Traveling with kids can be challenging. Adding a gluten-free lifestyle into the mix? Even more challenging. I’ve been traveling with my daughter solo since she was 13 months old, and now with two kids, it’s double the chaos.
There is always so much to do, see, and experience, so it’s understandable that kids struggle with adjusting to new environments. My kids love traveling, but routines get disrupted, and everything from sleep to mood can shift. Kids are creatures of habit, and when their routine is off, they let you know it.
But that doesn’t mean you should skip the trips. It just means you need to get creative and keep an open mind.
It’s taken some trial and error over the years. I’ve done my fair share of reading articles, blogs, and gluten-free groups, but honestly, a lot of it felt overwhelming and didn’t always apply to my real-life situation.
One of the biggest things I used to stress about was what I was going to eat once we arrived. Over time, I’ve found a few things that actually make traveling gluten-free with kids much easier. Here are some of the tips that have worked best for me.
Simple Itinerary
I create a very basic itinerary for each trip. Not a full schedule, just key things I don’t want to miss and all travel details like flights, times, and logistics. Having one list helps avoid digging through emails while managing kids. I usually keep a copy on my phone and a printed version handy, just in case.
Packing System
I love lists, but they are especially helpful when packing for multiple people. For travel, I make a list of everything we’ll need and tailor it to however long we are staying.
I separate the list into sections, including my things, my kids’ things (each child listed separately), and shared items or anything I need to remember when it comes time to pack. I also note quantities for certain items like outfits.
For example, for a four-day trip, I pack at least four outfits and always bring a few extra, especially for my kids, because you never know what might happen.
Where We Stay Matters
I try to stay somewhere with a small kitchen or at least a refrigerator. Extended-stay hotels and Airbnbs are great options for this.
Having access to a fridge or kitchen allows me to prepare quick meals like breakfast, snacks, or food to bring on the go. This saves money and takes a lot of pressure off trying to find safe gluten-free options for every meal, especially when traveling with kids who can be picky.
Car Seat Tip
If you’re traveling with young kids, renting car seats can be worth it. Dragging them through the airport gets overwhelming fast. I used to do it with my first daughter, but with two kids now, it’s just not realistic.
Most car rental companies will rent car seats for a small daily rate. It’s an added expense, but well worth not having to lug around them around.
Snacks Strategy
Snacks are a lifesaver. Snacks all the time, snacks everywhere.
I pack plenty of snacks for both me and the kids for travel days. They each get their own gallon bag, and I always make sure I have one dedicated to myself so I know I have safe gluten-free options on the plane.
Once we arrive at our destination, I usually stop at a grocery store to stock up on snacks, breakfast items, drinks, and other basics. Keeping our space stocked makes everything easier, and having safe gluten-free options on hand helps avoid last-minute stress when everyone is hungry.
It also helps cut down on the cost of eating out for every meal. As much as I love trying new places, my kids don’t always eat their meals, so doing a 50/50 or even 75/25 split between eating out and packing food helps.
Food Planning
Trying new places to eat is always my favorite and most stressful part of traveling. I’ve been glutened a handful of times while traveling, and it’s not a great experience, especially when you’re chasing after small kids.
Because of that, I always scout restaurants ahead of time. I look for breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots, plus a treat like a bakery or ice cream shop. I also check for gluten-free-friendly places, including breweries.
I use tools like Find Me Gluten Free, Facebook groups, and Google reviews to help narrow things down. I usually make a short list of places that look safe and worth trying. I’d rather overprepare than get sick while traveling.
Of course, I still leave room for a little spontaneity once we arrive, but having a few safe options already planned makes everything much easier. This has been a game changer, and I’ve found some surprisingly good gluten-free options during our travels.
Flexibility and Reality
Not everything goes perfectly. I am usually prepared for most things, but sometimes plans change.
Sometimes meals don’t work out. Maybe the gluten-free place you were excited about was closed or not as safe as you thought. Sometimes snacks become meals.
It’s difficult not to feel disappointed when things don’t go as planned, but this is where it’s important to keep things simple and stay flexible. Travel should be fun, not a chore or a stressful event.
Give Yourself Grace
Traveling can throw kids off. They may be tired, overstimulated, or just having a hard time. I’ve had moments where both kids were melting down at once.
The last time I visited my sister, she got a firsthand experience of what a mid-day, travel-induced meltdown looks like. It happens to all of us.
Giving yourself and your kids grace makes everything easier. Be patient with yourself and with them, because as fun and exciting as traveling is, it’s also a lot mentally and physically.
Before Your Next Trip
At the end of the day, traveling is about the experience of visiting new places and making memories with your family.
Traveling gluten-free with kids isn’t always perfect, and there will be moments that feel overwhelming. But with a little preparation, flexibility, and the right mindset, it becomes much more manageable.
The more you travel, the more confident you’ll become in what works best for you and your family.
And at the end of the day, it’s worth it.