Post by kickingfrog on Aug 16, 2013 8:06:52 GMT
First holiday GF
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First holiday
Posted by Lorraine on 15/8/2013
GF board
Ok so I've not been on holiday since diagnosed. We want to go away in November; somewhere with sun and ideally plenty of places I can eat. Any suggestions where? All inclusive, half board or self catering, we're not bothered. I still find it highly embarrassing explaining GF so am dreading dong it abroad. Thanks n anticipation.
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Posted by LilyP on 16/8/2013
I suggest you go to the Canaries self-catering, taking a few basics (eg GF bread /biscuits/ cake/ pasta) & a dietary card & phrase book with you & eat out sometimes.
I found people in many restaurants/cafes in the Canaries have a good understanding of English.
They mostly cook from scratch & are very happy to help you chose GF dishes.
We used to enquire at likely eating places during the day (at quiet times) for the evening meal or for lunch the next day.
coeliac.proboards.com/board/48/canaries
coeliac.proboards.com/board/262/spain
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Posted by Ali on 16/8/2013
I'm going to the Dominican Republic at the end of October to an All Inclusive Resort.
I've already emailed the hotel about being a coeliac and had a very nice email back saying that when I arrive guest services will provide me a card that explains I can't eat gluten in English and Spanish so that I can show it to the waiters in the restaurants.
There are also lots of a la carte restaurants at the hotel and I've been assured that it will be noted alongside my booking that I need a GF meal.
I've been to the Dominican before but not this hotel, but so far it's looking really promising.
Don't be embarrased by explaining it. I know how you feel as I used to be the same, but it's so common these days restaurants are used to being asked about it.
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Posted by Pam, Dorset on 16/8/2013
Italy is great - yes you can find GF pasta and pizza quite easily. Maybe Canaries in November for the sun and GF there is easy.also remember a holiday is not just about the food - maybe you won' t eat exactly as you would at home but it doesn't matter. You won't starve!
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Posted by Sheona (Drossa) on 16/8/2013
Firstly, don't be embarrassed to tell people that you cannot eat gluten!
There are lots of places you could choose to go to on holiday. If you look at the Supplement section of this Board you'll see recommendations for many destinations in lots of different countries.
Really, the first thing you need to do is to decide where, exactly, you would like to visit. Then make a decision as to self-catering or hotel, and after that do some research into availability of suitable restaurants etc.
Make sure that you take the appropriate language cards for the country you are travelling to, and above all have a great time!
**********************
Posted by Emma on 16/8/2013
Our first holiday abroad was to Spain and I would highly recommend it. Supermarket shopping is soooooo easy it's almost boring!! If u self cat then u can do a bit of research on local places to eat out before u go and also look when u get there. But if u self cater then u know at least u can eat easily and safely at home if all else fails. But the Spanish are so welcoming u will find no problem eating out I am sure. Ice creams are easily labelled too so treats are easy come by. And gluten free lager is cheaper over there too. Good luck. Oh and make some translation cards for eating out and supermarkets too. They speed up the whole process!!!
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Posted by Anna on 16/8/2013
I hope you find somewhere nice. If you find it difficult explaining it, you could consider keeping quiet and only choosing basic food unless you are sonewhere with a gf menu. It means a very plain diet - jacket potato or fish usually! But personally I prefer that to having people look at me as if I'm about to...poo myself in their restuarant. Maybe its easier if you grow up with CD or have symptoms.
*****************
Posted by Derek on 16/8/2013
I have been fortunate and have travelled extensively since being diagnosed a Coeliac over 36 years ago and there is nothing to worry about. Be confident and take translation cards or learn the local language and I am sure you will be fine. Do NOT keep quiet about it, it is nothing to be ashamed about. Do NOT just eat the basic food, you will find many different types of food that is delicious and enjoyable. I can understand your reservations, but, believe me, you will become more confident. Enjoy!!
***********
First holiday
Posted by Lorraine on 15/8/2013
GF board
Ok so I've not been on holiday since diagnosed. We want to go away in November; somewhere with sun and ideally plenty of places I can eat. Any suggestions where? All inclusive, half board or self catering, we're not bothered. I still find it highly embarrassing explaining GF so am dreading dong it abroad. Thanks n anticipation.
***************
Posted by LilyP on 16/8/2013
I suggest you go to the Canaries self-catering, taking a few basics (eg GF bread /biscuits/ cake/ pasta) & a dietary card & phrase book with you & eat out sometimes.
I found people in many restaurants/cafes in the Canaries have a good understanding of English.
They mostly cook from scratch & are very happy to help you chose GF dishes.
We used to enquire at likely eating places during the day (at quiet times) for the evening meal or for lunch the next day.
coeliac.proboards.com/board/48/canaries
coeliac.proboards.com/board/262/spain
****************
Posted by Ali on 16/8/2013
I'm going to the Dominican Republic at the end of October to an All Inclusive Resort.
I've already emailed the hotel about being a coeliac and had a very nice email back saying that when I arrive guest services will provide me a card that explains I can't eat gluten in English and Spanish so that I can show it to the waiters in the restaurants.
There are also lots of a la carte restaurants at the hotel and I've been assured that it will be noted alongside my booking that I need a GF meal.
I've been to the Dominican before but not this hotel, but so far it's looking really promising.
Don't be embarrased by explaining it. I know how you feel as I used to be the same, but it's so common these days restaurants are used to being asked about it.
****************
Posted by Pam, Dorset on 16/8/2013
Italy is great - yes you can find GF pasta and pizza quite easily. Maybe Canaries in November for the sun and GF there is easy.also remember a holiday is not just about the food - maybe you won' t eat exactly as you would at home but it doesn't matter. You won't starve!
*****************
Posted by Sheona (Drossa) on 16/8/2013
Firstly, don't be embarrassed to tell people that you cannot eat gluten!
There are lots of places you could choose to go to on holiday. If you look at the Supplement section of this Board you'll see recommendations for many destinations in lots of different countries.
Really, the first thing you need to do is to decide where, exactly, you would like to visit. Then make a decision as to self-catering or hotel, and after that do some research into availability of suitable restaurants etc.
Make sure that you take the appropriate language cards for the country you are travelling to, and above all have a great time!
**********************
Posted by Emma on 16/8/2013
Our first holiday abroad was to Spain and I would highly recommend it. Supermarket shopping is soooooo easy it's almost boring!! If u self cat then u can do a bit of research on local places to eat out before u go and also look when u get there. But if u self cater then u know at least u can eat easily and safely at home if all else fails. But the Spanish are so welcoming u will find no problem eating out I am sure. Ice creams are easily labelled too so treats are easy come by. And gluten free lager is cheaper over there too. Good luck. Oh and make some translation cards for eating out and supermarkets too. They speed up the whole process!!!
***********************
Posted by Anna on 16/8/2013
I hope you find somewhere nice. If you find it difficult explaining it, you could consider keeping quiet and only choosing basic food unless you are sonewhere with a gf menu. It means a very plain diet - jacket potato or fish usually! But personally I prefer that to having people look at me as if I'm about to...poo myself in their restuarant. Maybe its easier if you grow up with CD or have symptoms.
*****************
Posted by Derek on 16/8/2013
I have been fortunate and have travelled extensively since being diagnosed a Coeliac over 36 years ago and there is nothing to worry about. Be confident and take translation cards or learn the local language and I am sure you will be fine. Do NOT keep quiet about it, it is nothing to be ashamed about. Do NOT just eat the basic food, you will find many different types of food that is delicious and enjoyable. I can understand your reservations, but, believe me, you will become more confident. Enjoy!!