Traveling with Dietary Restrictions: A Guide – Navigating the Globe One Bite at a Time

Oh, hello there! I see you’ve stumbled upon my little corner of the internet. If you’re here, chances are you’re a fellow Gen Z’er with an insatiable wanderlust and a dietary restriction that puts a damper on your globetrotting dreams. Fear not, my gluten-free, vegan, or lactose-intolerant comrades; I’m here to tell you that travelling with dietary restrictions is not only possible but can also be quite the culinary adventure.

1. Research is Your New Best Friend

Before jetting off to your next destination, take some time to familiarise yourself with local cuisine and restaurant options. It’s like stalking your ex’s new partner on Instagram—except this time it’s for a good cause. Look up restaurants that cater to your specific dietary needs and make sure they’re in areas you plan on visiting.

2. Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language

If you’re travelling abroad where English isn’t widely spoken, learning how to say “I am allergic to…” or “I don’t eat…” in the local language can be a lifesaver (literally). Trust me; nothing says ‘cultural immersion’ like explaining your nut allergy in broken Spanish while frantically gesticulating at a menu.

3. Pack Snacks for Emergencies

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. There will be times when finding food that fits within your dietary restrictions is as hard as trying to understand why TikTok dances are so popular (seriously though, what’s up with that?). In these moments of desperation, having packed snacks will feel like finding an oasis in a desert. Just be sure to check customs regulations before packing your suitcase full of protein bars.

4. Download Helpful Apps

There’s an app for everything these days, including ones that can help you navigate food options in foreign lands. Apps like ‘HappyCow’ for vegetarians and vegans or ‘Find Me Gluten Free’ for those with gluten intolerance can be a godsend when travelling. It’s like having a personal dietary assistant at your fingertips—minus the outrageous Hollywood salary.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

I know, I know—us Gen Z’ers aren’t exactly known for our love of face-to-face communication (why talk when you can text, am I right?). But when it comes to ensuring your food is safe to eat, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s double-checking ingredients with a waiter or asking a local for restaurant recommendations, remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry (or in this case, better to ask than end up in the hospital).

6. Keep Medication on Hand

If you have severe allergies or intolerances, always keep necessary medication on hand during your travels. And no, I’m not just talking about the kind of medication that helps you survive family gatherings during the holidays—I mean actual medical necessities like EpiPens or lactase pills.

In my own travels as a lactose-intolerant individual who has an unhealthy obsession with cheese (I mean seriously, who decided dairy should taste so good?), these tips have been invaluable. Travelling with dietary restrictions doesn’t have to feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded—it just requires a bit more planning and preparation.

So pack your bags (and snacks), brush up on your language skills, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that won’t end in a trip to the hospital. Bon voyage, my fellow restricted-diet travellers!