I'm a fairly experienced traveler with a new (to me) problem: Turns out I'm gluten intolerant. I've spent a year learning how to live with this here and it's getting a lot easier. Does anyone know what I'll encounter in Europe? Specifically Italy, Greece, Crete and London. Leaving in a month. Thanks, Sally
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
http://www.celiactravel.com/gluten-free-cards/21-italian.html
print out the cards provided and show them to the restaurant, deli, market or where ever necessary.
Posted by
OP
Portland, Oregon, USA
2 posts
The cards look interesting, and I think I'll order a packet. Has anyone actually used them?
The celiac travel sites seem to be just getting up and running. Not a lot of information there from travelers.
Sally
Posted by
Springville, Utah, USA
34 posts
Sally, I'm going to send you a Word file that has a lot of information gleaned from the RS Helpline. (It is five pages long!) We found lots of good information for our upcoming trip to Europe. My wife has been Celiac for 20 years, and it is always something we are concerned about. It sounds like there are resources to help us do well, and I wish you well on your trip!
Anton
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
368 posts
My wife is GF and we have traveled with her allergy. I find the most difficult thing is articulating to a non-English speaker that 'sure I can't have gluten or wheat, but I will have whatever you can make for me'.
We found in Japan that even if you wrote something down on a card listing what you can't have, most places won't think outside the box for what you CAN have. Not sure what it will be like in Europe for this as this is the first time she has been with her dietary restrictions.
In my opinion it is completely alright to find someone who is bilingual at the table next to you (if possible) and have them help out. Better yet, make a friend and bring them along.
Ultimately, I think a lot of picnic lunches are going to be in order, and you will have to be flexible around the allergy. Sure salads get boring, but they are better then not eating at all!
Posted by
XXX
1170 posts
I have the same problem too, but did find lots more help and knowledge in London than in France. This time we are renting apartments so hopefully I can buy whatever I can eat and prepare it at home. I would love to eat some pizza in Rome though :-(