Honeymoon and food allergies

From what I understand, all Sandals resorts take food allergies extremely seriously. We are doing a sandals resort with butler service, and I've heard we get an email ahead of time asking about all of our food and drink allergies/preferences so they can stock our bar/fridge and make sure any reservations we make for meals are aware of our allergies.

You can find a ton of stuff anywhere. Just don't order anything breaded, substitute with corn tortillas (if you're eating tacos or whatever) and inquire about what is used in any sauces. Most everything else should be pretty obvious to avoid (bread, crackers, etc).

You may be better off planning a trip to a destination that doesn't require staying at a resort. Most restaurants have options and substitutions to accommodate this.

@Joanna - Gluten hides in a lot of things, though. If OP is traveling internationally, that might make it hard to read food labels. Plus, there might be a communication issue in trying to ask about what's being used.

OP, I second the Sandals recommendation. Any major all-inclusive chain (Sandals, Secrets) is going to be pretty good about accommodating allergies. If you want to travel internationally and not at an all-inclusive, you can still do your own shopping and packing. H always reminds me when we travel that "We're not going to the moon." There will usually be a grocery store or market to pick things up. You might plug a translation app into your phone so that you can translate food labels if you need to (or carry a dictionary).

I found this fun infographic for you, if it helps: https://www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free-lifestyle/traveling/infographic-how-to-eat-gluten-free-abroad/

I have a severe dairy allergy and when we went on the Princess Cruise line they were AMAZING! We are traveling internationally and I bought some food allergy cards in the language of each country we'll be in so that there is no confusion. I don't tend to have a hard time traveling, but I do pack snacks just in case we come across a place that can't accommodate me (which has not happened yet)

ETA: I had look up where I ordered the cards from. It's https://www.selectwisely.com/ they weren't expensive and should be helpful!

Back when I was first diagnosed no one was aware of gluten free stuff or heard of such a thing because it was so rare back then. Now over the years people have become more aware of it. It's amazing how my town became to having nothing gluten free and now I have a ton of options within restaurants.Some restaurants have gluten free items listed on their menus or even a completely gluten free menu. Just ask your servers see if they know anything about it. Also you should know of things you can have when eating out such as potatoes, meats. Mexican food which is my fav

My fiancé has celiacs. He never even mentions it at restaurants, he just orders something he knows he can eat. If he wants something like a burger, he just requests no bun.

He's also had his diagnosis for 10 years though so he's had a lot of practice during that time!

If all else fails, eat meat, veggies, and fruit, no sauces. Cheese is safe. If you eat soup, make sure they didn't thicken it with flour. Cornstarch is safe. Baked potatoes with butter, veggies and bacon. I have a friend with Celiac whose favorite thing to say is, "there's never a shortage of calories for me to put in my face." You already know no beer. I think be careful with cheese sauces as they can also be thickened with flour. Gravy = flour. Just do the same stuff you do here.

I also have Celiacs and I travel a lot! Do some research wherever you decide to go and you'll probably be ok, many resorts and cruise lines have designated gluten free chefs and much more!

Karisma Resorts does an amazing job with guests with food allergies. We work with a lot of clients who are vegan, have Celiac, or have other special dietary requirements. Of all the all-inclusive resort chains, I think they do the best job with guests with special dietary needs. Last year we had a bride who was allergic to corn, dairy, wheat, eggs and kiwi. She said the food was some of the best she ever had!

We've been worried about this as well. I have gastroparesis, so there's a lot i can't eat. I also have food allergies. We'd like to do a cruise, but not sure if that's the best thing to do.

@mrs.potts thanks for the information. I do know what to eat and what to stay away from. I'm just scared about new foods. If I'm an unsure I do ask to see the ingredients or google it. But sometimes I just want to be a normal chick and go with the flow and have that fruity fun drink. A girl can wish lol

Some countries have tons of options for people like us. I have the same and I'm also allergic to dairy and nuts. Learn how to say how to describe it in the language of the country you'll be in and you shouldn't have trouble...again depending on where you are. For me Italy, Spain, France, and Japan are no problem (been there before). I'm Hispanic and Mexican food is ok too. Just be aware of how things are made and most places will have alternatives.

Good luck!

Another thing...depending on the country some are more used to handling celiac disease better than other. Also, I'm sorry you have to take food for yourself at friend's houses mine are really good about it and I know a handle full of them also have celiac disease or other allergies and they take it very seriously.

I have celiac disease too. We are going to a Zoetry resort in Mexico. When we were deciding on the honeymoon, we realized that we didn't want to be hunting down food the entire time, so choosing an inclusive place that has a good reputation for working with gluten-free needs was our priority. Everyone already mentioned all of the other chains we considered. There are also travel agents that specifically organize GF trips and find restaurants for you.

Anything affiliated with Disney is excellent at accommodating food allergies.

You can also drink Titos vodka and gluten free beer (FH likes Omission Pale Ale).

Were you recently diagnosed? I can understand a new diagnosis would be very overwhelming. When I first started dating FH and wanted to make him dinner, I was so nervous I ran every single ingredient by him!

Trust me though, GF is not limiting at all. If all else fails, meat and veggies or potatoes will be your go to. We go to Italian restaurants without a problem all the time. FH has traveled internationally for work dozens of times without a problem. Cross contamination is real but in ten years he can count on one hand the number of times he's gotten sick while eating out.

Work with a travel agent or a local celiac group. They should know which resorts are easy to work with.

Were are you thinking of going? Come to Ireland I know All restaurants here are very celiac aware. Many offer a good gluten free menu, as we have the highest rate of celiac desease in Europe and I believe in world too. Particularly in the west of the country. I don't know why but It is common, so most places if you mention it will be accommodating, if they can't be they will tell you straight out if thier kitchens aren't set up for it. In Europe all restaurants have to display allergens on thier menus so that helps a bit. Also from working in restaurants in Ireland I certainly know staff were very aware of the seriousness. Just need to tell them you are Celiac and not gluten intolerant (which is a popular fab amoung some). Also if you didn't want to eat out, all of the supermarkets in Ireland carry a good range of gluten free products.

We are going to Sandals Ochi and have already scheduled a meeting with the head chef when we arrive. They are very good about allergies.