Gluten Free Traveling And Safety

Being on a gluten free diet does take a whole lot of extra time and attention, especially if you are traveling. After all, in many places you can't just pop into a room, throw a steak on the grill or stovetop, prepare a baked potato and dinner gets served. What happens if there is no stovetop?

Travel by land, sea or air many times has it's reservations when you are on the road. Interruptions in the schedule can be a norm. You have to be prepared for any eventuality because there is never any way to know when your next "dead food zone area" may be just around your next corner. When and if you are on a gluten free diet, especially if you are a celiac, just one little bit of cheating for the night is not an option.

So for some travel hints and tips to try to make every trip a little easier and safer, give these a try:

• Get yourself a doctor's notice of diagnosis. Use this at restaurant's, the hotel, amusement parks, office parties/meetings, airports, ball parks or entertainment complexes. Anywhere you are questioned why you must carry your own food, the proof is right in your wallet.
• Wear a medical ID bracelet in case of emergency
• Purchase yourself a small cooler and some reusable ice packs which go into a freezer. Carry your own food with you in case you do hit one of those "dead food zone areas" where you are unsure if the premises have any selections which are safe for you.
• Always carry an updated food restrictions card on your possession. Anywhere you are it can be offered to explain your situation.
• Always call ahead and make reservations for your lodging. Let them know you require a refrigerator in your room and why. In case they can not accommodate you, call somewhere else.
• Carry your own emergency travel pack. Having your own wash cloths and towels, dish cloths and towels, toiletries and cosmetics etc. means there is no chance you get caught without.
• When shopping in a new area, sometimes you may not be able to find the brands you normally purchase. Be cautious about asking questions and then the answers. Most store employees will not be familiar with your condition so the answers, although well-meaning, that doesn't always make them correct.

Practice does make perfection but in this particular case, being prepared right up front will make your trip, and your health, a whole lot safer right from the minute you step out of your home until your safe return.