{"id":55683,"date":"2025-05-19T12:39:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T10:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/?p=55683"},"modified":"2025-05-21T11:16:53","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T09:16:53","slug":"traveling-food-intolerances-and-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tui-blue.com\/en\/traveling-food-intolerances-and-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel with Food Allergies and Intolerances"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Anyone who travels with food intolerances or allergies knows the challenge: where can I find something I can eat? What happens if my body suddenly rebels \u2013 whether on the train, plane or bus? In this article, I share my personal experiences, practical dos and don’ts, and a few insider tips on how to travel safely and as relaxed as possible despite dietary restrictions \u2013 from the journey to your stay, whether you have irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, a nut allergy or lactose intolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips first:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Find out about food options along the way and at your destination, but don’t rely on them. Just because something is theoretically available doesn’t mean it will actually be available. Bring along snacks that you can tolerate.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Take enough emergency medication and pills with you, such as lactase pills if you are lactose intolerant, emergency kits if you have nut allergies, medication and teas that regulate digestion. Do not rely on being able to find the medication you always take abroad.<\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Download a translation app <\/strong>that also works offline so that you can communicate your specific needs in foreign languages and understand menus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
A international health insurance policy <\/strong>covers medical costs incurred abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Tissues<\/strong> or a few sheets of toilet paper<\/strong> are your best friends in an emergency. Keep some in every bag!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Getting there: Choose the right means of transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A car is the most flexible option for anyone with special dietary requirements. You can take your own food with you, take breaks <\/strong>whenever you want and react to any digestive problems that arise. A must: Always have plenty of toilet paper<\/strong> and your own medication <\/strong>within easy reach \u2013 e.g. lactase pills, antihistamines or remedies for stomach cramps. However, travelling by car limits the range of destinations. From the UK it’s easier and shorter to fly to the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Travelling by train is also a good option \u2013 provided that the toilets are working. It’s best to bring your own food<\/strong>, as the on-board bistro rarely offers suitable options for people with specific intolerances. Even if the on-board bistro menu promises gluten-free or vegan options, these may not be available at the time. Remember to always bring an emergency supply of something you can eat!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
By bus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bus travel is often difficult for people with digestive problems or sensitive diets. Toilets are either unusable or permanently occupied, and breaks are rare. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the bus is the worst option<\/strong>. Be sure to bring your own food<\/strong> with you, as the snacks sold or the options available at rest stops are rarely good for your digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By plane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On planes, in-flight meals are often problematic<\/strong> \u2013 even if they seem harmless at first glance. The list of ingredients in a sandwich usually reads like a chemistry book, and anyone who has ever wondered why bread tastes different on a plane will find the answer there. Therefore, the rule is: always bring your own food with you on low-cost airlines<\/strong>, especially if you have a vegan, gluten-free or allergen-free diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With traditional airlines<\/strong>, you can often order a special meal<\/strong> in advance \u2013 for example, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or even a so-called \u2018bland meal\u2019<\/strong> for people with sensitive digestion. Please note: depending on the airline, the special meals sometimes taste like hospital food after stomach surgery \u2013 but they’re better than trying to endure a long-haul flight with stomach ache and flatulence. Your seat neighbours will also thank you if you don’t suffer from bloating. A calm stomach and intestines are worth their weight in gold, especially on night flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMy bland meal on Air China, which tasted very good. Unfortunately, on the return flight, I was served \u2018hospital food\u2019.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
I highly recommend bland meals for irritable bowel syndrome! One more thing: carbon dioxide is particularly hard on the digestive tract at high altitudes. So avoid sparkling water and coke. Caffeine <\/strong>dehydrates the body and exacerbates constipation, so it’s best to drink still water. If you need to use the toilet quickly, here are a few tips: Secure a seat in the aisle<\/strong> so you don’t have to climb over sleeping passengers, preferably near the toilets<\/strong> because the aisle is often blocked by the food service\/on-board sales.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip: If you are staying at a TUI BLUE hotel with a Grab & Go station<\/strong>, take some snacks from the hotel<\/strong> with you for your return flight. That way, you know what’s in them and they taste better than the sandwiches on the plane!<\/p>\n\n\n
\nProvisions on the return flight: sandwich from the TUI BLUE Sarigerme Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Anyone suffering from >allergies<\/strong> should be particularly vigilant: anaphylactic shock above the clouds is life-threatening. Never rely blindly on the airline \u2013 take your emergency medication with you, inform the staff, and always have a snack with you that you can definitely tolerate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Tip: <\/strong>Sitting for long periods and not drinking enough fluids can slow down digestion. Go for a walk, drink plenty of fluids, and if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, a glass of apple juice or a pear can often help to stimulate digestion. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Cook for yourself or be pampered? Holiday apartment vs. hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 2 of the preparation: Where will I stay? You usually have the choice between a holiday apartment\/holiday home and a hotel\/guesthouse. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both types of accommodation for your trip as a person with special dietary requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holiday apartments: advantages and disadvantages for your diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you rent a holiday apartment<\/strong>, you have the great advantage of being completely in control of your diet. You know exactly what you are eating, what ingredients have been used, and you can feel safe \u2013 especially important if you have severe intolerances or allergies such as coeliac disease or shellfish allergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, this freedom also means more responsibility<\/strong>. You have to shop, cook, wash up \u2013 things you already do in everyday life. This can mean additional stress<\/strong> on holiday, especially for families with young children. And there is always the risk that you won’t be able to find the right products where you are. In some regions, gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan foods are only available to a limited extent or not at all<\/strong>. So you need to be well prepared and bring a lot with you from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion:<\/strong> Holiday apartments are therefore a safe choice for anyone who wants to know exactly what they are eating. The price you pay for this is a little less relaxation and a little more planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hotel: Works if it’s the right hotel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In comparison, a hotel<\/strong> \u2013 especially with a buffet or half board \u2013 naturally offers more convenience<\/strong>. You don’t have to worry about a thing and can let yourself be pampered. The disadvantage<\/strong>: you give up some control. What sounds like relaxation at first can quickly become a source of stress if you have special dietary requirements and don’t know exactly what’s in the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have some really good news for you<\/strong> \u2013 especially if you often feel left out when it comes to eating at hotels: at TUI BLUE Hotels<\/strong>, you can finally relax at the buffet and help yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nVegan corner at the TUI BLUE Sarigerme Park in T\u00fcrkiye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The dishes at the buffet are clearly labelled<\/strong>, and not just with the classic allergens<\/strong> such as gluten, milk or nuts<\/strong>. Ingredients that can be problematic for people with irritable bowel syndrome or FODMAP issues \u2013 such as onions or garlic<\/strong> \u2013 are also clearly marked. So you can see immediately: I can eat this, I’d rather not eat that. And all without having to ask, without embarrassing special requests, without feeling like you’re being \u2018difficult\u2019 again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\nThe allergens are perfectly labelled at the TUI BLUE Scheherazade in Tunisia!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
This means: a holiday like everyone else’s.<\/strong> Simply go to the buffet, fill your plate and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you prefer to eat in the \u00e0 la carte restaurant<\/strong>, all allergens are listed on the menu<\/strong> and you can view the menu in advance in the BLUE app<\/strong>. If you have coeliac disease or other dietary requirements, it is really worth informing the hotel in advance. Every TUI BLUE hotel has a BLUE Guide Kitchen<\/strong>. This is your point of contact for all things food. They not only know the dishes, but also how they are prepared in the kitchen<\/strong>. Whether gluten-free, nut-free, lactose-free, low-fructose or irritable bowel-friendly: they will cater to your needs once you let them know.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nGluten-free, lactose-free and vegan ingredients for breakfast at the TUI BLUE Pasha Bay in T\u00fcrkiye. Packed separately to prevent cross-contamination with gluten.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLabelled gluten-free bread at the Turkish TUI BLUE hotel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nA selection of gluten-free products at the hotel in T\u00fcrkiye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
If you have a \u2018difficult case\u2019 (such as coeliac disease), you won’t be given just any improvised alternative, but often even a special creation just for you<\/strong> \u2013 tailored to your needs, of course. You just need to give the kitchen enough notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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