When you have special dietary requirements, travel is not as easy as for people who do not, but it can be done! It takes more planning than for families who can jump in the car, train, bus, ship, or plane and eat anywhere.
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Traveling with Special Dietary Needs
Many people do it all the time, and now more and more places are willing to accommodate and go out of their way to help! Remember, though, that eating out can be risky, including cross-contamination! Always keep at least two EpiPens on hand as a precaution.
Planning Makes Perfect: Food Shopping on the Go
Before You Leave
Before leaving home, you should search online for stores with allergy-free foods, such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
Print out maps for the locations you will be traveling to or through on your vacation. This way, you will know where they are located and how to reach their destination.
If Major Chains Are Not Available
If no major chains carry a good assortment of specialty allergen-free foods, then search for Health Food Stores. You can do the same type of search when traveling to other countries. A little planning will go a long way toward making your trip safe and enjoyable.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Find Allergy-Friendly Restaurants
Several registries online list restaurants and bakeries that can provide special dietary menus or have staff with allergy-free knowledge.
If you are going to a specific location, search online for the city and the dietary needs you require, such as “Chicago Dairy-Free” or California Gluten-Free.”
You should be able to find links to restaurants and shops.
Communicate Your Needs: Allergy-Free Wallet Cards
When dining out, presenting an allergy-free or allergy-translation card is often a smart idea. These wallet-sized cards can be handed to the server to explain details about your special dietary needs.
They are available in various languages. There are several sites where you can purchase these cards. “Food Allergy Card” is an app you can use to create a card and store it on your smartphone. It also works offline. You can choose from 14 food allergens and over 40 languages—a useful tool when traveling.
[2]Source: Equal Eats
3 PLACES YOU CAN GET FOOD OR ALLERGY CARDS
Select Wisely [3]
Equal Eats [4]
Allergy Force [5]
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is vital for everyone, including people with food allergies or chronic illnesses. Not all travel policies cover preexisting conditions, and food allergies are considered a preexisting condition.
They may cover the “acute onset of a preexisting condition,” so you must carefully research when buying a policy. There are timelines regarding when to buy your policy, so it is best to research before making any payments or ticket purchases for your trip.
You can get more information here at International Insurance [6].
Flying
Airlines do not allow ice packs, but they do allow frozen water bottles. Just drink or pour out any melted water before you go through TSA. That way, you can keep your food and medications cool while traveling.
Cruising
One of the best ways to travel if you have special dietary needs is a cruise ship. Contact the ships’ dietary department at least ninety days before sailing to notify them of your needs. Cruise ship food service employees are usually very well-versed in the special food needs of their patrons.
When you board your ship, you will likely meet with a special allergy coordinator or chef. Just go to the main dining room to request it. Depending on the cruise line, you will order all your meals in advance or one day before.
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Panoramic view of Partners statue (Walt Disney and Mickey) in Magic Kingdom ( — Photo by VIAVAL
Amusement Parks
Many amusement parks are becoming increasingly allergy-friendly. A couple exceptional places that are very allergy-friendly are the Disney parks. For California, email [email protected] [8] and ask for a Special Dietary Request Form. They ask you not to contact them sooner than 14 days before arrival.
For Florida, contact [email protected] [9] and request a Special Dietary Request Form again no sooner than 14 days before your arrival.
Disney makes navigating the allergy menus on their websites for Disney-owned restaurants very easy. While the allergy menu options are listed as a guide, Disney chefs are highly trained in creating memorable meals for special dietary needs. ALWAYS ask to speak with a chef, especially if you have anaphylactic food allergies.
Special dietary meals are brought to the table with an allergy stick and, in quick-service restaurants, served on a different-colored tray. Do not hesitate to ask a chef if you have concerns about any foods brought to you.
Another great allergy-friendly theme park is Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari [10], located in Santa Claus, Indiana. They offer an array of foods free of the top eight allergens. The parks’ employees are specially trained to understand food allergies and intolerances.
Legoland has also joined the bandwagon to understand food allergies and intolerances. For advanced information about Legoland in San Diego (Carlsbad), email: [email protected].
You can also review their allergy-friendly food options and in Winter Haven, Legoland Florida offers a Dietary Guide [11] and other allergy information. You can also email them at [email protected] [12].
For Legoland in Windsor, UK, Germany, and Denmark, contact their food service department to inquire how they can assist you.
Most, but not all, amusement parks are very good about allowing you to bring your own food and beverages if you tell them prior to them searching your bags that you or your child is on a restricted diet.
It might be wise to carry a doctor’s note stating so in case they ask you for proof. If someone gives you a difficult time, go to Guest Relations.
Packing Tips
Some wonderful companies carry backpack coolers. They are ideal for traveling. You can find some on Amazon, as well as the following online companies where you can order one:
RTIC Outdoors (Backpack Cooler) [13]
Igloo Coolers (Backpack Soft Coolers) [14]
Arctic Zone (Backpack Coolers) [14]
These backpack coolers are ideal for hiking, biking, picnics, or any excursion while traveling for the day or longer.
When traveling in the United States, you can usually get a refrigerator delivered to your hotel room for free if you contact the hotel ahead of time and explain that you or your child has dietary needs.
If they tell you there is a charge, mention the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and you will get your refrigerator free. This is a legal accommodation for someone with a disability or disorder requiring special foods.
Vacations should be a wonderful experience for family time and bonding. Do not let food restrict your time together. This helpful guide should open many culinary doors for you and your family! Bon Appetite.
Additional Online Resources
Food Allergy Traveling Plan [15]
Gluten Free & Allergy-Free Passport [16]
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) [17]
Helpful Articles
- Do You Struggle With Planning Healthy Meals for Your Family? [18]
- Traveling Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs [19]
- Kids with Special Needs and Family Travel [20]
- Ways to Save Space When Packing for a Trip [21]
- Explore and Discover Our World With the Help of These Apps [22]
- More than a Diaper Bag: Practical Tips for Car Travel with a Special Needs Baby [23]
- 7 Perks to Traveling with Your Special Needs Child [24]
- Finding GFCF Baked Goods While You are Traveling [25]
- Eating out While on a Special Diet [26]
- Where to Purchase Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Foods and Some Favorite Brands [27]
- Travel Tips for Parents of Children with Sensory Integration Issues [28]