5 Tips for Traveling Internationally

Traveling Internationally

At first it sounds exotic even romantic, but then reality sets in. Heading out on a seventeen hour airplane journey without my husband, with our two boys 8 years and 5 years old is not how I define exotic or romantic! Add to that an anti inflammatory diet, it really didn’t sound like so much fun after all.

The last time we went to The Netherlands I was just starting out my lifestyle and eating journey and my kids were 6 years and 3 years old! This time it would be much easier with them, but harder on the food side. I was gluten and dairy free at that time. I was limiting my sugar intake, trying to eat nine cups of greens a day (part of the Wahls Protocol), but I was still eating corn, soy and many fruits and even vegetables like potatoes the last time I visited. Much has changed since then!

Food Choices

First, I am really limited in my food choices and since making the decision to be all in, and seeing results, I’m definitely all in. Thankfully our trip was to The Netherlands. I’m pretty fluent in Dutch after living there for a few years. My husband is Dutch, huge bonus and we stayed at my in-laws house in Reeuwijk, The Netherlands.

Reeuwijk, The Netherlands

It is very important to us that our children know their Oma and Opa don’t actually live in the iPad or in some Skype center, but really do exist and can be hugged and kissed in real life and on their own turf. Thankfully with all the air miles my husband accrues for work this is possible for us about every other year. Since we stay at my in-laws we will be sharing a pretty small kitchen and they have no dietary restrictions. I was having Yosemite flashbacks!

This is how I prepared for my journey, pertaining to food.

1. In Flight food

Gluten free meal on Delta

Not too bad for an airplane meal, right? I ordered gluten free meals. Unfortunately, I didn’t eat anything, although I could’ve. They did have salad and fruit, but everything else was not possible for me to have. I brought my own veggies and fruit so I gave my kids anything they would take!

After how to occupy my active children for hours on end, having protein was my biggest concern for the flights! Our flight was around lunchtime so I made a salad with extra protein in it to bring on board the plane. In addition, I brought a frozen chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces before it went into the freezer, to have later. 2-Sunflower Cinnamon Rise Bars and a sandwich bag of Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds. Some other ideas are homemade beef jerky, plantain chips, seaweed, sardines are a great hit of Omega-3’s, but I wouldn’t open a can on the plane. Another option is bringing a can of tuna or chicken for a protein boost that stays good at room temperature, just make sure you get a pop top kind.

The fruits and veggies I brought: A bag of washed and chopped lettuce to make another salad with my cut up (frozen) chicken breast. Two green apples, a snack bag each of cucumber and carrots, blueberries, an avocado, a couple lemon wedges and as an extra treat, a nectarine. I brought a couple of tea bags as well. The flight attendants brought me hot water, it was so nice to enjoy my chamomile tea and my digestive tea while on the flight, very soothing. Packed my supplements as well in my carry on bag. Another tip I’ve read about is packing a bag of frozen peas, it will make it through security and help keep things cool in flight. You can also bring an empty gallon resealable bag and when you get onboard ask a flight attendant to fill it with ice.

Entering The Netherlands I brought all the food that I didn’t eat into the country. Coming back into the USA I had to get rid of my fresh fruit, liquid and protein before going through customs and immigration. Please check the rules of the country you are entering, Australia has some strict rules, but many other countries are relaxed about food entering their country.

Side note: We all brought empty reusable water bottles. In most airports we found a free filtered water fill station for our water bottles, usually by the bathrooms. Not only is this cost effective, but I try not to use plastic water bottles whenever possible.

2. Pack or Send

Either pack or send a package ahead of time to your destination. I send or pack hard to get food or my favorite goodies. I am lucky enough to stay with my in-laws so I asked if certain things could be at their house when I arrived so I didn’t have to race to a grocery store immediately. I also packed Rise Bar’s, Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds, Avocado Oil, homemade paleo cookies, tea, dulse granules, supplements (of course I forgot my Digestive Enzymes so I had to go out and get some right away!), seeds for my CCF tea and even spices if you’re not sure if they will be available. I asked for my breakfast items for the following day, a couple of chicken breasts, lettuce and broccoli. My mother-in-law even found some things I didn’t expect, organic too! The key is to mentally go through a normal day of eating and all it’s components. Decided what you cannot live without and if you can pack it or send it, do it!

3. Check online before you go

If you are not as familiar with the area you are going to check out the local grocery stores online to find out what their selection of food is for your dietary restrictions. Find out if there is a farmers market nearby and going on when you’ll be there on vacation. This is a fun way to get to know the area you are in, feel like part of the community and get some wonderful, locally grown produce and other fun finds. Check out local restaurants and see if any cater to dietary restrictions. If you have Celiac’s or have sensitivities to gluten, check out the Celiac Disease Awareness website it has some good tips and links that will help you navigate gluten free eating internationally.

4. Translate key words

If you are going to buy any packaged foods you need to be able to read an ingredient label. I know that gluten free in Dutch is glutenvrij. Dairy free Zuivelvrij or the word for milk is Melk, so I could look for that on the label as well. You can honestly just google certain key words. It’s great if you can learn to pronounce these things as well so if you are at a restaurant you can let the staff know you have allergies and need things omitted. I have found, at least in Europe, places are very accommodating. Use the internet and investigate! If you have someone with you that speaks the language ask them to help communicate to the wait staff and chefs that you have allergies/sensitivities.

5. Always have a snack with you!

I use this at home as well, but I think it is particularly important when traveling. My personal favorites for keeping in my purse are sprouted pumpkin seeds, homemade beef jerky, nuts (if you’re having them of course), I’ve even thrown a couple pieces of cooked bacon in as well. That covers the protein which I think is really important. I also bring carrots, apple, cucumber, blueberries, any fruit or veg that will be able to hold you over until an actual meal. I also need water. I usually bring a bottle of water and then have an extra one that I can leave in the car, or bring in a backpack.

The main thing is plan ahead, be prepared, but then have fun! Have a great vacation that you can fully enjoy and not be constantly focused on your food………I need to take my own advice!

My 5 year old pretending to sleep before take off!

By the way, our kids were superstar travelers. What a difference a couple years can make and personal entertainment systems! My youngest even got called into the cockpit before take off and was allowed to press buttons!!