Travelling with dietary restrictions often feels like a nightmare. As a gluten-intolerant traveller, my recent trip to South America was a stark reminder of the significant challenges that come with maintaining a gluten-free diet on the go. From airlines to hotels and even Michelin-starred restaurants, the struggle to find suitable options was real.
The Risks of Travelling with Dietary Restrictions
Despite the growing awareness of gluten intolerance, many travel providers still fail to offer adequate accommodations. This not only leaves gluten-intolerant travellers frustrated and overlooked but also poses serious health risks. The implications can range from mild discomfort to severe health complications, even becoming life-threatening in some cases.
For those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, maintaining a gluten-free diet is not a choice but a matter of life and death. The risk of accidental gluten consumption means you may have less time to enjoy your trip or even long term health damage. The constant need to research and request gluten-free options can be time-consuming and stressful, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the trip. Travel providers must grasp the gravity of this situation and ensure that gluten-free options are readily available and safe.
Premium Service Reality Gap
It’s infuriating to see so many establishments and service providers that claim to be premium still falling short. People with dietary restrictions are a growing demographic, and many of us are more than willing to pay premium prices to have our needs accommodated.
It’s disheartening to see that even in business class, where superior service is expected, the options for those with dietary restrictions are often limited or nonexistent. In business class lounges, where a range of high-quality options should be available, the reality is often disappointing. On my recent trip, the best I could find were a few sad pieces of unappetising fruit and some packaged gluten-free bread.
Seriously? Is this supposed to be a premium service? The lack of variety and quality is particularly challenging for travellers accustomed to a diverse and healthy diet.
Service providers must wake up and cater to everyone who pays the premium, not just the majority. If premium service isn’t about catering to individual preferences, what is it about? Luxury travel should include personalised service, attention to detail, and an overall exceptional experience. For those of us with dietary restrictions, this means having access to safe, diverse, and delicious food options that match the quality of the mainstream offerings.
A Call for Inclusivity and Respect
Providing equal-quality alternatives for those with dietary requirements isn’t just about convenience; it’s about inclusivity and respect for all guests. It isn’t just about gluten-free; this standard should also apply to other dietary needs, such as kosher and halal.
It’s 2024. The hospitality and travel industry must adapt to the needs of vegetarians, vegans, and those with other food allergies. These are not trends—they are essential requirements for many travellers, and we need more than just a banana. By doing so, they provide better service and show respect and inclusivity.
Steps Towards Inclusive Travel
So, what must be done to make travelling inclusive and pleasant for all, regardless of dietary needs?
It starts with awareness and education. Service providers must understand the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and their impact on the travel experience. Ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about gluten-free diets and investing in training for personnel can help alleviate concerns and provide peace of mind for guests.
It is crucial to provide clear and accurate labelling to avoid confusion and ensure that travellers can make informed choices without accidental gluten consumption. Offering a variety of gluten-free options helps travellers maintain a diverse and healthy diet. Technology can also play a significant role in improving the travel experience for gluten-intolerant travellers. Mobile apps can help find gluten-free restaurants and cafes and provide information on gluten-free options at airports and hotels.
Tips for Gluten-Free Travel
Sadly, the dietary requirement revolution isn’t going to happen overnight, so while we wait for the industry to change, here are some tips for travelling gluten-free – you can also adapt this guidance for other requirements:
- Plan Ahead and Bring Backup Food: Finding something to eat while in transit is often more challenging than eating at your final destination. Bring non-perishable snacks and meals to ensure you have options available.
- Research Good Restaurants for Coeliacs: Use online resources and travel guides to find places that cater to your needs.
- Use Gluten-Free Restaurant Cards: Carrying a card that explains your dietary needs in the local language can help you communicate with servers.
- Eat Fresh, Local Cuisine: Many cultural foods are naturally gluten-free, and eating fresh rather than processed foods can help you avoid gluten.
- Consider a Gluten-Free Travel Company: Yes, such businesses actually exist. Booking with a speciality gluten-free travel agency allows seasoned professionals to handle the details for you. While I have never used these services myself, I will seriously consider doing so in the future. Given the rising prevalence of gluten intolerance, starting an agency like this could be a lucrative business move.
Let’s push for a future where disappointing travel experiences are relics of the past. It’s time to embark on a new era of travel—one where dietary needs are not an afterthought but a priority. Imagine a world where every gluten-intolerant traveller can savour their journeys without a second thought. Let’s demand better, embrace inclusivity, and redefine luxury travel to truly cater to every palate because the future of travel should be as delicious as it is inclusive.
Το άρθρο Beyond the Banana: Demanding More for Gluten-Free Travelers εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο TravelDailyNews Asia & Pacific.