Travelling on Holiday as a Coeliac

Foreign Travel​
Travelling as a Coeliac can be challenging, but it is definitely possible with the right preparation.
Some destinations are more Coeliac-friendly than others, and careful planning can make a huge difference.
Here are some key factors to consider when going on a foreign holiday as a Coeliac:
​Challenges of Travelling with Coeliac Disease

1. Language Barriers – Communicating dietary restrictions can be difficult if you don’t speak the local language.
2. Cross-Contamination Risks – Many countries have different food preparation standards, and gluten cross-contact may be a concern.
3. Limited Gluten-Free Options – Some destinations have fewer gluten-free restaurants or grocery options.
4. Mislabelled or Unclear Ingredients – Food labelling laws vary by country, making it harder to identify safe products.

Tips for a Successful Gluten-Free Holiday:​
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✔ Research Your Destination – Some countries (like Italy, Spain, and the USA) are very aware of Coeliac needs, while others may have limited options.
✔ Learn Key Phrases – Bring a gluten-free restaurant card in the local language explaining your dietary needs.
✔ Find Safe Restaurants in Advance – Apps like Find Me Gluten Free and Coeliac websites can help.
✔ Bring Snacks & Essentials – Gluten-free snacks, bread, or pasta can be helpful if you can’t find options locally.
✔ Contact Airlines & Hotels – Many airlines offer GF meals if booked in advance, and hotels may be able to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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​Final Verdict?​
Yes, a Coeliac can absolutely go on a foreign holiday, but planning ahead is essential.
If you would you like help finding a gluten-free travel guide for a specific destination we suggest you talk to our colleagues at The Coeliac Travel Consultant – http://www.thecoeliactravelconsultant.com​

Coeliac and going into Hospital, Care Homes etc?

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Going into Hospital can be unpleasant for anyone but even more so for someone suffering with Coeliac Disease or any type of Allergy/Intolerance.
Apart from the illness or injury causing a stay in hospital Coeliacs have the added problem of receiving suitable food during their stay.
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Over the past few years a lot of hard work (including by us at GFI) has gone into raising awareness of the Coeliacs need for Gluten Free meals in Northern Ireland Hospitals.
As a result, menus produced by the Hospital Caterers Association are much improved but Nursing staff on the Wards can be under great pressure when serving meals to patients so a reminder of your needs could be very welcome!
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​And here is the Reminder:
It can sit on your bedside locker or be hung over the bed rail providing a physical reminder that you, or a family member, is Coeliac or have an Allergy/Intolerance!
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It’s simple, affordable with a wipe clean finish and can be ordered from our website here:
​https://glutenfreeireland.com/product/food-allergy-awareness-card/​

Blackfire Food is a small, multi award winning artisan Irish company who specialise in all things spicy. We make Belfast’s original hot sauces which are gluten and allergen free as well as being vegan friendly.

Our chilli jam, chilli oils, spice bags, garlic chilli crunch and Ghost Pepper & Black lime ketchup are all gluten free/coeliac friendly too.

We use only the finest ingredients including protected status Armagh Bramley apples for our cider vinegar which is the preservative in many of our products.

We have won multiple Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards over the last few years including the coveted golden Fork nomination for our spicy ketchup. Our sauces range from mild through to superhot so there is something to suit every palate and to accompany every meal.

Coeliac Awareness Month 2025​
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We have been told that Coeliac Awareness Month will be May 2025.
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No doubt Coeliac UK and Coeliac Society of Ireland will be holding awareness events to mark the month and we will update this article as we hear any news!

Gluten Free Hampers​
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Food Hampers as gifts are very popular, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year!
There are companies which will make up a Gluten Free Hamper when requested and here’s one we came across recently.
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​www.britishhamper.com​
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They will deliver to any UK address as well as to about 50 Countries around the world, so if you need a gift for a Coeliac friend or family member at home or abroad give them a shout and see what they can do for you!
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They do deliver to the Irish Republic but, at present, the available range is very limited although they tell me they hope to have more hampers available later this year.

And please remember – ​
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Without the support of companies like Just Live A Little which provide our funding we could not do the work we do on behalf of the Coeliac/Gluten Free community!
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You can see who they are on our website and we ask that you, when possible, support them by buying their products when out shopping or online!
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​www.glutenfreeireland.com​

Thank you for your continued support and have a safe and hopefully wonderful 2025!
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Tina, Derek, Mike, Rachel, Lucy & Benji,
The GFI Team