Eating on the go can be a challenge when you have a food intolerance. Check out these easy vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free meals for hotel stays.
A travel buddy recently asked me if I thought it would be difficult to find gluten-free options during an upcoming trip to Australia. My answer? “Once you’re there, you’re golden. But you might want to carry some snacks to eat along the way.”
Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels DO offer allergen-friendly food options. But the truth is, some don’t. And if your allergy is severe, not every kitchen can ensure that no cross-contamination occurs.
The solution? Make sure you are prepared with plenty of tasty, wholesome eats that you can bring with you. Below, we’ll focus on traveling with a dairy allergy or intolerance. But, the principles apply to any special dietary needs.
More travel tips from Anatomy of Adventure
Best Dairy-Free Meals for Hotels
I recently wrote about my favorite dairy-free travel meals. You can read all about it on World Footprints.
The best part is that you can prepare wholesome and tasty meals right in your hotel room – even if you have only a coffee maker or electric kettle.
Special Notes About Air Travel
Planning your meal prep for domestic or international air travel can be a bit different. There are additional considerations, including the following.
In-Flight Liquid Restrictions
According to the TSA, you can bring solid food items in both your carry-on and checked luggage. Liquid or gel food items in your carry-on bags must not exceed 3.4 oz. Check out their website for more details, and place most of your food items in your checked baggage.
Packaged and Processed Is Best
When making healthy food choices, you probably reach for items that are fresh and unprocessed whenever possible. But this is a no-no when you’re crossing international borders.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are definitely out. These are banned from passing through most airports because of the risk of introducing new insects or microorganisms into the country’s agricultural system. You may be barred from carrying fresh produce from one part of your own country to another (I’m looking at you, California).
So, opt for items that are packaged and at least minimally processed, such as dried fruits, vegetables, or meats.
If you’re traveling internationally, you might also be wary of taking uncooked grains, like rice or quinoa (pre-cooked instant meals are usually fine). I learned this the hard way when I attempted to take a package of rice from the U.S. through an Australian airport on my way to Papua New Guinea.
Why this restriction? Insect pests may lay eggs in uncooked grains and therefore travel undetected.
Where to Buy Dairy-Free Meals for Hotels and Travel
Where can you find the items listed in the aforementioned article? Here’s a roundup of our favorite places to buy.
Popcorn
Okay, so I know you know you can buy microwave popcorn just about everywhere. But meet my new favorite kitchen gadget: the Opopop popcorn bowl. This silicon bowl flattens for travel or storage and can be used with gourmet flavored Opopop packets or your own popcorn and oil. It makes eating popcorn in a hotel feel a bit more glamorous than a greasy, buttery bag.
I got my Opopop from Misfits Market (use this link to save $10 or more on your first order), but you can also find it on Amazon.
Microwave Pasta
Annie’s Vegan Mac cups can be hard to find. Ask at your local grocery store or check out options on Amazon. You can also get a free Annie’s sticker for your water bottle, suitcase, or wherever.
Snapdragon soups and noodles can be found on Misfits Market.
Adventure Meals
All Go To-Go dehydrated adventure meals are gluten-free, and seven of their offerings are also dairy-free. Our favorites are the mushroom risotto, bibimbap, and Mexican quinoa bowl.
ReadyWise also has a number of vegan/dairy-free adventure meals options:
On-the-Go Snacks
Epic bars can be found on Amazon or at your local grocery store. Look for Poshi vegetables on Amazon or Misfits Market.
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One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.