TRAVEL: Traveling with Dietary Restrictions

Editor’s note: Dominica News Online is pleased to introduce a travel column to the website. It is written by travel writer, Theo Alleyne.

There is nothing more frustrating than feeling so hamstrung by specific dietary restrictions, that you are unable to travel anywhere because you do not believe your dietary needs can be fulfilled.  I know a cerebral gentleman, who was unable to travel away from his home for more than 48 hours because of his unique dietary needs.  Upon learning of his concerns, I share with him some tips that made long distance travel a possibility for him.

With the evolution of client focused travel, dietary restrictions are no longer an impediment to travel.  Whether traveling by air, land or sea, vacation providers now cater to many dietary needs.  I remember traveling to Venezuela about 15 years ago on a shoestring budget with some vegetarians.  Eating was a challenge for my friends, because the Venezuelan diet is a pork, beef and chicken intensive diet. I clearly remember one day stopping at a Mediterranean-style restaurant that offered a vegetarian platter with couscous, cauliflower, eggplant and grape leaves.  It turned out to be a colossal waste of money as the cauliflower appeared to be preparing for a triathlon. It was literally swimming in oil.  Last year, on a five-day trip to several all-inclusive resorts in Margarita Island, I noticed that menus were varied and catered to several dietary needs.

Regional air transport in the Caribbean no longer offer meals, so dietary needs are not in question. Caribbean Airlines offers meals for specific dietary needs (Diabetic, Vegan, Muslim, and Gluten free meals) on long haul flights, and emphasize that all meals are pork and peanut free. Copa Airlines offers Kosher meals Produced under a Rabbi’s supervision, in addition to those offered by Caribbean Airline. Of the seven international airlines with scheduled fights to North America from Piarco, British Airways offers the more diverse offers for dietary restrictions.

Cruise lines have improved to meet dietary needs as well, and can offer meals for dietary restrictions comparable to North American and European airlines. However, like airlines, the availability of food for dietary needs may differ by cruise line, and an experienced travel agent can help you navigate your options.

When traveling overseas without a structured tour, there a few things you can do to stay within your dietary restrictions.  First, consider accommodations with facilities to prepare your own meals.  If traveling to a country where you expect language barriers, you may want to consider, translating your dietary preferences or food allergies in the local language on Google translate, or you may purchase Dietary Cards.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your accommodation staff can be a useful resource in finding restaurants or good grocery stores suitable for your dietary needs.  Remember the gentleman who didn’t want to travel because of his dietary needs? He now travels with his own food supplies in his checked and carry on luggage.  He recently had to attend a business trip, which kept him away from home for two weeks, so he mailed his food supplies to the hotel.

If you or someone you know is afraid to travel because of their dietary restrictions, please share this article with them.

Theo is travel professional and travel author with more than 15 years of experience personalizing cruises, rail vacations and all inclusive resort getaways. His business niche includes small ship and river cruises, and international rail travel.  Theo pioneered No USA Visa Cruises™, and Layaway Cruise™ in Latin America and the Caribbean. Theo is a certified cruise, rail and resort specialist. Contact him via email [email protected] or (868) 631-8785.