We all know that trying to navigate dietary requirements in our native language, in our home country, comfortably and safely, can already be hugely difficult.
So how do people manage abroad?
I often print and laminate basic translation cards of key phrases e.g. “I’m allergic to X, Y and Z, what can I eat?/can I eat this?”
I also try to aim for self catering accommodation, and pack some super basic food (instant pasta (Bachelors!) and protein powder) for emergencies.
I’d love to travel more, and I always enjoy my holidays, but the idea can fill me with dread sometimes.
Do any of my fellow allergic folks have any great tips?
@Phil I think for me the key is researching and having a good understanding of the cuisine beforehand. Cooking has become a big coping mechanism for me, and recipes are the best way to learn about other cuisines. You can get a really good sense of which ingredients and spices are commonly used, which helps you pre-determine compatibility and arms you with the knowledge of what to look out for (so you’re not entirely dependent on the server).
For example, in France, I’ve learned that the biggest risks for me are mustard and green peas, despite having 20+ allergies. Also roasted peanuts are often served as a snack in bars there, so i’d opt for a can or bottled drink.
I recently travelled to Jamaica and didn’t have a single reaction the entire trip, even though food package labelling is not always clear! I steered clear of any curried dish and cocktails (because of peanut punch) and made sure to ask which “peas” (beans) were used in the rice.
That said, I still haven’t cracked travelling to Asia. Based on my research and my allergies, it’s just not a good fit. There’s just way too many of my allergens in use, and the street markets take it to a whole other level of airborne danger.
We also considered Senegal for a trip once, but during my research I discovered that it was one of the world’s leading peanut producers in the 60s and 70s, and thus it is a VERY popular ingredient in the cooking. Safe to say we didn’t go to Senegal
I totally get the dread you feel—it’s tough when you don’t know what you’re walking into. But with planning and knowledge you can set yourself up for more confident travels. You’ve already got some great strategies, like your translation cards and self-catering!
Totally agree on the cooking - it’s the main reason that I’m the chef in my house: if I hadn’t learned to cook certain dishes, I just wouldn’t eat!
I’m the same in not realistically being able to travel to Asia, which is really a bit devastating. One solution that I’ve found (albeit a cost prohibitive and environmentally unfriendly one) is cruises - I’ve had the good fortune of going on a Cunard cruise, and I was able to eat 3 hot meals a day, including a lunch packed for me for excursions, and there is even a hospital on board if needed.
Not for everyone, but a chance for people like us to safely travel further afield!
You can get a really good sense of which ingredients and spices are commonly used, which helps you pre-determine compatibility and arms you with the knowledge of what to look out for (so you’re not entirely dependent on the server).