Gluten Free Travel Blog

Gluten Free Travel: GF Dining on Cruise Ships Has Come a Long Way

If your idea of the perfect vacation is a cruise with multiple ports-of-call, you're in luck...cruises are fast becoming one of the better options for gluten-free travelers. Most of the big cruise lines have policies in place to serve people with special dietary needs. If you've never cruised and have been hesitant for one reason or another, consider this...cruise vacations are mostly inclusive (excursions and alcoholic beverages are usually extra, as are spa treatments), and it gives you the opportunity to visit many destinations, while only unpacking once!

On our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite, we have links to many of the cruise lines and their GF policies on our Travel Resources page. Most cruise lines recommend noting your gluten-free needs at the time you — or your travel agent — makes the reservation. It’s a good idea to meet with the Maitre d’ upon arrival on your first day on the ship, too. That should enable you to articulate any preferences to the chef — and find out a bit more about the GF options on board. Some cruise lines may even tell you more about the gluten-free staples they stock on their ships when you first make your reservation — and they might also take specific requests for favorite brands. It doesn’t hurt to ask — you are a paying guest, and you have chosen their cruise line. It is in their interest to make you happy!

It is definitely worth mentioning, however, that many cruise lines don’t seem to be very consistent in satisfying their gluten-free guests. It can vary from ship to ship, region to region — and may have a lot to do with the knowledge of the particular Executive Chef in charge. We have received many reviews of cruise lines on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Most can be found on our Caribbean page of reviews. Generally, the ratings are favorable, with the higher-end lines like Celebrity getting the best ratings. One parting bit of wisdom: Take a bag of non-perishable food like crackers, snack bars, cereal, and even your favorite bread. That way, if you're disappointed in the selection or brands of GF food offered, you'll have a back-up!

Have YOU taken a cruise recently? On what line? Were you pleased -- or disappointed? Please share your comments below -- and then perhaps take a few minutes to submit a more detailed review on our website so other Celiacs searching for feedback will benefit from your feedback! 

Have a comment on today's post? If so, leave it below and you'll receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs listed below. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

 

 

Best Hotels and Resorts For Gluten Free Travelers

BLOG HOP, DAY 4: In my post a few days ago I talked about choosing a condo or hotel that comes equipped with a kitchen, kitchenette -- or at the very least, a mini fridge and microwave --  when traveling. But there will be times this isn't possible -- like at some resorts. Then you'll need to spend a little more time in advance of your trip ensuring you'll be able to safely eat at the restaurants available to you.

First, call the resort (or hotel) and ask to speak with the Executive Chef to asses his or her gluten-free knowledge. Ask what type of choices you’ll have for meals — and if they don’t offer some of your favorite staples (a certain type of gluten-free pasta, bread, or pizza, for example), ask if you can ship some things on dry ice to arrive a few days before your stay. There’s a pretty big range of gluten-free knowledge when it comes to chefs. If you’re okay with “the path of least resistance” that some chefs take (serving you some form of protein — like plain, grilled chicken without sauce — and a baked potato and steamed veggies), that’s fine. But if you prefer more interesting preparations full of flavor and sauces, you’ll want to keep looking until you find a hotel or resort that is more creative with fancier GF food preparation. 

Some hotel chains have recently begun rolling out gluten-free breakfasts and an array of gourmet gluten-free choices in their restaurants. Particularly noteworthy are the Omni, Fairmont, Ritz Carlton, and now Hyatt chains. Many Club Med and Sandals & Beaches resorts also make an effort to accommodate gluten-free travelers, although it seems a bit inconsistent across properties (call before booking!). And then there are countless independent B&Bs and resorts both in the U.S. and overseas that are "GF friendly." There's something for everyone if you search the travel reviews on our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite. I was recently recommending honeymoon destinations to a GF friend, and my recommendations ranged from a hotel on Kauai to a resort in Phuket, Thailand to a cruise! Heck, there's even a dude ranch in Arizona that goes the extra mile to “wow” gluten-free guests!

What's the most memorable place YOU'VE ever stayed? Leave a comment below and you'll receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs listed below. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

 

Great Bets for Gluten Free Travel in the United States

BLOG HOP, DAY TWO: In this second installment of my Gluten Free Dining and Travel Series, I wanted to cover the subject of gluten free DOMESTIC travel opportunities. I'll be covering international locales in another post.

When it comes to locations in the U.S. that afford gluten free travelers plenty of safe dining options, there's no better place to start than our annual contest winners. Each year, GlutenFreeTravelSite awards one particular location the title of “World’s Most Celiac-Friendly Destination.” The contest recognizes locations that offer a wide range of dining choices for people following gluten-free diets. The results are determined by tallying the number of user-submitted dining and travel reviews received throughout the year for each location on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Here's what I'd recommend if you want to if you want a true "vacation from worry." These destinations have so many GF dining options, you'll want to extend your trip!

2008 Winner: New York

Not surprisingly, New York was the winner in the first year of our contest. New York -- especially Manhattan -- is a great place to visit if you have Celiac Disease. Awareness is good, and restaurants are eager to cater to the increasing number of local and visiting GF patrons. Gluten Free diners have their pick of many regional and national chain restaurants with gluten-free menus, as well as numerous independent neighborhood restaurants throughout the state -- some with gluten-free menus and others willing to tailor just about anything on their menu, within reason. You'll find many small, independent restaurants that offer GF menus -- many times as a result of a family member or friend being diagnosed with Celiac. Scan our page of New York reviews or better yet, enter a specific town or zip code on our Search/Mapping page.

2009 Winner: Florida 

Florida was the winning destination our second year, due in large part to the numerous reviews submitted for the Disney properties.  So if you have kids (or just love theme parks), you really ought to consider a trip to Disney World. It's become the “gold standard” in terms of catering to guests with special dietary needs. Disney takes this job seriously, and they do a great job of making everyone feel welcome at their restaurants, parks, and resorts. There are gluten free options available on the menu at almost any Disney-operated restaurant, and the chef or manager will personally discuss safe menu options with you. Plus, the entire Orlando area and other Florida cities are also home to many national restaurant chains that have developed Gluten Free Menus. Read Florida reviews or enter a specific town (Lake Buena Vista for Disney) or zip code on our Search/Mapping page.

2010 Winner: The Washington, DC Metro area (including Maryland and Virginia suburbs) 

The Washington, DC metro area had a particularly impressive showing in 2010. Reviews of many independent restaurants as well as chain restaurants offering gluten-free menus give visitors to the D.C. area a wide a range of “safe” choices. No matter what type of food you desire -- haute cuisine or casual family dining, Italian or Ethiopian -- you can always find plenty of places offering great gluten-free options. Read Washington DC reviews or enter a specific zip code on our Search/Mapping page.

2011 Winner: California 

Californians have always been at the forefront in the areas of health and wellness. Northern Californian restaurateurs, in particular, have risen to the challenge once again and met the demand for gluten-free options. Visitors to this state will typically be met with knowledgeable and accommodating chefs that are aware of the gluten-free diet and its importance. When dining at a restaurant, just be sure to let the server, manager, or chef know that you require a gluten-free diet out of medical necessity, since there are many celebrities in California (and elsewhere) who follow a gluten-free diet by choice. Scan our California reviews or enter a specific town or zip code on our Search/Mapping page. 

Happy Traveling...we look forward to hearing about your journey -- and receiving your reviews of the places you discover!

Have a comment on today's post? If so, leave it below and you'll receive one entry into our giveaway of a $25 P.F. Chang's gift card, to be selected at random from all entries received by May 18, 2012, the last day of our Blog hop. Each person is allowed one entry/comment per day for each of the 10 days of posts (May 7-11 and May 14-18), for a total of 10 entries on THIS Blog. You have the same opportunity for entering a total of 10 times for the giveaways on the other 9 Blogs. The giveaway is limited to U.S. residents who are 18 years or older. The Giveaway begins May 7, 2012, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 18, 2012. No purchse is necessary. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen. 

Would you like to get more great gluten-free tips on baking, dining out, and kitchen tips? Check out today's posts from other Blog Hop participants: 

Getting Started - Linda at The Gluten-Free Homemaker 
Resources – Wendy at Celiacs in the House
Eating Out – Heather at Gluten-Free Cat
Frugal Tips – Janelle at Gluten Freely Frugal
Cooking – Carrie at Ginger Lemon Girl
Baking – Jules at Jules Gluten Free
Kids – Lynn at Lynn’s Recipe Adventures
Lunch Boxes – Tessa at Tessa the Domestic Diva
Shopping – Laura at Gluten Free Pantry

Gluten Free Travel: Dude Ranch in Tucson, Arizona Welcomes Gluten Free Guests

If you're looking for a different kind of vacation -- whether as a couple, a family, or group of friends -- you may want to consider a week at an authentic western ranch. But let's face it, even if you've been intrigued by the prospect of an adventurous vacation like this, you've probably quickly dismissed it on the grounds of your gluten-free diet. 

Enter White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona...

This authentic western ranch is not only well-run with fantastic accommodations, but their friendly staff gives their guests with special dietary needs the royal treatment. In fact, one recent guest who visited the ranch back in January submitted a review to our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite, and raved about her experience, from the food to the activities. Guests at White Stallion Ranch will find that all meals, rides, entertainment, activities, and even transportation to and from the airport are included in their stay. Only a very few services, like massages, are available for an extra fee. 

Most meals served at the ranch are naturally gluten-free, and everything is fresh and homemade. When an item such as bread was offered, gluten-free substitutions were always availabe, and care was taken to keep the GF food separate from items containing gluten. 

To read more details about White Stallion and our reviewer's experience, visit our Featured Review page. Have YOU ever been to a dude ranch? If so, what was your experience like -- both from a general perspective -- and a gluten-free perspective? Share your feedback below by clicking the Comments button. Thanks!

Gluten-Free Travel: New REDUCED Price on Gluten-Free Weekend at Canyon Ranch

You may remember my announcment last Fall that travel agent Lesley Hock had arranged a spectacular Gluten-Free Getaway Weekend at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires. Well, I have great news...

Canyon Ranch has just reduced the price of the 3-night getaway, being held from May 3-6, 2012, at their resort in Lenox, Massachusetts. Their special new rate for this group is like saving up to 45%! But space is limited...so if your body and soul could use a bit of pampering, be sure to give Leslie a call for more details. I think you'll be tempted by all that this world-renowned spa resort has to offer...

Just imagine spending three nights getting away from the stress and responsibilities of everyday life…relax in a serene setting…attend complimentary classes and seminars geared to health and wellness…be pampered with spa treatments…and have gluten-free menu selections readily available.

Set in the elegant Bellefontaine mansion in the serene town of Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires -- and just a short drive from New York City or Boston -- Canyon Ranch health resort and spa has set the standard for luxury spa resorts from the time when the original location in Tucson, Arizona opened in 1979.

Lesley Hock, a travel agent with Travel Leaders who has helped many GlutenFreeTravelSite clients plan "gluten-free friendly" trips, worked closely with the entire team at Canyon Ranch to put together this fantastic all-inclusive weekend. Even though it's geared specifically to gluten-free guests, you are most welcome to bring a non-GF spouse, friend, or family member…they are free to order from the fantastic “regular” menus. In fact, this special weekend makes a perfect Mother's Day gift or graduation surprise!

This is a rare chance to book a trip that's all about relaxing and recharging. You'll be in good hands with Canyon Ranch’s meticulous chefs creating mouth-watering gluten-free meals throughout your entire 3-night stay. In Lesley’s words, this is, “pampering to the max.” You’ll get all the warm, personalized attention from Canyon Ranch’s caring staff and leading health experts, who will help you achieve renewed health and balance in your life. (There's no need to pack any fancy clothes...Canyon Ranch is designed for your comfort and well-being, and casual, comfortable attire is recommended.)

This special weekend presents a great opportunity to get away with a spouse or significant other – or even treat a parent, sibling, or friend to an unforgettable experience. The peaceful environment provides a perfect setting to reconnect -- and the range of activities offers something for everyone (or maybe you’ll just opt to do nothing at all!). There are two pools, an award-winning spa, hiking, biking, tennis, and classes ranging from health and fitness to parenting, cooking, dance, and creative arts. There will be some special seminars geared toward our gluten-free group.

Best of all, your stay includes three gourmet gluten-free meals per day, plus unlimited gluten-free snacks. In fact, you won’t need to dip into your wallet at all during your entire stay…Canyon Ranch is a “no tipping facility,” and there are typically more than 40 complimentary classes and seminars to choose from each day! You are invited to enjoy all facilities and activities free of charge, even up until 5 pm on the day you check out. (Of course, spa treatments cost extra.)

The typical rate for this 3-night/4-day all-inclusive package is $3,000, but Canyon Ranch has just reduced the price to only $1,320, per person (double occupancy), which includes all taxes and occupancy charges. It’s like getting a 45% discount at this unparalleled resort. Transportation to and from either the Albany or Hartford airport is included, as is a shuttle to and from the nearby town of Lenox, should you choose to spend part of a day wandering its quaint streets and shops.

The only restriction is that guests must be 14 or older to stay at Canyon Ranch, in order to maintain the serene, relaxing environment.

For more details, or to reserve one of the rooms that have been reserved for the Gluten Free Getaway, call Lesley Hock from Travel Leaders at 800-487-6110 or email her atLhayden@travelleaders.com. 

**NOTE: Although Canyon Ranch offers gluten-free items on its menu, the Canyon Ranch kitchen is not wholly gluten-free. 

 

 

Another Great Gluten-Free Travel Getaway

It seems that our gluten-free travel needs are getting noticed, with more resorts open to hosting gluten-free weekends that give gluten-free folks -- and their friends and family members -- a chance to relax, reconnect, and enjoy a worry-free dining experience where their gluten-free needs will not just be met -- but welcomed! 

My gluten-free friend, Erin Smith -- who leads the New York City Meetup Group and is also publisher of two great Blogs, Gluten Free Fun and Gluten Free Globetrotter -- has helped organized what sounds like a fantastic Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaway weekend at the Good Commons retreat in Plymouth, Vermont in June. 

The group will depart on Thursday night, June 21 from NYC via a luxury motorcoach. A light dinner and beverages will be served on the drive up to Vermont. The following three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) will be filled with wonderful gluten-free meals prepared by highly skilled on-site private chefs, yoga classes, GF cooking demonstrations, visits from local cheese artisans, a 4-course wine-tasting dinner -- and optional massages, local tours, and outdoor activities like hiking. The bus will return to NYC on Sunday evening.

Erin wants to reassure all attendees that, “A goal of our Gluten-Free Gourmet Weekend is to make the weekend enjoyable and worry-free for everyone who attends. Although Good Commons is not an exclusive gluten-free facility, Chefs Matthew and Olivia will only use gluten-free food for all of our meals and will take extra precautions to make the kitchen at Good Commons safe for our attendees. Our weekend will be full of gourmet, gluten-free food, exploring in the beautiful mountains of Vermont, and great company.”

The rates for this decadent, worry-free getaway seem very reasonable, especially considering it includes 3 night's accommodations, amenities and classes, and all meals, snacks, and beverages. If this is a trip that interests you, you can even save an extra $75 if you book your spot by the end of March.  What a great way to explore the beauty of Vermont in the early summer...and have a skilled team prepare delicious gluten-free gourmet meals while you focus on yourself and your well-being. Whether you make this a getaway with a spouse or partner, a "girls weekend," or a mother-daughter bonding trip, you'll come back relaxed and rejuvenated! For more details on this great gluten-free travel opportunity, see the Meetup page. 

Gluten Free Travel: Cruising Gluten-Free on the Celebrity Summit

I'm constantly amazed at how the reviews of CRUISES that gluten-free travelers submit to our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite, are so varied.** Some people rave about the care that goes into preparing their meals -- and the gluten-free choices available -- while others leave the cruise sorely disappointed. That's why, this month, we chose to showcase a particularly positive review of one cruise line -- Celebrity -- as our Featured Review of the Month on GlutenFreeTravelSite. Celebrity is one line that has gotten consistently positive reviews on our site, and this month's featured reviewer (who is an avid traveler and also happens to be the National Secretary of the Canadian Celiac Association) has actually had TWO successful cruises on one of their ships...the Celebrity Summit. 

His first cruise with his wife was a European cruise back in 2008 for their honeymoon. Their more recent cruise on the same ship -- the Celeberity Summit -- involved a Caribbean itinerary of "island hopping." This Celiac traveler could not have spoken more highly of the treatment he received on board. "I was taken aback by the staff's genuine concern for my needs and remarkable ability to cater to the Gluten-Free diet." He said he "ate like a King" while on board, and his wife, who is a vegetarian, received equally impressive treatment. You can read more details about the wonderful food they were served in this month's Featured Review.

So if you're considering a cruise, Celebrity may be "just what the doctor ordered" for some R&R -- and a true "vacation from worry" where the staff will take good care of your GF needs. Celebrity recommends you let them know of your GF diet (and any other dietary restrictions) when booking your cruise. They will then have you fill out a "special needs" form prior to the trip. A "special needs" representative will even contact you for more details, if needed. Once on board, you'll meet with the dining staff the first night of the cruise. For more information, call Celebrity's Special Needs department at 1-866-592-7225 or email them at SpecialNeeds@celebrity.com.

If you would like more help planning your cruise --as well as booking flights to and from the cruise's departure location -- I'd recommend contacting Lesley Hayden, a travel agent with Travel Leaders agency. She has personally helped our family -- as well as many GlutenFreeTravelSite clients -- book successful gluten-free trips over the past several years. And she'll often be able to find you better deals than you would on your own -- saving you money AND time! Her number is 1-800-487-6110, and her email is lhayden@travelleaders.com.

Bon voyage!

** Most reviews of cruises submitted to our website can be found on our Caribbean page.

Another once-in-a-lifetime Gluten Free Travel Opportunity

I recently learned of an amazing Gluten-Free Getaway being planned by Jovial Foods. If you aren't familiar with Jovial Foods, you'll be interested to know they make what I consider to be one of the best -- if not THE best -- gluten-free pasta.  I first had the opportunity to try this Organic Brown Rice pasta this past summer at Camp Celiac in Rhode Island where my son was a camper and I volunteered as a parent counselor. Jovial Pasta looks, tastes, and feels just like the "real thing." 

Now, Jovial Foods is hosting a spectacular 7-day/6-night Gluten Free Getaway from May 27-June 2, 2012, in Lucca, Italy -- the heart of Tuscany. It benefits the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, with 25% of the proceeds of bookings going to NFCA and its fantastic programs to build awareness about Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity.  

You'll stay in an 18th century Tuscan villa and participate in three hands-on cooking classes with noted author and blogger Shauna James Ahern (a.k.a. Gluten Free Girl) and her husband, chef Danny Ahern. How fun! Imagine...being able to relax in the beautiful Italian countryside and learn gluten-free cooking techniques and tips from this dynamic gluten-free duo! If Shauna's company is as warm and entertaining as her book, you'll have an incredibly enjoyable time! And you'll be using the best-tasting pasta from Jovial Foods in preparing these authentic Italian meals. 

The price of the getaway also includes a Welcome Dinner with local pasta artisans and daily breakfast -- in addition to use of the villa's pool and hiking trails. Of course, there's much to explore around Tuscany, and this is a great place to base yourself, knowing you will be in good hands for many of your gluten-free meals. 

For more details as well as room rates, visit Jovial Foods' special page on their website. If you attend the Getaway, be sure to tell us all about it when you return -- and submit a review or two to GlutenFreeTravelSite detailing any other local "GF-friendly" restaurants you discover in Tuscany!

 

Gluten Free Travel-US Organizes Gluten Free Trips and Customized Itineraries for Individuals

It's so nice to see companies finally catering to gluten-free travelers, and nowhere is it more important than in the planning stages of a trip. While sites like GlutenFreeTravelSite are a great starting point for gathering ideas about where to stay, shop, and dine when traveling, sometimes you want to go a step further and have someone handle the research and planning for you, including contacting your hotels and restaurants in advance of your trip to ensure the chef understands your needs. And sometimes you just want someone to plan the whole trip, including pointing you towards the best accommodations when traveling domestically or abroad.

That's exactly what GlutenFreeTravelSite's new Site Advertiser, Gluten Free Travel-US does. They'll take care of all your travel needs and ensure your gluten-free expectations are met -- and even surpassed. Since owner Ellen Morse is gluten and dairy free, she is acutely aware of the challenges faced by the traveler with food allergies. She has been creating customized worldwide itineraries for travelers for 14 years. Now, with the services of Estelle Chandler, gluten free consultant and chef, she is able to extend her expertise to the gluten free traveler.

Gluten Free Travel-Us plans "gluten-free friendly" cruises and trips to destinations around the world. They also are happy to plan individual, customized itineraries that allow gluten-free travelers to choose their travel dates, itineraries, and companions. Whether it’s a family trip, destination wedding, or honeymoon, Gluten Free Travel-Us will attend to every detail, including ensuring all your meals are gluten-free. Check out Gluten Free Travel-US for all the latest in 2012 itineraries. Be sure to join the mailing list to hear about the latest itineraries. They'll take good care of all GlutenFreeTravelSite clients!

 

Gluten-Free Travel: Not-To-Be-Missed Gluten-Free Friendly Lodge in Vermont's Ski Country

Don't miss our Featured Review for November on GlutenFreeTravelSite. We showcase one reviewer's fantastic experience at Stowe Meadows Lodge, a beautiful B&B near Stowe, Vermont, where the owner is very eager to please her gluten-free guests. Whether you're a skier or enjoy the mountains any time of year, this is definitely a place to consider visiting...it's on our family's "list" of places to check out!