When you have an immune disorder like Celiac disease, you've got to be mindful of the foods you're eating. That's usually simple enough when you're choosing food in your own local community. However, when you start traveling out of the country, it can become much more difficult to find gluten-free foods. This is particularly true if you're traveling to countries that are low on the gluten-free awareness scale. After all, not all countries are as familiar with the disease. If you're going to be traveling out of the country, you need to be prepared to care for your own specific dietary needs as they relate to your Celiac disease. Here are three travel tips that will help you live a gluten-free life, even while you're traveling.
Know the Symbols for Gluten-Free
When you're traveling out of the country, you'll find that some countries are more aware of Celiac's disease, and gluten-free lifestyles, than others are. Many countries will even have signs and symbols in storefronts and restaurants that let you know they have gluten-free offerings. Before you start traveling, take some time to identify the symbols for each country you'll be traveling to. That way, you'll be able to identify the safe dining spots right away.
Learn the Phrases
If you're going to be traveling to countries that don't speak English as their native tongue, you need to be prepared to identify phrases and words that will spell disaster for your diet. Make a list of the specific foods and ingredients you need to avoid, and then learn those phrases in the language of the country you'll be traveling to. It will be much easier for you to identify danger foods if you know what you're looking for on the menu's and ingredient labels.
Pack Your Own Supply
If you're going to be traveling to remote locations along the way, you'll need to take some added precautions. To make sure you're prepared for times when it won't be easy to access gluten-free foods, it's a good idea to pack your own supply of safe foods and snacks. Instead of loading up all your check-in baggage with items that you can purchase when you get there, designate space in one small suitcase for healthy snacks that you'll be able to eat, should the need arise. Be sure to check with your travel agent to make sure that the foods you're packing are allowed into the country you'll be visiting. You don't want to get stuck in customs because you brought gluten-free crackers that are prohibited.
If Celiac disease has you worried about traveling out of the country, use the simple tips provided here to help you plan a safe, and enjoyable vacation abroad.
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