Traveling is a ton of fun: There's all the sightseeing and adventures and of course the food to experience.
But what if you have a food allergy or sensitivity and can't enjoy the dishes set before you? For approximately 4 percent of Americans, food allergies are a reality that they deal with every day.
While that could put a definite strain on a trip, it doesn't need to with some research, planning and expert help.
Thirteen years ago, Sandra Beckwith was diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where eating foods with gluten can damage the small intestine. This could make it complicated when she travels. "
You know those stories when people are stuck in an airplane on a tarmac and they have a pizza ordered?" said Beckwith. "I can't eat it."
Beckwith must follow a gluten-free medical diet, which means no wheat, rye, or barley or anything made with those items.
"Think sandwiches, pizza, pasta, Asian food made with soy sauce, well, it's a long list," said Beckwith, owner of BuildBookBuzz.com in Fairport, New York. "I work around it by knowing what I can automatically rule out, stressing to the waitstaff that it's a medical issue and not a lifestyle choice, checking menus online before going to the restaurant, and reading restaurant reviews."
She also packs gluten-free foods, spends time researching restaurant options and uses a Find Me Gluten Free phone app.
"I usually travel with lots of Think Thin bars, apples and almonds. When I attend conferences with group meals, I have to make a special request for a gluten-free meal. Fortunately, that process is much easier today than it was 13 years ago because food and beverage departments are more aware and better-educated, as are meeting planners."
If you have food allergies or sensitivities, don't forgo your vacation. Instead, Stacey Hartmann, owner of Enjoy Vacationing in Waunakee, Wisconsin advises her clients to not go cheap.
"Your health is so important that it's essential to pick a resort, cruise line or destination that you know can meet your needs to avoid illness or side effects while traveling," said Hartmann, who is also gluten-free.
In addition, she said that there is no such thing as too much planning: "Talk to a travel agent with knowledge in this area, if at all possible. Those of us who travel with food sensitivities know the trials and tribulations and may have very specific dining recommendations for you."
Hartmann knows first-hand that not every destination 'gets it' while others certainly do: "I have traveled to Jamaican resorts that confused gluten with dairy and resorts in Mexico that made it one of their top priorities. I've traveled on cruise lines that have kitchens just for those with sensitivities."
It's just as important for travel agents to do research into food allergies to serve their clients better.
"When you are on fams, make sure you are asking questions about food and how the prep is handled in the event of an allergy or sensitivity,' said Kelly Ortiz-Elgin of Guru Travel in Elgin, Illinois. "Knowing who will care for your clients the best gives you leverage when selling travel. In many cases, you can offer a better property simply on knowing and having experienced this on behalf of your clients."
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