Traveling with Food Allergies - A Personal Journey

What is one of the top things people get excited about when going on vacation? Food! Who doesn’t look forward to tasting new dishes and enjoying delicious desserts? Food is such a big part of any trip. But when a food allergy is involved, what should be exciting can quickly become one of the most stressful and anxiety-filled parts of traveling.For much of my life, I didn’t think twice about food allergies. None of our children had them, and dining out was easy. That all changed in September 2007 when I began experiencing strange and serious symptoms. I was eventually diagnosed with Alpha-Gal syndrome, a mammalian meat allergy. Suddenly, everything changed. It wasn’t just avoiding meat anymore—I had to watch for gelatin, red dye, and cross-contamination. I had to think about whether vegetables were sautéed in meat based broth, if a pizza cutter was clean, or if my “safe” food touched something I couldn’t have. Eating outside of my trusted “bubble” became scary. And when it came time to travel, I was genuinely worried. My first trip after my diagnosis was a Disney Cruise. I want to be clear: I am not promising or guaranteeing anything. What I share is based on my personal experience and that of clients I’ve worked with who have traveled with food allergies.When I approached the buffet, I picked what I thought were safe options—salad, rolls, pasta, veggies. By chance, I mentioned my allergy to a crew member. He immediately brought the head chef, who walked me through the entire buffet, item by item. He then wrote down what I wanted and prepared everything separately to avoid cross-contamination. It turned out the veggies I had selected were cooked in beef broth, something I never would have guessed on my own. That one conversation likely prevented a serious reaction.Throughout my cruise, the staff was attentive and informed. At meals, the servers noted my allergy and confirmed each order with the chef. When I ordered a dessert one evening, my server returned with a different one because the original contained gelatin. That level of care made me feel safe and seen.

Over the years, I’ve supported clients who have traveled with food allergies, some very severe. One client, for example, had a child with multiple allergies. She was hesitant to book a Disney trip but decided to move forward after thorough preparation. I walked her through each step: adding allergy notes to reservations, speaking with servers immediately, and asking to speak with chefs at each meal.During one character meal, her daughter wanted shredded cheese from a salad bar but worried about cross-contamination. The server noticed her disappointment and returned minutes later with the largest bowl of cheese I’ve ever seen (thanks to the pictures my client shared), taken directly from the back to ensure it was safe. I’ve experienced similar levels of care on other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean. They require guests to submit a special needs form at least 30 days prior to sailing. Once onboard, guests meet with the head waiter and head chef, who guide them through safe options and, for severe allergies, prepare meals in separate areas. Each night, I reviewed the next evening’s menu with the staff so my meal could be safely prepared in advance.

From One Food Allergy Traveler to Another: Allergies should never be taken lightly. As someone who lives with a severe food allergy, I understand firsthand the fear and responsibility that comes with traveling. My role as your travel advisor is not to promise or guarantee a risk-free experience—because no one can. I can assure you though that I will walk alongside you to make sure every reasonable step is taken. I will help you:Navigate advance forms and reservation notes. Share with you the right questions to ask chefs and servers. Identify key safety measures before and during your trip. Knowledge is power and I want you to feel empowered and informed—not alone. Food allergies don’t have to take away the joy of travel. With preparation, clear communication, and a strong understanding of procedures, it is possible to create memorable experiences while staying mindful of your safety needs. I approach every client with the same care and diligence I use for my own family, because I truly understand what’s at stake.