"Exploring the World, Gluten-Free and Fearless!"

As someone who has traveled extensively while managing celiac disease, here are some personal tips based on my experiences:

Research is Key: Before traveling, I extensively research gluten-free options in the destination. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, and even local celiac communities or forums for recommendations.

Pack Essentials: I always pack a stash of gluten-free snacks, like protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit, to ensure I have safe options on hand in case of emergencies or limited food choices. This is a great box of snacks to pack!

Communication: I've learned key phrases in the local language to communicate my dietary needs effectively. Additionally, having a written explanation of celiac disease in the local language can be incredibly helpful. These worked great when traveling out of the country.

Notify in Advance: I inform airlines, hotels, and any tour guides or hosts about my dietary restrictions well in advance. This ensures they can make necessary accommodations and arrangements. In my experience, boat excursions, zip lining tours, Hawaiian airlines, and many others have provided Gluten Free meals with notice.

Stay Flexible: Despite careful planning, there have been times when gluten-free options were not available or plans changed unexpectedly. In these situations, I stay flexible and have alternative options in mind.

Trust Your Gut: If something doesn't feel right or if I'm unsure about the safety of a meal, I trust my instincts and choose not to eat it. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and ruining your trip!

Pack Gluten-Free Travel Cards: I carry gluten-free restaurant cards in multiple languages to help communicate my dietary needs effectively, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken. As I mentioned above, these were very helpful when we traveled to Mexico.

Stay Positive: While managing celiac disease while traveling can be challenging, I try to focus on the adventure and experience of exploring new places. With careful planning and a positive attitude, it's possible to enjoy travel while staying gluten-free.