travel with a food allergy

For a few years now I've spent part of my trip with friends who have food allergies, and while I can only speak about Italy, we've just told the waiter/ess about the allergies and always been accommodated. Cooking in Rome is traditionally done with olive oil, but there are so many blended oils available that it's a good idea to ask.

Be certain to have an allergy info card in italian to make sure your server can understand.

Also go onto the Graffiti Wall section of this site. There are postings that address allergies. Also search the Travelers' Helpline archives. Allergy questions have come up before and the archives may have additional links or insights.

There was a recent thread about dairy allergy at http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/96931/dairy-free-in-italy.html Substitute the wording. I'm sure you will be fine.

Of the several times that I have been in Italy, it was easy to get directed to dishes that I could eat. The key is being able to communicate the problem. Do no expect the actual cooking to be modified to suit your allergy. When I explained my allergy, they were willing to work with me on deciding which dishes would be OK. Many times, I would really have liked something else... but I'm not often in my own kitchen when traveling, so I accept that.

"Do no expect the actual cooking to be modified to suit your allergy" I just want to emphasize this point of Diana's. In the US, if (for instance) we say "I'd like the salad, but don't put the bacon on top," the restaurant will usually accommodate. In Italy, they won't; if you don't want a salad with bacon, you have to order a different dish. My friend learned this the hard way. Luckily, he wasn't allergic, but he did get dishes made with things he didn't want, because they weren't modified the way they would be in the US. Even if the waiter said "yes" to his request, it's just not the way they do things, and the dish came exactly as it was "supposed" to (per the chef, not the customer).

Hi Sarah, we provide colour coded personalised allergy and intolerance cards for restaurants. Simply create your card online at www.dietarymenucards.com.au listing your Allergies, Intolerances and Suggestions for the Chef (suggestions are your substitutes or key ingredients that you like in your meal). These assist the chef to provide you with a well thought out meal rather than resorting to a bowl of veggies, etc. When dining out, simply hand your card to the waiting staff and tell them what you are interested in on the menu and could it be made to your dietary requirements, or ask them to tell you what is safe to eat on the menu. The card is handed directly to the chef and remains in the kitchen for your meal preparation. Get onto an online translation dictionary and list your allergies in Italian. Have a fantastic trip!