We’ve put together some guidelines so that when you’re on holiday, going out for dinner or lunch, or travelling, you can do so with the peace of mind that you’re eating 100% gluten-free products and won’t come across those dreaded footnotes on the menu saying “options for coeliacs”which are not actually suitable for coeliacs.".
Fortunately, there are now more establishments and companies aware of coeliac disease and associations where you can find all the necessary information for a coeliac visitor. This is where the first tip comes in.
I'll gather the necessary information.
Find the local or coeliac tourism association for the region or country you are going to visit to discover the options available to you in both accommodation and catering. If you are reading this from outside the Valencian Community and wish to visit Valencia, Alicante or Castellón gluten-free, you can contact ACECOVA, the Celiac Association of the Valencian Community, where you can find over 100 gluten-free establishments to enjoy a holiday like any other tourist.
2. Take some products from home with you.
As we know, some countries are “greener” in terms of gluten awareness and you may sometimes find it difficult to find places to go, when you arrive at your destination, it is advisable to bring with you some products that can serve as sustenance, such as bread that does not need to be toasted or snacks. Bringing food from home will prevent you from having to immediately look for a supermarket that offers gluten-free options.
3. Confirm your gluten-free request on transport
If you're planning a long-distance trip by train, cruise ship, plane, etc., and need to eat during the journey, you'll first need to find the right company that can offer gluten-free menus on board. A few days beforehand, it's advisable to ensure that your gluten-free booking has been correctly processed and that the procedures they will follow to serve it are appropriate for avoiding cross-contamination. As we mentioned in the previous point, bringing your own food from home is permitted in all cases.
4. Get an idea of what food you can bring in your suitcase
In theory, you shouldn't have any problems carrying food in your suitcase on your travels. Depending on the number of days or the distance you need to cover to your destination, you can prepare some basics like biscuits, nuts, sliced bread, tinned goods, oil, vinegar and single-serving salt packets, snacks... and of course, to avoid cross-contamination, you can bring your rubber spatulas, toaster bags, aluminium foil….
5. Enjoy your trip
You’ve got no choice! Although coeliac disease can make travelling a bit more complicated, with a bit of organisation you’ll be able to enjoy your gluten-free trip to the full. It’s always essential to take extra care when you’re out and about in places that aren’t gluten-free but do offer options for coeliacs, but this shouldn’t hold you back from travelling or dampen your enthusiasm for it.
Article written by the El Miracle team