Solo Traveling with a Food Allergy: A Guide to Enjoying Your Holiday and Staying Safe

Traveling is one of the best things in the world. You get to explore new cultures, meet new people, see amazing scenery, and even try new delicious food. 

Even though traveling can seem easy as a breeze, and stress-free, it can be a nightmare if you have a food allergy. And especially if your food allergy is not among the top 9 food allergens.

Traveling with a food allergy can be overwhelming, especially if you are traveling alone. What if I came across an allergen and there was none to help me, how can I keep myself safe? All of these questions and many more are in your head. I had the same questions in my head, and it took me some time to get rid of my fear and not let my food allergy stop me from enjoying life.

In this article, I will share with you my experience and what I’m doing when I’m traveling alone. So far I visited 30 countries, and luckily I haven’t had any problems. I hope that you will find my tips helpful, and enjoy your vacation!

Whenever you are traveling, you have to have a place to stay. For me, whenever I’m booking accommodation it is important that my accommodation is in the city center, and that it has a kitchen that I can use. 

Whenever I’m traveling alone, I always book hostels. 

Why do I book a hostel with a shared room instead of a hotel or Airbnb?

Once in a hostel in Paris, France, one worker told me to use the kitchen a bit later because she saw that people were cooking a meal with lots of onions.

In the hostel in Porto (Portugal), workers gave me a separate space in their refrigerator, so my groceries would be safe from alliums. 

•  I never use any cutting boards since they can’t be washed properly, and they can contain the alliums even if they have been washed.
• I do not use any wooden spoons because of the same reason.
• If I need to cut something (usually something small like cheese or tomato) I would cut it on a plate.

• Refrigerator – I can store my food in the refrigerator.
  
• I store my food in zip bags, and this way my food is safe and it will not pick up the smell from other food in the refrigerator. 

These are the main reasons why I’m booking my stay in the hostel when I’m traveling alone. I feel safer, and I get to enjoy my holiday.

One part of traveling and experiencing other cultures is food. Tasting local food, and experiencing flavors of the place you are visiting.
Usually, it means that you will try the most famous savory dishes from that place.

Unfortunately, it is a gamble for anyone with an allium allergy. Usually most famous dishes are made with lots of onion, garlic, and other alliums, so it is impossible to try them.

Luckily, every place on the Earth has local sweets, cake, cookies, and other delicious foods that are safe from alliums.

I have a huge sweet tooth, and for me trying new sweets is an exciting experience.

When I was in Stockholm, I found a lovely place that was selling delicious cinnamon rolls and coffee.

It was amazing sitting outside, admiring the beautiful street, watching people passing by, and enjoying a yummy cinnamon roll and a huge cup of coffee.

 When I was traveling in Scotland, I booked a tour to the Highlands.

It was a day tour, and it was amazing experiencing the Highlands, to which I will definitely return.

On the way back to Edinburgh, we stopped in one city for a dinner break.

Everyone went to have a traditional Highland dinner (which was full of alliums), while I had my sandwich with me. During dinner time, I went to explore the city, and I found a lovely ice cream shop. They were selling ice cream made with Scottish whiskey. It was the beginning of December, and temperatures were low (below -0°C), but I didn’t miss the opportunity to try ice cream made from Scottish whiskey. It tasted divine, and because it was so cold, my ice cream didn’t melt and I got to savor every bite of my ice cream.

When trying the new food from the place I’m visiting, I always try their local cakes, cookies, ice cream, and coffee. This way I can safely enjoy the food that is typical for the place that I’m visiting.

I mentioned earlier that whenever I book my accommodation, it has to have a kitchen. 

Whenever I’m traveling, I always cook something quick and easy. I never spend more than 15 to 20 minutes cooking when I’m traveling.

I would usually cook some pasta with a bit of sour cream and I would cut tomato next to it, or I would eat some canned vegetables with some pasta or rice.

I know it is not the most nutritious, but it is quick and safe for me. Whenever I’m not traveling, I’m eating a healthy and balanced diet, but when I’m traveling I want to spend time enjoying the new place without worrying about my allium allergy or spending too much time cooking my meals. 

If I would spend too much time cooking my food, I wouldn’t have time to hang around with a Peacock in Porto. 

Exploring new places is exciting, but it can be draining. In the blink of an eye, you can easily walk lots of miles. And hunger can kick in, everything looks like food. I always bring snacks with me when I’m exploring the city.

Snacks are amazing, and with them, I can safely explore new places.

Also, they are perfect for picnics. When I was exploring Sintra in Portugal, at Cabo da Roca (the most western point of continental Europe). I decided to have a picnic. It was a delicious picnic with a view. I was sitting on the rock, eating my snacks, and enjoying one of the most beautiful views. 

I love it when my accommodation has breakfast because I know that I will be able to enjoy it. 

I always choose sweet things over savory ones. 

It is safer for me to eat bread with chocolate spread, jam, or honey than something savory that might have alliums.

Last on my list is my backpack.

I always carry these things with me. I would rather not pack another shirt that probably I wouldn’t wear than leave something from this.

This is what I always bring with me when I’m traveling, and I always have it with me. And they can perfectly fit into any bag. 

We get to the end of my guide on how to travel with a food allergy when you are solo traveling. Traveling can be fun and enjoyable. Do not let your food allergy stop you from that!  

Everything written in this article is my personal experience, and it is just suggestions! Maybe this is working for me, but it might not work for you!  

If you have food allergies, consult with your GP! My article is not a substitute for medical advice from your GP! Maybe something that is working for me will not work for you! Also, take care, always read the labels, be safe, and enjoy your holiday! 

For more information about allium allergy, click here.

Whenever I’m traveling, I do not follow a healthy or balanced diet. But, when I am at home, I eat healthy and balanced meals.

If you are looking for healthy and balanced meals that are allium allergy, allium intolerance friendly check out my meal plan!

My meal plan is suitable for anyone who has GERD, gallstones, sensitive stomach, or IBS.