Gluten-Free Getaways

Summer time brings fun in the sun activities and stress-free relaxation.  However, traveling gluten-free away from familiar territory can cause some unwanted stress and put a damper on your vacation plans.

Have no fear; there are now several websites you can visit to help navigate gluten-free where ever you may choose to roam.

• www.glutenfreetravelsite.com provides vacation reviews, featured cities, and gluten-free restaurant menus.  The site is sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Sprue Association, and the Gluten Intolerance Group.  They also provide several links to helpful hints and tips as well as other websites dedicated to vacationing gluten-free with ease. Featured vacation spots include Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Disney World, Timeshares and Rentals, and Cruise lines just to name a few.
• http://thesavvyceliac.com is also a great resource for planning your summer vacations.  Information for romantic/honeymoon vacations, gluten-free family vacations, and the best gluten-free vacations in the U.S. and abroad.

Of course, whenever in doubt or to help calm pre-vacation concerns, never hesitate to call your destination hotel and/or surrounding restaurants to see if they provide gluten-free options.  Chances are they do or are helpful in suggesting gluten-free options.  With over 3000 gluten-free products available you can always visit a close by supermarket to stock up on necessities and store them in you hotel fridge or bring along for the day’s adventures. 

When dining at a restaurant that doesn’t offer gluten-free menu, safe choices are always plain fruits, vegetables, meats and rice.  Tell your waiter to hold the seasoning, spices, broths and gravies.  Your waiter might just surprise you and have Celiac Disease too.  Never hesitate to speak up...ultimately restaurants want to make their customers happy and are often willing to step outside the box to do so.