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But when you – or someone you’re travelling with – has a food allergy or autoimmune condition, that excitement comes with an extra layer of logistics, label-reading, and the occasional panicked game of “what exactly is in this sauce?”
This topic is especially close to my heart. I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease in 2019 – quite the plot twist for someone who married into an Italian family and has spent her whole career in the travel industry. No gluten? In this household and career? Cruel and unusual punishment, universe.
But while gluten is my personal nemesis, I know I’m not alone. From nut and shellfish allergies to dairy intolerance and everything in between, managing food safety on the road is a universal challenge. And it’s not just about avoiding discomfort – for some of us, it’s about avoiding serious, long-term health risks – or even death.
So, whether you’re travelling for work or just trying to survive a family road trip, here are a few tips to hopefully help you navigate the world safely – and still enjoy the journey.
Planning Isn’t Extra – It’s Essential
It’s not fussy to plan ahead when your body treats gluten, peanuts or dairy like a biological threat. It’s survival.
Every trip for me starts with a bit of research:
- Can the hotel cater for Coeliac guests?
- Are there restaurants nearby that take allergies seriously?
- Will I need to pack snacks like I’m heading into the wild? (Spoiler: absolutely.)
Expert tip: Allergy support organisations recommend contacting accommodation ahead of time to check kitchen protocols, especially regarding cross-contamination. If you’re flying, inform the airline at least 72 hours in advance and confirm again at check-in – then again on board.
Trust issues? Yes. Necessary? Also, yes.
Always carry a Travel Plan for Allergic Reactions, especially for anaphylaxis, and make sure your travel buddies know where it is and what to do if things go wrong.
A little pre-travel prep can turn a potentially stressful experience into one that’s smooth and ideally, safe.
No, It’s Not Just a Lifestyle Choice
Here’s the thing: I’d love nothing more than to tuck into a big bowl of porridge on a chilly morning. But it’s not the foods I miss most – it’s the convenience.
Having Coeliac Disease means every single gluten exposure causes irreversible damage to my body, increasing the risk of things like GI cancers and other autoimmune issues.
So no, it’s not a preference. It’s not a diet. It’s a medical condition – and it matters.
Same goes for anyone with a food allergy. A little bit doesn’t mean a little reaction – it can mean the difference between a good trip and a medical emergency. And when you’re in transit, at 30,000 feet or halfway across the world, that risk becomes even harder to manage.
When people downplay food allergies or treat food like a quirky eating habit, it’s not just frustrating – it’s dangerous.
The Hidden Cost: Emotional Fatigue
Yes, the physical risk is real – but so is the emotional toll. Travelling with a food allergy means constantly thinking ahead, asking questions, and worrying about being “that person” again. Honestly, it can be exhausting.
The thing I miss most? Spontaneity. Being able to just say yes to dinner plans without Googling the menu, emailing the chef and packing a backup meal in my handbag.
So if you’re travelling with someone with an allergy or intolerance, a little empathy goes a long way.
Let them pick the restaurant.
Back them up when they double-check the waiter.
Don’t eye-roll when they ask if the chips share a fryer.
And to those of us doing the asking? You are not a burden. You’re just taking care of yourself – and that’s something to be proud of.
Resources (and Snacks) Are Your Best Friend
There are brilliant tools out there for allergy-aware travellers – including this great guide from Allergy Facts Australia. It covers essential tips like:
- Carrying an Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan
- Always having a cooler bag for safe storage of medications or food
- Making sure your travel insurance covers food allergy-related emergencies (not all do – sneaky, right?)
- Keeping your emergency medication (like an EpiPen or antihistamines) in your carry-on, not checked luggage
Also: snacks. Always bring snacks. I don’t care if you’re flying to a city with 400 restaurants – when it’s midnight and the minibar has nothing safe, you’ll thank me for that emergency muesli bar.
If you’re working with a Travel Management Company (TMC), use them! A good TMC will factor your allergy needs into every booking – from meal requests to hotel kitchens to emergency contacts on the ground.
It’s not just about comfort – it’s about safety and peace of mind.
A Few Allergy Truths to Keep in Mind
Food allergies are a bit of a minefield if you don’t live with one. So, in the spirit of keeping all travellers alive (and slightly less irritated), here are some quick things to know:
- There is no such thing as ‘mild’ Coeliac Disease – you either have it or you don’t.
- Vegan ≠ gluten free. I can’t tell you how many people have proudly presented me with a chickpea curry, confident it’s safe. (Bless.)
- Asking if I can just ‘have a little’ might get you a death stare. Or a very polite smile – depending on how hangry I am.
Travelling internationally? Print out or download an allergy translation card in the local language to explain your dietary restrictions clearly – especially in countries where food labelling laws are patchy or non-existent. (Hand gestures only get you so far.)
If in doubt, just ask kindly. And listen when someone tells you what they need.
Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Reminder)
Travelling with food allergies can be a pain – but it doesn’t have to be a barrier. With the right planning, support and (I’ll say it again) snacks, you can travel safely and still enjoy every minute.
To those living with allergies: you’re not too much. You’re not a hassle. You’re just someone looking after yourself – and that deserves respect, not raised eyebrows.
And to the rest of the world: take us seriously, ask before you assume, and maybe – just maybe – don’t offer us vegan quiche when we say gluten free.
