Planning a Gluten-Free Resort Vacation by Selena De Vries, RD
There is a lot to consider when traveling gluten free. Fellow celiac Selena De Vries, RD teaches us how in her ‘Live Gluten Free with Ease’ course. Want to know more? Contact Selena!
View Selena’s photo gallery of her family’s trip to Mexico!
The first thing to ask yourself is how long have you been diagnosed? If you are recently diagnosed, you will want to start off visiting countries that are easier to navigate gluten-free or else you may find yourself super overwhelmed and frustrated! Some common places that are easier to travel would be Italy, Mexico + Costa Rica. We actually have an international travel destination guide in the Live Gluten Free with Ease course.
After you successfully travel to some easier countries, it will build your confidence and your knowledge and allow you to start travelling to other countries where it may be more complex to travel GF.
Now, once you’ve chosen your destination, you need to do some research. This is the biggest difference between travelling post diagnosis from pre-diagnosis. Doing the right research is going to help set you up for success. If I could mention a few helpful tips, it would be to:
1. Know the words in the country’s language for gluten. You can use one of the many gluten-free translation cards online and the google translate app is a must-have!
2. Know the country’s cultural cuisine and what is naturally GF there and where gluten may show up. This will help prepare you to know what is generally safe there so if options are limited, you can still find something to eat.
3. Do not rely on eating out for all 3 meals/day. This is a recipe for travel burnout. It will require you to constantly advocate for yourself and you will likely feel stressed trying to source safe food three times/day at restaurants. Aim to prepare at least 1 meal/day yourself. This can be done anywhere (trust me, I’ve done it with zero cooking equipment and shelf-stable foods).
Have a question on celiac disease? Then, pop onto Selena’s IG stories on Tuesday and throw your question in the question box
Selena De Vries, RD
About Selena
Selena De Vries is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with digestive issues find food freedom. Selena understands that celiac disease not only effects one’s physical health but also effects one’s emotional health. Using an integrative approach in the management of digestive health conditions, she provides support for those with celiac disease/gluten sensitivity and nutrition coaching for other digestive health conditions.
🎙 Selena De Vries speaks with Andrea Hardy on her podcast, ‘Let’s Gut Real.’ Listen to the podcast here!
Does This Describe You?
- Overwhelmed with the conflicting information you read on the internet?
- At a loss. You can’t, possibly, fathom that there is anything left to try to feel better?
- Frustrated that you are continuing to struggle with ongoing symptoms such as constipation, bloat and fatigue?
- Ask to Join the Symptom Relief Facebook Group
Selena’s services are available online to anyone in Canada. Living in the Okanagan or anywhere in British Columbia? View Selena’s services or book an appointment!
‘Q&A Tuesdays on Instagram’
Your chance to submit any questions you may have on nutrition, education or receive downright free advice! Ask by 4pm Pacific Time and get your answer the same day!
How it works!
1. Visit Selena’s profile at https://www.instagram.com/celiac_dietitian/
2. Click on her profile picture (screenshot 1)
3. Wait until you see the “ask me a question” sticker and then click it and type your question (screenshot 2)
4. Receive your answer by clicking through Selena’s stories i.e. the same spot where you entered your question
Screenshot 1
Screenshot 2
