One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a special diet is travel. Travel can imply long journeys that may take a person away from home for a prolonged period. However, it also relates to the short, day-to-day travels, such as work, school and shopping. Advance preparation and organization are extremely important with any kind of travel, especially if you cook most of your own meals. 

Advance preparation for long trips:

• Map out your journey in a notebook taking into account where and how much you will be traveling per day. Note the location of all stops and research what restaurants, accommodations and stores are in those areas. 

• Call ahead to airlines, railways, hotels and any other services that you will be using to notify them of your special needs. Most companies are more willing to cooperate with advance notice. Talk to the manager or supervisor and write down their name and the date you spoke for reference. Send a written request to your contact person if your needs are extensive or if you have a severe food allergy. Telephone all contacts again immediately before embarking on your trip to confirm all arrangements. 

• If you will be staying with relatives or friends you can often send ahead any foods or items you will need for your visit.

• If you carry an Epi Pen or inhaler and will be traveling by plane, it is advised that you have a current doctor's note, with their contact information, in case of any security delays. Never pack these items or any medicines in your suitcase. Carry them on your person or in a purse in case of emergency or loss of luggage.

• Pack foods that travel well such as dry or dehydrated foods and mixes, canned foods and pre-packaged items. If you have a portable cooler/refrigerator you can bring pre-made meals with you.

Accommodations:

• Many hotels and motels have rooms with complete or mini kitchens available. For places that do not have this option you can sometimes request a refrigerator or a microwave in your room. Always ask in advance.

• Bed & Breakfasts and inns are used to catering to small groups of people. They have complete kitchens and many will allow access to the patrons. This type of accommodation provides a more personalized setting and you can usually work with the innkeeper if you have special needs. 1-888-Inn-Seek provides a service to search for B&B's and inns that assist special diets.

Short Trips:

• Be prepared for short trips from home by always carrying a snack or back-up food in case of delays or change of plans. This will keep you feeling unrestricted in your activities.

• There are many kinds of thermal lunchboxes and sacks available for travel. Some include icepacks that can be inserted to keep food preserved for several hours.

Portable appliances:
Car travel can often be the best option for those with severe allergies or restrictions because of the ability to bring along portable appliances and special foods. Here are a few recommendations that may help with your travels:

Thermoelectric Coolers offer hot or cold storage with electric adapter or cigarette lighter adapter for automobile travel. Electric griddles and burners are not only great for home use, but can be used in places where a stove isn’t available. Mini Microwave is a small microwave not specifically designed for travel, but the size is portable enough for any trips by car. Electric water kettles and hot pots can heat or boil water as well as canned foods like soup and stew quickly and are small enough for travel. Electric Grills are available with a variety of features. Some are strictly grills, while others serve multi-functions such as grills, griddles and waffle makers. Look for grills that have removable cooking grids/plates that can be cleaned easily.  Any toaster oven that also has a bake/broil option is terrific for travel. These appliances are generally small and portable with the ability to cook foods in several ways.