name, they went down their list to check it off, and they saw the Spanish note attached. During the entire two weeks I was not sick from ingesting gluten and I did not have one dermatitis herpetiformis lesion. I thought I had one but it turned out to be a bug bite! HINT: Some hotels that provide a free breakfast buffet means you will probably have access to a toaster. Several companies now manufacture heavy-duty reusable toaster bags that let you toast gluten-free bread in the hotel toaster without fear of cross contamination. Toaster bag brand names include the following: ...Toast it Reusable Toaster Bags ... Toastabags ... Kitchen Craft Non-Stick Reusable Toaster Bags. Bring sealed bags of gluten-free cereal, and add milk and fruit from the restaurant. Bring your own rice cakes or granola bars, and ask the restaurant for cheese, fruit or for individual servings of cream cheese. You can consider faxing a note to the restaurant staff in advance to help explain the gluten-free diet. Many restaurants are more than willing to adapt their menu items to suit your needs, but these things have to be done ahead and require a bit of thought. Celiac disease is virtually unheard of in some parts of eastern Asia, so a written description in the local language will be very important. "WEB: Travel and holidays Coeliac UK" state they have information leaflets for more than 35 countries, with translations that can be used in many others. These detailed, useful phrases will help you while out and about as well as with local cuisine, applicable allergen labeling and contact details for local coeliac societies. In the UK local organizations can sometimes provide lists of hotels/restaurants and shops that supply gluten-free foods, as well as their gluten-free food list. Some celiac association chapters actually provide a "Pocket Dictionary" that they claim is the most reliable resource available for information on what's safe for people living with celiac disease. The books are updated regularly. Check at a chapter near you and see if they provide these celiac dictionaries; I am certainly going to check ours out! They advertise Spain as being the celiac's paradise. Most of the products are labeled with gluten-free symbols, and their labeling system for gluten-free is quite different from any other labeling, for example "sugar free". Brazilians are not used to the term celiac. Almost all have heard about gluten because it is law there. All the processed foods and drinks are labeled with either "contains gluten" or "does not contain gluten". That would be wonderful, rather than reading all the ingredients, almost putting the item in your grocery buggy until you read at the very bottom of the box the wording, "may contain traces of gluten". How can they measure a trace, and which box has a bigger trace than another? Even food made in a machine that uses gluten has to be avoided if you want to stay healthy. I would have thought that Italy would be a difficult place to find gluten-free foods. It is the land of pasta after all. But on the website (gluten-free holidays, trips and vacations) some of the happiest holidays by writers have been spent in Italy. Switzerland is famous for it's delicious cakes and breads, but traditional Swiss food is very celiac-friendly and their core national foods are often naturally gluten-free. Don't forget your note cards, and translate them into German and Swiss-German Traveling and living gluten-free in Australia, they say there is nothing else like it for a coeliac traveler. "This country is a haven for coeliac's and their traveling buddies alike. (glutenfreeholidays, tripsandvacations) AIRLINES: Not only have they changed their luggage weight allowance they have also changed their short flight meal rules. Under six hours flying time, they do not provide specialty meals, like gluten-free, diabetic, vegetarian or kosher. This was a big surprise to us when flying to Mexico, and a surprise to our travel agent also. Check with the airlines regarding their dietary restrictions. This may not be the case with ALL airlines, but for sardine can flying with your knees on your chest, they think the celiac does not need to eat for six hours. If they do not provide special diets you are well within your rights to purchase or take a gluten-free meal onto the plane. It anyone queries what is in the bag, you can explain you are a celiac who becomes hungry in less than six hours. Since they have vetoed peanuts as a nutritious snack on airlines and substituted with pretzels that means the non-celiac partner gets double treats and you go hungry. Make sure you have emergency snacks to fall back on in case of delays or cancellations. If you are planning a cottage or camping holiday the same rules apply. I hope you have a card in your wallet indicating you are a celiac, and if you have dermatitis herpetiformis that should be listed too. The Web site: "http://www.celiaccentral.org/holiday/cookbook/" has a holiday cookbook you can download. It is their free first ever e-cookbook featuring the top 10 gluten-free recipes from some of their recipe contests. If you are traveling by car, of course, you will travel with a cooler and ice packs to prevent food spoilage. When we go to visit family in England we purchase one of the reasonable styrofoam coolers at the first grocery store we see, along with some ice packs. Sainsbury's offers a deluxe shopping experience; if they do not have the celiac food you want there then you do not need it. Great Britain also has Costco Stores that carry gluten-free food. I found that the Web Site:" CeliacTravel.com" offered a wealth of information. You can click away all day, reading the posts and blogs, laughing and agreeing with the suffering celiac who became sick at her own wedding. It was good to know that all packaged foods in the EU (The European Common Market) countries are covered by the same food labeling legislation as in the UK. Manufacturers must list all deliberate ingredients in the ingredients list, regardless of the amount used. Manufacturers must name the particular grain, for example, wheat, rye, barley or oats or some will use the word gluten as well. Specific information for each country is given where possible in the individual travel sheets you can obtain at this site. I know that for many celiac people a holiday is synonymous with relaxing with a glass of wine, a whiskey and tonic, or a bottle of beer, but after reading on Celiac.com it has given me confidence to tell you to be very careful. Sick on holidays and don't know why? Been drinking? I know you want to blame it on something else; you are like me and the malt in colas. Oh how I loved that drink, but my gut did not, and I was a fool deceiving myself that it was something else causing my bloated crampy stomach. I cannot take malt in any form, nor can I ingest MSG; it could be cross-contamination, but the angst and pain I experience are not worth the risk. Anytime you drink away from home, like on holidays, you are at risk for exposure because non-celiacs simply do not understand how we're affected. Every single one of us have been poisoned by cross-contamination, most of us multiple times. Reactions can be triggered by poor manufacturing practices that don't include segregation of malicious gluten bits. Some products are different because of the way they were aged (ex: wooden barrels). A lot of people state, "I understand the science behind alcohol being gluten-free but I still have a reaction to any that are distilled from grains." At first I thought my reactions may have been psychosomatic. Maybe It's just because I am questioning the validity of truly being gluten-free. Not too long ago I had a very serious reaction and did research on the drink I had. Indeed it was a wheat/barley vodka. I believe for most people it may be fine, however, I have always been super sensitive and am continually reminded that I must be careful." Then we come to the beer lovers, whose hot day holiday experience includes a cold beer in hand. Unfortunately a lot of beer drinkers settle for beers brewed with buckwheat or sorghum that are combined with lower concentrations of barley malts, as are the most common brewing practices. The demands of beer-lovers with celiac disease are finally gaining the attention of craft brewers throughout the world. Most of these brewers have been researching the chemical and physical features of celiac disease, and have formulated their products with 100% gluten-free ingredients and processes that ensure purity of product. They point out that some filtering processes used by brewing companies render gluten undetectable in "low-gluten" beer; however, unless a beer is totally gluten-free, there is no assurance that it is safe for celiacs. The most common substitutions for gluten-rich grains are : buckwheat and sorghum, rice, maize, corn, and sunflower, amaranth, flax, millet, quinoa, teff, wild rice, soybean, ragi, and rape. Sorghum and buckwheat are the most common ones used in Western gluten-free beer. This Web site lists the approved gluten-free beers and the ones that have been recalled as well. There is also a "Contact Information for Gluten-Free Beer listing of Web Sites." It is rather lengthy and you will need to photocopy the information and take it with you while traveling on holiday. This site was updated on January 23, 2010, so it is already three years old, and I am sure there are lots of other gluten-free beers around. Don't risk your health by grabbing the first beer on the table at a social outing or restaurant and keeping your fingers crossed; it will not work! I'm sorry if I am ruining your holiday, but drinking does not necessarily equate to a good holiday and is one drink worth destroying the villi in your gut leaving yourself open to a multitude of connective tissue disorders? You only get one body in this life. Take care of it!