Introduction: Why I Started Travelling Gluten Free

Australia

I’ve always been fascinated by travelling the world. I was lucky enough to go on some family trips around the globe as a child, but those dreams were put on hold throughout University (and Covid hit right at that time), but my passions were reignited after graduation. As a gift to myself, I went on a Contiki trip to Ireland and Scotland, and thus started my drive to continue travelling. But, there’s always been one big hurdle to overcome with travel (apart from time and money). I’m celiac, and have the anxiety to go along with it.

I don’t remember a time before I was celiac. I was diagnosed in late 2005 or early 2006 when I was four years old and from that moment on, my world became gluten-free and anxiety-inducing whenever food was concerned.

Growing up, my meals were carefully planned, my snacks came with labels I checked twice, and restaurant outings involved more questions to the waiter than I could ask at that age (big thank you to my parents). It wasn’t just about avoiding bread or pasta — it was about the invisible danger of cross contamination (more on that later).

As I got older, my love for travel grew. I wanted to see new places, meet new people, and try new things. But there was always a shadow over the excitement: what if I couldn’t find safe food? What if the hotel breakfast was full of hidden gluten? What if the “gluten-free” pasta at a restaurant was cooked in the same water as the regular one?

The truth is, traveling with celiac disease can be stressful. It’s not just about managing your health — it’s about constantly explaining your needs, double-checking menus, and sometimes walking away from what looks like a perfect meal because it isn’t worth the risk, even if you feel like you’re missing out. And when you add budget travel into the mix, the challenge can feel even bigger.

I’ve had some difficult travel experiences because of it. In grade 10, I went on a trip to China and basically survived on smoothies. Every. Single. Day. Two years later, on a 10-day trip to Europe in grade 12, I ate my way through an entire box of granola bars I’d brought from home. Not exactly the cultural cuisine I’d been dreaming about (and caused me to become sick of my favourite granola bars at the time).

But, over the years, something changed. I learned. I made mistakes and made it harder on myself than I could have, but I also eventually found my rhythm. I discovered how to plan ahead without overplanning, how to find safe eats even in unexpected places, and how to build confidence so that food anxiety wouldn’t steal the joy from my adventures. And, above all else, how to successfully research ahead of time so I don’t stress (too much) while on the road.

Now, I want to share that with you. This book isn’t just about where to go — it’s about how to go there and feel safe, relaxed, and ready to enjoy yourself. Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone you love, whether you’re heading to a bustling city or a quiet beach, you deserve to have an amazing trip without the constant fear of where your next meal will come from or of cross-contamination.

The purpose of this blog and these blog posts are not only to share my experiences and how I learned to travel while eating completely gluten free, but is to help you plan your own trip while fitting in those incredible gluten free food experiences. My love of travel has morphed from dreaming about it to planning my own trips from start to finish, budgeting, creating itineraries, and caused me to change career paths. I’ve now worked at a tour operator and travel agency, and have so many more skills I can use to create the perfect trips for myself and whoever I travel with. And, I would love to use those skills to help others like myself.

These blogs will focus on many of the places I’ve currently been and I’ll cover everything from packing your own gluten-free “emergency kit” to finding budget-friendly, safe restaurants. I’ll share my best tips, favorite spots, and a few hard-learned lessons, so you can spend less time worrying about food and more time making memories.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling but hesitated because of celiac disease — or if you’ve traveled before but want it to be easier, less stressful, and more joyful — this site is for you. It’s the guide I wish I’d had back then — part practical tips, part personal stories, and part “you’ve got this” pep talk. It’s for anyone who wants to see the world on a budget without having their trip hijacked by gluten anxiety. Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone you love, whether you’re in a busy city or a quiet seaside town, you deserve to feel safe, confident, and excited about your meals. I am always riddled with anxiety, so if I can do it, then you can do it too! 

So let’s ditch the food stress, keep our budgets happy, and go explore the world — gluten-free,  worry-free (well, less worry), and budget-friendly. If you ever have any questions or want help with any travel planning, feel free to reach out! I'm only an email away.

Get in contact