I've been working with Lesley Hayden-Hock at Travel Leaders for about a decade now. I've used her personally to plan many of our family's trips (domestic, international, and cruises), and I've referred countless gluten free families to her over the years. Lesley has mastered the questions to ask resorts and cruises when booking clients who have special dietary needs, whether they be gluten free, dairy free, or have other sensitivities. She works with the Food and Beverage Directors directly and has developed great working relationships with a wide range of high-end resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean where service is top-notch. Many of these resorts are also what's called "gourmet all-inclusive." Lesley's clients always get special VIP treatment. The resorts understand how to keep gluten free diners safe, and they aim to please. They even go so far as arranging for new dedicated gluten free toasters -- and bake a special cake or cupcakes for a gluten free child's Birthday. It ends up being a vacation for everyone! After all, in today's "do it yourself" world, we all often try to juggle too much. If you're like me, you may find there just aren't always enough hours in the day... Read more →
International Destinations
Speaking from experience, London is one of the most fun -- and most gluten-free friendly -- cities for families. Our own family visited there over Christmas 2013. Even though our boys were only 10 and 12 years old at the time, they really got a lot out of the experience and still talk about the things we did while there. So I was especially excited to hear that one of our travel partners -- Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us -- was planning a 6-day small group tour of London in July 2020, especially geared to gluten free families. She handles all the details, so you won't have to stress about planning anything -- either before the trip or while you're there. And if for some reason you aren't interested in traveling with a group (or the date doesn't work for you), Ellen can certainly plan the same trip for you at another time of your choosing. As with any of her itineraries, you can customize it according to your family's interests and preferences, budget, and time frame. If you plan to go on your own (not the group trip), you will have your choice of either a high-end hotel... Read more →
Iceland has become the most popular destination of the Nordic countries over the past 5 years, due to its stunning landscape and the unique experiences to be had. Imagine walking on glaciers, viewing geothermal hot spots and lava fields, bathing in geothermal healing waters, standing on the "Bridge Betweeen the Continents" connecting the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and visiting volcanic craters, gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the house where Reagan and Gorbachev met to begin the process of ending the Cold War. And, of course, there is charming Reykjavik to explore at your leisure, with all of its shops, cafes, and nightclubs. This itinerary has been put together by Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us, in conjunction with an owner of the travel company Nordic Destinations, who also happens to be gluten free. As always, working with Ellen will ensure all your gluten free needs are taken care of, both at the hotel where you will stay (breakfast is included each day) and at the restaurants that she will recommend to you. Keep in mind that, although you get the benefit of "group pricing," this is not a group tour. You can travel whenever you want and with... Read more →
It's not often you run across a completely gluten free resort, but alas, there's one nestled in a prime spot in Costa Rica. Anamaya is a completely gluten free resort specializing in yoga retreats, surfing, scuba diving, or just relaxing! They welcome everyone from complete beginners to more experienced yogis and surfers. (Or you can opt to just enjoy a beach vacation there -- full of snorkeling and local exploring.) "Anamaya" is Sanskrit for "good health," an ideal the resort's staff works very hard to promote through healthy meals, relaxation, exercise, and lots of fun. Anamaya offers weekly yoga retreats, yoga teacher trainings, a variety of workshops, gourmet organic meals, luxurious spa services and array of retreat vacation packages, all situated atop a cliff edge with one of the best ocean views in Costa Rica. There are also optional excursions to popular spots in Costa Rica and an optional scuba certification program. The resort is located in the tropical beach town Montezuma, just 25 minutes from Santa Teresa and its famous surf spots. Anamaya Resort has been 100% gluten-free for years now. The resort was inspired to become gluten-free after Chef Jeff Horton joined the staff. Chef Jeff made it... Read more →
If you love Italy but have already been to some of the popular tourist destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice, you may want to consider a more "off the beaten path" tour of one of Italy's many beautiful and less touristy areas. This is Bluone Tours' specialty: guided, small group tours to many of the regions of Italy known for their history, medieval hilltop towns, religious sites, vineyards, olive groves, beaches, scenic vistas, and, of course, regional food and wine specialties. Fortunately, Italian restauranteurs are typically very well-versed about Celiac Disease and how to prepare safe gluten free meals for diners that require them. However, in some of these "less traveled" areas outside the big cities, it's smart to have an Italian-speaking guide who can make arrangements with the restauranteurs in advance -- and act as an advocate and liaison when arriving at the restaurant. After all, English is not always spoken as fluently by restaurant workers in these more provincial areas as it is in the big cities. But all of this is no worry when you travel with Bluone Tours. Marcello and Raffaella Tori, the couple that owns Bluone Tours, accompany all tour groups and have experience with... Read more →
VISIT THIS DREAM DESTINATION AND STAY SAFELY GLUTEN FREE South Africa has long been a popular destination, but many gluten free travelers have been hesitant to visit Cape Town or go on safari out of concern that they wouldn't be able to safely follow their gluten free diet. Now, thanks to travel agent Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us, who has Celiac herself, this destination is a possibility for anyone following a strict gluten free diet. Ellen has worked with SITA World Tours, a top travel company based in South Africa. Together, they have thoroughly vetted hotels, safari camps, and restaurants in order to find the safest possibilities for gluten free clients. Ellen will take care of all your gluten free needs while also getting you the most advantageous pricing available through SITA World Tours. This is not a group tour, however. Like all Ellen's suggested itineraries for amazing destinations around the world, you can travel at any time, choose your desired length of stay, and customize the trip based on your interests. You'll visit Cape Town and see the harbor, Table Mountain, the downtown area and central business district, the Castle of Good Hope, and scenic vistas...and also take... Read more →
Brazil has long been a popular destination for Europeans, and they still flock there for the gorgeous beaches and amazing sights such as Corcovado. It is a great option for Americans, as there is little if any issue with time zone adjustments, and the exchange rate is in our favor right now. (Also, please note that the Amazon fires are way off in a different part of the country than what you'd be seeing, so there are no issues regarding that.) This is a unique itinerary you won't find elsewhere. Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us (gluten free herself for decades) has worked with Condor Tours and Travel and local suppliers to ensure a safe gluten free experience. No one else is offering this ability to see the highlights outlined below with the vetting that Ellen and Condor have done. And, as always, this is NOT a group tour, but it can be taken any time and adjusted to your individual timing and travel preferences. You'll start your journey in Rio de Janeiro, whose inhabitants call it the “Marvelous City.” Located on the Bay of Guanabara, Rio has a mountainous landscape that contrasts with an intensely blue sea. Here the... Read more →
Thanks to a collaboration between Gluten Free Travel-Us and a company called Premiant City Tours, you can now safely travel gluten free to Prague in the Czech Republic. It is such a beautiful city with more castles than anywhere else in the world, and the area of Karlovy Vary is one of great spas and natural waters. Ellen Morse, founder of Gluten Free Travel-Us, worked very closely with Premiant City Tours, based in Prague, to vet all hotels and restaurants, speaking directly with the Chefs. They feel very confident about the destination. The city of Prague, the jewel of the Czech Republic, is rapidly becoming a popular destination for Americans. This is a trip that would work for all seasons of the year -- Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This is an individual itinerary, NOT a group trip, so you can choose any dates for travel. You will be staying at only the finest hotels with desirable locations, luxury accomodations, and full amenities. Below you will find a brief description of all the wonderful reasons to travel to Prague -- and a taste of what you can see. For a full day-by-day suggested itinerary with all the details, you can... Read more →
A family-friendly itinerary for London, organized by gluten free travel specialist Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us, in conjunction with Kensington Tours. Travelers will enjoy dining gluten free at restaurants near all the top tourist sites. Not a group tour, but can be taken any time. Read more →
Ireland has always been a popular destination for travelers. And it's no wonder. There is a rich history to explore, as well as natural beauty almost everywhere you turn. In fact, you've probably heard of the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. But imagine how spectacular it would be to see them in person. And if you're a fan of medieval towns and castles, Ireland is not to be missed. There are even ancient stone circles and other interesting ruins to explore. Fortunately for all of us, Ireland is the "gold standard" of gluten free travel, as they have a higher than average rate of Celiac disease in their population...and therefore are knowledgeable and careful about keeping gluten free diners safe. But if you're just too busy with your day-to-day work and family responsibilities to plan a trip to Ireland on your own (who isn't?!), you may want to consider enlisting the help of Ellen Morse, a gluten free travel specialist with literally DECADES of experience in both the travel industry AND as a gluten free traveler herself. There is no one better to plan a trip to Ireland on your behalf! The way Ellen typically works with... Read more →
For quite some time now, I've been impressed with the level of gluten free knowledge in New Zealand. Like Australia, its larger neighbor to the west, New Zealand seems to be pretty high on the GF learning curve and offers a decent number of places to dine if you're gluten free. Of course, this is easiest when you're in the heart of one of the major towns of New Zealand Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. (You can do a quick search of those towns -- and others -- by entering their name in the Search box on this page of our website.) When you do some of the more picturesque and remote sightseeing, it's obviously a bit tougher! That's why Ellen Morse of Gluten Free Travel-Us set to work planning an itinerary for her gluten free clients interested in visiting New Zealand. She wanted them to be able to see all the highlights -- and even make a stop for a few days of R&R in French Polynesia -- without worrying about how they could stay safely gluten free. As always, Ellen has planned a first-rate trip and vetted the hotels where you'll stay -- and the tour companies and guides... Read more →
Some Celiac and gluten sensitive individuals get spooked thinking about travel. In fact, some of you may avoid travel at all costs. You may be concerned about the safety of meals you'll eat -- and have a hard time trusting that people who will be making your meals three times per day know what they are doing! Others of you may travel...but prefer to stick with domestic locales. To be sure, having a language barrier -- and being unsure of a country's knowledge of the intricacies of a gluten free diet -- can be daunting. While each one of us needs to work within our own comfort zone, I will say that there are so many resources available today to help ensure that you'll have a good chance of success staying gluten free almost anywhere you travel. Of course, it takes a bit of planning, but that's where you can also get help. Ellen Morse, who you have heard me talk about before, is a travel specialist with decades of experience planning trips for both domestic and international clients. Plus, she has been both gluten free AND dairy free herself since childhood. Here is someone who will take your concerns... Read more →