No doubt: Traveling while on a diet can be stressful. This is particularly true when you do not have control over what food will be served.
I should have known. As an ulcerative colitis (UC) sufferer and an avid traveler, avoiding my triggers—gluten and certain nuts—is not always easy away from home. Although I always plan ahead, sometimes I can’t help but eat a bag of potato chips or a handful rice crackers on a trip.
This is hardly a unique experience. One study Findings show that people with inflammatory bowel conditions like UC, Crohn’s and UC/Crohn’s are less likely to travel and that up to 40% say that their disease has impacted the destination they choose. Food allergies also cause travel restrictions, with 42% of those with food allergy fears limiting their number of vacations. one survey found.
While getting away may feel overwhelming, the good news is vacationing with dietary restrictions is doable—even on an all-inclusive trip. There are a few extra things to consider when planning, but dietary restrictions do not have to stop you from traveling the world. Here are some insider tips to help make the planning process easier.
Book with companies that are adept at accommodating dietary needs
Some resorts, cruises and expeditions are better at accommodating dietary restrictions than others. It’s still worth checking to see if the companies you are interested in will be flexible and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Booking with Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney, Princess and MSC is a great idea if you are planning a vacation. These cruise lines are more accommodating for people with dietary restrictions, according to the cruise critics we talked with and travel experts. Luxury travel advisor says that cruise ships are generally very accommodating of food allergies, intolerances and special diets. Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Alli Allen. “Plus, there are many restaurants to choose from, including speciality dining, which can make it easier to find food that suits your taste.”
Disney Cruise Line, for example, offers gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and no-sugar options in their restaurant table service menus. They can also accommodate guests who are allergic to soy, eggs, fish or peanuts. Princess Cruises is another standout, as they are known to be very accommodating to people who have celiac. They offer gluten-free pizza, pasta and bread, and cater to those with celiac.
All-inclusives with full and half board options, and most hotel chains have programs to manage allergies and are willing to work with complex dietary requirements. You can be more concerned if your requirements are not met. Condé Nast Traveler travel specialist Mark AllveyUntold Story Travel CEO suggests a stay in a wellness retreat. Brands like Six Senses with properties around the globe and Chiva-Som, in Thailand, are especially accommodating. “Nutrition is at the heart of our guest experience. So whether you’re gluten-free vegan or low-sodium you’ll be in safe hands.”
