Every year when the weather starts warming up, our family starts tossing around vacation ideas.
A big trip, a couple of long weekends — the usual excitement.
But for us, there’s always one thing that weighs heavier than picking the destination: “How are we going to eat there safely?”
When you live with food allergies, vacation planning isn’t just about booking hotels and packing bathing suits.
It’s about making sure that every meal is safe, every snack is thought out, and that no one ends up with a medical emergency miles away from home.
Over the years — as a food allergy mom, a registered dietitian specializing in allergies, and a cookbook author — I’ve built a system that helps our family plan vacations without the constant pit in my stomach.
It’s a checklist that helps turn “overwhelmed” into “I’ve got this.”
Here’s the process we use every time we plan a trip — and I hope it makes your next vacation a lot less stressful, too.
1. Start Planning with Food Allergies in Mind — Not As an Afterthought
When we brainstorm destinations, food allergies come up immediately.
We don’t wait until after we’ve booked the trip to worry about where we’ll eat — food is part of the decision.
If we can’t find safe dining options nearby or we can’t bring food easily, we cross that destination off the list.
Safety first, pretty Instagram photos second.
2. Check Out the “Dining Out with Food Allergies” Facebook Group
After we have discussed a couple of destination options, I immediately go to my favorite FB group, “Dining Out with Food Allergies”. With 47,000 members, I can search for a destination and see if anyone’s shared their personal experience.
You’ll find real stories from other allergy parents, see how places have handled specific allergens, and even discover hidden gems that might not be on your radar yet.
It’s one of the most practical forms of research I do — and it’s free.
3. Call Ahead — Ask the Real Questions
Once we have a destination in mind, we call ahead to any hotels, resorts, and restaurants we might visit.
- Do they accommodate food allergies?
- Will we be able to speak with the chef or kitchen manager?
- Can they guarantee no cross-contact?
- Are there safe meal options or will we need to bring our own?
If the answers feel wishy-washy or rushed, that’s a red flag.
(If a place is truly allergy-friendly, they’ll know how to answer confidently.)
4. Connect with the Chef or Manager Before You Even Arrive
If you’re staying somewhere with on-site dining, ask to connect with the chef ahead of time.
Email first and then if you have additional questions, move on to a phone call.
Share your allergies, ask questions, and establish a relationship before you show up hungry.
A chef who knows your family is coming will already have you on their radar (which is exactly where you want to be).
5. Plan to Dine Early — Beat the Rush
We make it a point to be the first ones to meals.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we show up early when the kitchen is clean, calm, and less chaotic.
It gives us the chance to talk to staff again if needed, and it minimizes the risk of cross-contact when the kitchen isn’t slammed.
6. Bring Your Own Chef Cards
Never assume they’ll remember every detail.
We always bring printed chef cards that list:
- Our family member’s name
- Each food allergy
- A simple, polite note: “Please prepare using clean gloves, utensils, and cookware to avoid cross-contact.”
Handing over a card is quick, clear, and professional — and it helps protect your child when verbal instructions might get lost in the shuffle.
7. Pack Your “Just in Case” Bag
Even at the safest resort, I pack an emergency snack bag.
Granola bars, cheese sticks, crackers, fruit, allergy-friendly treats — enough to cover a few meals if something goes sideways.
It’s like an insurance policy for your peace of mind.
8. Say Thank You (Loudly and Often)
If you find a place that really gets it, thank the staff.
Tell the chef, write a glowing review, tag them in a social media post.
Positive feedback encourages them to keep going — and helps other allergy families find them, too.
Final Thoughts
Planning a vacation with food allergies isn’t easy — but it’s absolutely doable with a clear plan.
Start with food safety. Build your trip around that. Communicate early and often.
And most of all, give yourself credit: you’re not just planning a trip — you’re building lifelong memories while keeping your family safe.
Trust me, it gets easier with practice — and when it all goes smoothly, it feels like the biggest win in the world.
Here’s to safe travels, full plates, and unforgettable family moments. ❤️
And if you’re reading this thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of work,” don’t worry—I’ve got you. I’ve started offering a service where I help families create their dream vacation by doing the legwork: calling hotels, resorts, and restaurants to ask all the important food allergy questions for you. Then I report back with everything you need to know.
If that kind of support sounds like what you’ve been looking for, book a free call and let’s see if we’re a good fit to work together.
