GLUTEN FREE TRAVELS
Being celiac or gluten intolerant should not be a problem when we travel even if sometimes it is the case, depending on where we choose to go.
The important thing is to know that there are places out there that can supply us with all the information we might need.
First thing first, there are the Celiac Associations in several European countries that are always willing to help travellers.
You can have a look on the A.O.E.C.S. that groups all the European celiac associations. http://www.aoecs.org/.
In Italy there is the AIC (http://www.celiachia.it/home/HomePage.aspx) and in France the AFDIAG for example (http://www.afdiag.fr/restaurants-proposant-des-plats-sans-gluten/)
Then there are bloggers that help too putting together interesting addresses.
At Baci di Dama we have several that are great, depending where you are heading have a look at “Let’s go out” section of our blog (http://bacididamaglutenfree.com/en/lets-go-out/). We also like Gluten free Travel & Living (http://www.glutenfreetravelandliving.it/) , Valeria Torre (http://www.valeriatorre.it/), Gluten free in Paris (http://www.glutenfreeinparis.com/)
In Europe, many fast food chains are proposing a gluten free option on their menu like Mac Donald, and Roadhouse. At Baci di Dama we are not “that” fan of fast food but once in a while, why not…!
In Nordic countries like Denmark or Sweden, society is more aware of food issues and allergies. Many grocery stores and restaurants clearly label their product gluten free or dairy free or nuts free. In Finland there are also some restaurant chains like Rosso and Kotipizza that have regular gluten free menus.
If you are planning to go on a cruise, then it is good and nice to know that some companies like
“MSC CROCIERE” has a full gluten free menu that comes with no supplement!
If you travel and are stoking some food with you for the road, bear in mind that there are some countries like Australia for example that are very strict when it comes to traveling with foods into their country. However their famous chain, Gelatissimo, has a whole gluten free range that is yummylicious to know.
If you go grocery shopping in a foreign country, it is always good advice to check that the product displays the crossed grain logo: this logo guarantees that there is less then 20 ppm of gluten in the product. That’s what makes a product labelled gluten free in Europe.
In the U.S, we can find the crossed grain symbol as well and back there, gluten free has become more mainstream. Food chains like Wamagama, Outback Steakhouse, Pizza Hut or Uno pizzeria & Grill have all gluten free foods available.
Recently I have noticed an app for smartphone called “Find me GF”: it localises restaurants all over the world. It might be fun to give it a try.
One last, small piece of advise, bring a small pocket dictionary in your bag in case you might need to explain the waiter what gluten free is…
From the Baci di Dama team, enjoy your gluten free holidays to the fullest!!!
pS photo copyright: http://www.thinkdonna.it/celiachia-vacanze-viaggiare-senza-glutine.htm
