What to Pack for Your Gluten-Free Vacation

Written By Ellen Nestorick

If you’re planning an upcoming vacation and have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you might be wondering what to pack. Well, I’ve rounded up a list of my favorite things to pack to make sure you’re prepared and ready to have a great trip!

#1: Pack snacks

This might seem obvious, but don’t forget to pack snacks! There’s nothing worse than being stuck somewhere without access to gluten-free food. I keep extra snacks in my purse or backpack at all times.

If you’re flying, make sure to check current TSA regulations. I recommend packing whole fruits and dry snacks when flying. Yogurt, salad dressings, and dips can be an issue because you are limited to how much liquid you can carry on. However, you can purchase these items once you’re through security and then can take them on the plane with you.

Some of my favorite snacks:

  • Fresh fruit like oranges, apples, and bananas*

  • Kind Bars / Larabars

  • Gluten-free Pretzels

  • Nuts / Trail mix

  • Beef Jerky (I love Chomps brand!)

  • Rice cakes

*If you’re traveling internationally, some governments don’t allow travelers to bring fresh fruit or vegetables in because it could introduce a new pest or disease into the local environment. Instead, I recommend purchasing fruit or vegetables once you arrive at your destination.

#2: Resealable Storage Bags

Make sure to bring plenty of small resealable storage bags to pack any snacks or treats that you pick up along the way. If you find some incredible gluten-free pastries, you’ll probably want to take a few extra with you for later. ;-)

#3: Cooking supplies

If you’re headed somewhere where you’ll have access to a kitchen, pack a cutting board mat, toaster bags, etc. Having items to prep meals or snacks will help prevent cross-contamination.

#4: Cleaning supplies

Take a travel pack of sanitizing wipes and a travel bottle of dish detergent just in case you need them. This will allow you to clean your cooking surfaces and supplies.

#5: Gluten-free translation cards

If you are traveling internationally, you’ll want to make sure you take a gluten-free translation card to communicate your dietary restrictions to your restaurant server. I recommend Equal Eats translation cards and you can purchase physical or digital cards. Equal Eats also offers custom translation cards for those with multiple allergies.

#6: Downloaded gluten-free apps

Do some research before you leave on what restaurants and grocery stores will be in your local area, but also download some gluten-free apps in case you need them when you’re in your destination. Some of my top picks are:

#7: Medications just in case

Bring your standard over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, digestive enzymes, probiotics, etc.), but also check with your doctor to find out what he or she recommends to help you recover. You also might want to consider asking your doctor for a note stating that you have celiac disease in case you need to present it to anyone that needs to be informed about your diet.

#8: Travel insurance documents

Things can happen on vacation and if you’re traveling internationally, I consider travel insurance a must-have. While you might have medical insurance already, most domestic health insurance policies do not provide coverage outside of your home country.

Many people don’t realize that most travel insurance companies offer 24/7 assistance too. So if you get sick while you’re away and need to find a local doctor or hospital, you can call their 1-800 number and they can help you with this process.

By taking some extra time to plan what to pack, you can have a more stress-free vacation. When you get back, if there are items you wish you would’ve brought, make a note for your next trip!

Ready to start planning your next vacation? Let us help you find the perfect destination and resort!

Ellen Nestorick
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