Best Gluten-Free Vacations: My Top 5 from 10 years of Travel
It’s hard enough to pick a travel destination without dietary restrictions. Adding dietary concerns makes it even more stressful. I’ve been traveling with celiac disease for a decade. I’ve been to 29 countries and 32 US States. These are my top 5 places for the best gluten-free vacations.
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What I Bring With Me
I’ve tried lots of travel backpacks and this one by Cotopaxi is my favorite.
My go-to day pack when I’m exploring cities.
My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.
My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is a must.
Headphones – In-Ear by Bose
Headphones- over-ear by Beats – they don’t fall off my head or pinch my hair!
The only dietary card I’ll try (you get 10% off with my link)
1- Italy
Italy seems like such a strange location to be on a list of the top gluten-free vacations. It’s the land of pasta and pizza! But, Italy is very celiac-aware. Children are tested quickly when they show any signs of celiac. Plus, the culture of community and food led to options for gluten-free eaters. The combination creates a magical environment for gluten-free travelers.
This is the only place I’ve ever been where I don’t feel super out of place as a celiac! I was able to eat all of the typical foods: pizza, pasta, and even gelato in a cone!
Even in restaurants that aren’t celiac-friendly specifically, they know enough to help you be safe or they’ll kindly encourage you to eat elsewhere for your safety.
Rome has incredible options and the other major cities do as well. But, even smaller cities often have a gluten-free bakery or dedicated restaurant.
Check out the Italian celiac association or, AIC. They have so many amazing resources. They even train and certify restaurants in how to cook for celiac and gluten-free guests. Get a 2-week subscription to their app while you’re traveling to see all of the certified restaurants. It’s available for iPhone and Android.
If you have the chance, Italy should be at the top of your bucket list.
2- New York City
For a US option, New York City is one of the best gluten-free vacation spots!
NYC was one of my first trips with celiac and it’s only gotten better with time. Restaurants are dotted around the city so you can typically find something nearby but you should still plan.
I’ve enjoyed bagels, pizza, Chinese food, bakeries, and even a food truck festival while visiting NYC. There are so many amazing options!
Modern Bread and Bagel is a dedicated gluten-free location serving the best gluten-free bagels I’ve had! It’s not even obviously gluten-free so many patrons may not even realize it. It was so good I had to confirm after the first bite because it was unbelievable! Then I bought 6 bagels to bring home with me.
Posh Pop Bakeshop and NoGlu are incredible gluten-free bakeries.
Several restaurants aren’t dedicated gluten-free but are trained in celiac-safe cooking. Keste Pizza for incredible Italian food. Lilli and Loo for Chinese food that will make your mouth water when you think about it months later.
I managed to find arepas, empanadas, and more at various food trucks throughout NYC. Visit spring through fall if you want to check out Smorgasburg. It’s a weekly food truck party and there are gluten-free options!
3- Hawaii
I was shocked by how gluten-free friendly the Hawaiian islands are. Sourcing ingredients can’t be easy but they make it happen. I spent 3 weeks traveling all 4 of the major islands and ate well on each one.
Oahu is home to Pearl Harbor and Honolulu. It’s also home to amazing gluten-free food from a popular garlic shrimp truck that celiacs can enjoy to roasted chicken at Maui Mike’s. La Birria taco trucks will blow your mind. There is even an amazing dedicated gluten-free bakery.
Maui is a true island paradise. There were cinnamon rolls and donuts from dedicated gluten-free restaurants. 808 Deli is by the ocean and understands how to prepare toasted sandwiches safely. Plus, eating an acai bowl while looking out at the ocean is just another level of relaxation.
Kauai is home to tacos, arepas, and fine dining safe for celiacs. There is even a bakery on the island with gluten-free options made safely for celiacs. It’s a tiny little island and I never imagined the options I’d have.
The Big Island is home to the ultimate Iron Man race. It’s not unusual for athletes to train here so there are some restaurants with health-conscious options that work for celiacs. Eating fried fish at Foster’s while looking over the ocean was a favorite of the trip. Racha Thai was some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had. There is also a kombucha bar in Hilo that is life-changing for a kombucha lover.
Hawaii is an island paradise for celiacs.
4- Alaska
Alaska is an outdoor paradise. The mountains, glaciers, wildlife, and aurora borealis potential make it unlike anything else in the US. There is beauty all around no matter where you are.
The big cities in Alaska aren’t that big compared to the rest of the US so I wasn’t expecting to have access to many restaurants. I was so wrong. Even though there aren’t a ton of dedicated gluten-free restaurants there are lots of places that felt safe to me.
Anchorage is home to several great restaurants. Hearth Artisan Pizza is a unique pizza place with gluten-free options, gluten-free ice cream sandwiches at Wild Scoops are life-changing and Snow Bird Cafe has incredible brunch options.
Fairbanks’ Little Owl Cafe is adorable and delicious. I was a daily visitor and I have no regret. Blue Roof Bistro had one of the oddest menus so I was hesitant to try it but you should learn from my mistake. The restaurant is amazing and celiac-safe.
I even found gluten-free restaurant options near Palmer and Denali.
Having a kitchen was helpful in Alaska since we were traveling as the season was ending (which I’d highly recommend). But, I never expected to find some of my favorite restaurants in Alaska.
5- Botswana
It seems like Botswana should be a destination for the adventurous but it shouldn’t be! Botswana is much more approachable than I thought it would be as we were planning our trip.
I’m hesitant to take any kind of multi-day tour when I’m traveling since I’m at the mercy of the tour for my food. Since that’s the best way to see Chobe National Park when you’re short on time (or not keen to self-drive around in lion country), I was nervous. I never should have been worried in Botswana.
Dietary Cards
I don’t always take a card with me. But Equal Eats is the only brand I’ll use now.
I like that I can custom order a card to include my sesame allergy along with celiac.
I’ve tried several others that were recommended by Celiac bloggers and they were no good.
The wait staff laughed at the translation and said it was wrong.
I found Kalahari Tours. They had great reviews online and when I contacted them they could handle my dietary restrictions. I was still super nervous about it but it was the best option.
I had gluten-free muffins on arrival and then we left on our journey to camp in the bush for 2 nights. Our camp chef made the most amazing gluten-free bread for me in our camp! I couldn’t believe it! The gluten-free bread was better than most I get at stores or bakeries in the US.
Every meal was thoughtful and I had every confidence in them. I even asked them to let me know if they published recipes!
If you want to take a safari but are nervous (I get it). I can highly recommend the tour company we used.
This isn’t an ad and I’m not an affiliate. I just had a really exceptional trip and wanted to share!
Other Gluten-Free Vacations to Consider
If you’re looking for more options I have them for you!
Portland
Portland has long been on my bucket list. The number of dedicated gluten-free restaurants in Portland is next level. There is no other city like it. The city is also filled with gardens and parks. Mount Rainer, Mount St Helens, and Mt. Hood are nearby. Crossing my fingers that I can make it to Portland soon!
Ireland
As far as international destinations, Ireland is at the top of my list of places to check out. Ireland had a massive celiac and gluten-intolerant population. So, people are aware and the options are incredible. If you check it out let me know how it goes!
Tips for planning Gluten-Free Vacations
There is so much to think about when you’re planning gluten-free vacations. This is a short list of tips but there is so much more to think about.
Book Accommodations with a Kitchen
Even if there are plenty of restaurants for you to enjoy it’s always wise to consider booking a kitchen. You may not always need it and it’s okay if you decide you don’t but it should be a consideration. In the locations listed above, I didn’t necessarily need a kitchen but when I had one I used it!
Research
Always do your research! Even though these locations are ideal for gluten-free travel it still requires some planning.
I met someone in NYC who was having a terrible time finding food. I felt like I’d done nothing but eat for the week I was there. They hadn’t done their research. I had.
Enjoy Your Gluten-Free Vacation
Starting with one of these locations will make planning less stressful. Take time to plan but don’t be afraid of gluten-free vacations! If you’re stuck I’d love to help you plan!
Where can I travel with celiac disease?
If you’re willing to put in some work and preparation you can travel anywhere with celiac disease! Some places are easier than others. Italy, Budapest, NYC, Denver, and San Francisco to name a few.
Start easy and work toward harder destinations.
Is Hawaii good for gluten-Free?
Yes! Hawaii has many gluten-free aware restaurants. It’s also possible to find rentals with kitchens and grocery stores that are easily accessible.
Why is Italy so good at gluten-free?
In Italy, doctors are quick to test for celiac disease. So, more of the population actually knows they need to eat gluten-free. Combine that with a culture that wants to include everyone in the meal and you get a gluten-free heaven!
How can I eat gluten-free on vacation?
Research and plan!
Request a gluten-free meal on the flight if you’re taking a plane.
Bring snacks with you just in case you get in a pinch.
Look for accommodations with a kitchen.
Know what restaurants you’re comfortable eating at and make sure you have a good plan for your meals each day.
Planning and flexibility make it possible!
Which country is the best for gluten-free?
Italy is the most common answer to this question.
Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia are great options as well.
