Food Intolerance and Travelling. Is it a good idea?

It is estimated that around 20% of the worlds population suffer from a food intolerance which are often quite difficult to diagnose but can be problematic to sufferers in many different ways. Some intolerances are severe whilst others are just mildly annoying but non the less steering clear of the culprit ingredients/additives can prove to be a task in itself when holidaying and travelling abroad.

Cruises are one way to travel where a wide range of special requirements can be catered for well and rarely pose guests a problem, resort hotels in the west are catching up but are often unable to cater adequately for guests unable to eat some every day products such as wheat, but what about travelling further afield and touring? Out of the question you would think wouldn’t you? Especially in places such as Asia and the Far East for example where western food isn’t as widely available as it is in some destinations and therefore unlikely that they could or would be able to provide special meals for guests with a food intolerance.

Well you would be wrong. OK so I’d be lying if I said you could go touring in to the deep wilderness to a tent retreat and be met with a huge spread of safe choices to choose from, but no one would expect that. Lets be realistic. Hopping from hotel to hotel is a great way to tour and there are some fantastic tour organisers out there who are able to arrange special catering requirements and we are lucky enough to be able to work closely with some of them.

Just this last week I received some really positive feedback from a guest who has a gluten intolerance who had just returned from one of bucket list collection trips to China. Their intolerance means they are unable to eat anything containing gluten, but aswell as that none of the pans or cooking utensils can be contaminated. Food must be stored and prepared seperately and in many cases can only be cooked in a certain type of oil, which is why it proves to be so difficult for some providers due to limited work space and also knowledge.

It is possible and it can be arranged, don’t let your food intolerance or allergies hold you back. There’s a world out there for you to discover and we can help you do it without going hungry 🙂