Travelling with Food Allergies/Intolerance: In Conclusion

I wasn't really sure how I wanted to wrap up this whole series of posts, and for that reason, I've been without a plan until right now. My posts have sparked a certain amount of conversation  in various places, and I have answered a lot of questions. I'm sure others are asking the same questions, so my conclusion is going to be a bit of a Q & A. If you're wondering about something that I don't cover here, please, let me know with a comment!

Regarding MY part in making sure my needs were met on board... Royal Caribbean's Policy {here} states that you must notify staff of your needs no less than 90 days prior to an international sailing. I did that. In fact, I called more than once, and I also asked the company responsible for planning our trip to double--and triple--check that my account had been properly noted. It had.

Even with that planning, nobody was "expecting" me, and there wasn't any indication that special arrangements had been made to have specialty items on hand. Was I expecting the red carpet? Absolutely not! But something--anything--would have been helpful. I never once dreamed that a head waiter would tell me, "well, I hope you like salad!" and mean it.

Once I was on board, could I have been a better advocate for myself? Perhaps. If I were a more outspoken person, I might have been a bit more insistent during lunch time in the Windjammer, or I might have asked directly to speak with someone else in planning my dinners. I'm not saying I didn't speak up for myself at all, but maybe I needed to be even more direct.

Regarding packing additional snacks and goodies... I think I did pretty well here! I really appreciated having the variety of snack bars, granola, peanut butter packets, chocolate (!!), and almond milk on hand. If not for those things, I think I might have been a bit worse off. I lost seven pounds over the seven days we were away, even with those extra goodies and treats I had with me.

Something else I did is visible at the top of this post. The notebook you see is something that I carry around with me most of the time. I keep grocery lists and things in that book, and I used several pages to note places I wanted to visit and things. I also printed some allergy 'cards' in Spanish, French, and Italian. I cut them out and used tape to add them to the pages of my little notebook. {Print your own cards here.}

I highly recommend these! Unfortunately, I didn't really have much of an opportunity to "test" these cards. Which brings me to another point...

Regarding our choice not to find more food in port... above all else, this came down to a time factor. While cruising is an opportunity to relax and enjoy, visiting ports, well, isn't. Those who have cruised before may be familiar with the slightly rushed feeling of being in port. If you haven't cruised before, the basics are that a cruise ship docks at a very specific time. Once permission has been granted for passengers to leave the ship, there is a race to get onto land and make the most of your time. Sometime in the late afternoon or early evening, everyone must be back on board, and the ship sets sail for the next port. If you're not on board at that time, the ship will likely leave without you. Being in port is expensive, and must be well orchestrated, and there simply isn't time to wait around. But, getting back to what I was saying, we had limited time in each port, and sitting down for a restaurant meal just didn't seem to fit our schedule or list of wishes. Other factors included cost {we preferred to use our spending money on take-home goodies and experiences.}, and of course my concerns about food. I won't lie--I'm an emotional person! I was tired, and running on a shorter fuse than usual. Sitting down and trying to communicate my needs just wasn't in the cards, and I'm OK with that! Might I have found something amazing? Yes. But I'm OK with the fact that I didn't.

Regarding how I feel about Royal Caribbean International... I like cruising. I really do! This was my fourth time on board a cruise ship, and perhaps not my last. I've said if before, and I'll say again, that I was disappointed. Before we left for our trip, I did plenty of reading online. I wanted to read about what others had experienced, and get a feel for whether or not I would have an easy time. I read wonderful stories of chefs coming to the table to meet their guests and discuss their allergies, and of specially-made gluten-free desserts. Cruise lines varied, but Royal Caribbean WAS a part of what I read! I haven't had a dessert made in a 'commercial' setting in ages, and was so hopeful that my meals on board would be a raging success! So yes. I said it. I was disappointed!

But. They didn't completely leave me on my own. My previous posts mention some specially prepared things, and my dinner experiences. I greatly appreciate those people who took some extra time to help me.

What can YOU do to be more successful on a trip like this? Speak up! Ask questions, and don't back down until you're happy with the results. Pack back-ups in your luggage, because you'll very likely want them at some point. Nothing is perfect.

Regarding the trip as a whole... it was a success! I hope I haven't given the impression that I disliked every minute of our trip, because that simply isn't the truth. Yes--lots of negatives were put on display here, mostly because my main goal was to enlighten those who might find themselves in a similar situation.

I learned that our little guy can be successful and happy without his mommy and dad. He sure did miss us, and we sure did miss him, but we were all successful.

Travelling with Mal de Debarquement Syndrom is possible! I was pleasantly surprised by my general lack of symptoms. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than I expected. I'll forever be thankful for that.

And finally, the food topic. I mentioned more than once already that it wasn't a total loss, and I've meant that each time I put it out there. Advance planning was critical, but something I am more than capable of. Can you do it too? Absolutely.

So there you have it. The whole European Travel 'series.' What have I missed that you'd like to ask about? Did any of this help you? Comments? Criticism? Please use that comment feature, and let me know!

Travelling with Food Allergies/Intolerance: Cruising; Part One

Our adventure took us on a cruise with Royal Caribbean International. The trip was a five-night cruise through the Mediterranean, with stops in France and Italy.

When we boarded the ship on May 3rd, we had been awake for more than 36 hours, and I was really starting to wish for a hot meal. Unfortunately, something yummy to eat was harder to come by than I anticipated. Coupled with my exhaustion, we had a recipe for tears, and they sure did come!

Lunch:
Those familiar with Royal Caribbean ships will have heard of the Windjammer Cafe. Those familiar with cruising in general will know that there is usually some sort of self-service {read: buffet} dining option on board that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay. The Windjammer Cafe is the place to be once you've boarded the ship. It is the only place that is open and ready to serve 'real' food.

Having located our room and put our things down, we headed to the Windjammer where my hubby quickly grabbed a plate and began to fill it with tempting foods. Plate in hand, I scanned the different buffet lines, but felt overwhelmed and confused by what might be safe. I only spotted a salad bar that I knew I could choose from freely.

Everywhere you look, chefs and wait staff can be seen. Flagging one down to speak with proved to be a bit more difficult, but I was eventually successful. I informed the chef of my food sensitivities {I've learned to call them all 'allergies,' so that I am taken more seriously.}, and then asked him to help me make some selections that would be safe. We talked about what varieties of oil they use for cooking {I never did get a clear answer on this one, and still don't know if soybean oil is used on board}, which items had been basted in soy sauce, etc., etc.. The end result was that I could eat from the salad bar, and that I could have some steamed rice. The chef tried, repeatedly, to convince me that I could eat the 'chicken broth' on the soup bar, but it had tofu in it. That was my first indication that perhaps my needs wouldn't be understood while I was on board.

Finally, the chef agreed to steam some vegetables and bring them to my table, which I paired up with a green salad and some steamed rice.

Honestly? My exhaustion and hunger didn't bode well for my emotional state. The meal did fill my belly, though.

Dinner:
Again, if you're familiar with cruising at all, you'll know that dinners tend to be quite elaborate and showy. We're not strangers to cruising, and have always really enjoyed seated dinners. It's a fun chance to sit down with friends or family, to feel special and... well... waited on! It's luxurious!

I was really hopeful that dinner would be a huge success. Royal Caribbean International {RCI} asks that you inform them 90 days in advance of special dietary considerations, which I dutifully did. I spoke with RCI staff on several occasions to confirm the details.

When we sat down, I was first offered my choice from a big, steaming basket of gluten-filled bread. The smell of sourdough was intoxicating! But of course I had to turn it down. After a visit with our waiter, a plate of gluten-free bread was whisked out to the table. I still couldn't dig in. I had to re-explain that I have several different restrictions, and the waiter returned to the kitchen to find out what additional ingredients were in the gluten free bread. He returned, happily encouraging me to eat the bread because it was 'lactose free,' and only contained potato flour and skim milk powder! This sparked a situation reminiscent of the tofu-laced chicken broth at lunch, and ended with me politely accepting the bread and then not eating it.

I wasn't able to choose from the menu that night, and instead had a plain, grilled chicken breast and more steamed vegetables. It was just ok, but my hunger was satisfied and so I remained hopeful for a better tomorrow, and just didn't watch while the others enjoyed their desserts.

Day one on board wasn't a huge success, in my book, but I also didn't go to bed hungry. Look for another post soon about the rest of my time on board.

2012 Mediterranean Cruise {The Second Picture Post! Cannes, France}

Our first Port of Call was Cannes, France. We didn't have many expectations for Cannes, in a sense that we didn't *need* to do anything particular. I like it that way, because of the feeling of freedom to wander and explore. 

We weren't docked in Cannes, but were tendered instead. I was a bit nervous about these little boats that would take us to the port, given the MdDS and all. Sitting up front in the open air really helped.

The view from the tender boat. Cannes really was a beautiful place.

I'm a sucker for brightly colored doors. They're so common in Europe. I wonder why our doors here must be so... boring? 

Such a pretty place.

The view from the top. I really liked being up here.

He's pretty darned proud of this picture ;)

Windows make me happy too. 

I loved the citrus tress. They seemed to just appear out of nowhere, and for some reason, the idea of being able to pick an orange in the middle of the city was a fascinating one.

I knew there wouldn't be anything in here that I could have, so I snapped a picture from the entrance and called it good. Aren't the macaroons gorgeous?

Pantone! I wanted to bring some of this home, but resisted.

We carried these flags all over Europe. Hubby is a die-hard fan, and wanted to join in the Wave the Flag madness. 

Hubby with the camera again. The beach was a nice little treat, but also our first indication that the tender boat back to the ship might be a rough ride. We sat there in the sand for a bit, realizing that the wind and waves were really picking up.

Back on the tender boat, and beginning to realize something was up...

Soaked! I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Really, truly soaked! It was a rough ride, but we made it. Sitting out front for fresh air came back to bite us on the ride back out. We took the brunt of the waves as they splashed up and over the front of the boat!

Travelling with MdDS and Food Allergies/Intolerance: Flying

Oh, flying. I don't enjoy it. I never have.

Factor in the Mal de Debarquement {MdDS} and the lack of food choices, and I was left feeling pretty nervous about what to anticipate.

Luckily {??}, I had been able to take one 'test flight' prior to our longer, overseas adventure. We had an overnight trip in March for my husband's company where we flew into Portland, Oregon on what I respectfully call a puddle jumper. The test flight had gone smoothly, but the after-effects of the MdDS were pretty strong. I spent a couple of days flat on my back afterward waiting for the worst of the dizziness to pass.

Anyway, our cruise was scheduled to set sail from Barcelona on the third of May. Early, early May 2nd, we headed to the airport and flew five hours to Philadelphia. From Philly, we headed out over the ocean and directly into Barcelona.

My carry-on bag included my daily medications {allergy meds, plus my new homeopathic vertigo remedy}, a pair of Sea-Bands, a pair of EarPlanes, and snacks. Lots and lots of snacks! 

The Food Stuff:
I made sure to eat a decent breakfast before boarding, but I knew it wouldn't hold me over for long. I eat small amounts all through the day, as I find that I'm generally happier if I can snack my way {healthily} through life rather than sit down to three big meals each day. So, what was in my snack stash?

Justin's Nut Butters {love the individual packets! I brought a variety of flavors}
Enjoy Life Chewy Bars
LARABAR {more on this later!}
A bag of allergy-friendly granola {Udi's!!}
Peppermint and black tea bags
A mix of my favorite peppermints and ginger candies {I really have motion issues, and these help}
Small, single-serve almond milk beverages {I learned that 'declaring' your food allergies will get these gems through security!}

To supplement all of these bars and things, I knew I would be able to find fruit and a salad in the airports, and that is exactly what I did. I brought a banana along with me from home and ate it, slathered with a packet of Justin's peanut butter, for a mid-morning snack.

While we were in Philadelphia, I found a salad stand that allowed me to choose my toppings. There wasn't much to choose from, and even the oil and vinegar was a no-go {soybean oil, gross!}, so my salad was 'dry,' but it got me through my day. I grabbed another banana for its portability and carried it on to the second flight.

On the return flights, I collected more fruit and made do. I was sick coming home {a yucky cough/cold--not related to the MdDS or to my food choices} and didn't really want much food, so I simply made sure to keep hydrated.

My choices were somewhat limited, but it worked, and with minimal effort. Food was served on the international flights, but I obviously didn't eat any of it. I understand that the airlines can accommodate some dietary needs, but I preferred not to deal with the what-ifs.

The MdDS Stuff:
There isn't much that can be done in preparation for travel. From what I've learned, it's all a gamble. A MdDS patient may or may not have trouble with flying {or other motion}, and the only way to find out is through trial and error.

Because I'm so sensitive to motion, I wear a pair of Sea-Bands religiously. They really do help! The ginger candies and peppermints also really help when I'm feeling yucky.

And the EarPlanes? I recommend those for anyone! The MdDS has made my ears very sensitive to popping and pressure changes, and it's a discomfort I simply prefer to avoid. Wearing EarPlanes at take-off and landing helped me avoid the feeling all together. They're great!

I kept my homeopathic vertigo remedy {called VertigoHeel; and still new to me... I really think it is helping!} on hand and took it three times a day as I usually do. It can also be used as a 'rescue remedy,' and extra may be taken when you're really feeling the effects.



So, when all was said and done, I'd call our flights successful. Of course it would have been nice to be able to eat a hot meal like the rest of the plane, but I'm certainly not scarred for life as a result of missing out. I simply tried to plan my snacking for 'meal times,' so that I didn't feel as though I was sitting and watching my hubby eat.

Travelling with MdDS and Food Allergies/Intolerance: Introduction

I'm going to apologize now, because this is going to be a lengthy, wordy post. Without a whole lot of background information, the details in the coming posts might not make much sense. I tend not to talk much about myself here, preferring to share recipes and keep things simple, but somehow it seems important this time.

Several months ago, my husband received a call at work letting him know that he had earned a trip for two. The destination? Europe. A five-night cruise on the Mediterranean, more specifically. He did his husbandly duties and asked a few questions, and then it was time to let me know.

I * know* he dreaded that phone call. It was a pretty darned exciting thing, finding out he'd received a free vacation, no? So why the dread?

Me. And my anxiety... situation. You see, I try to maintain a calm on the surface. On the inside, however, I'm a bit of a mess. There are several factors, and believe me when I say this is something I'm working on. Regardless, three big things rushed to mind when he called me that day:

First, this food stuff, while fun and delightfully challenging to my creative brain, isn't so fun when I cannot be in control of preparation. We very, VERY rarely eat away from home. When we eat with family, I hang around the kitchen with a watchful eye, and I ask a lot of questions. Usually several times. The meal comes together, we make jokes about my neuroses, and nobody (ME!) gets sick. I can't guarantee the same success in a restaurant or similar setting, though, and that intimidates me to no end.

Second, I've got a little thing called Mal de Debarquement Syndrome. It started almost 18 months ago, and I've yet to rid myself of the awful symptoms. Travelling was a terrifying prospect, and quite honestly, one that brought me to tears. More on that later.

I also needed to come to grips with never having been away from my little guy before. This one was hardest for my mama-heart, but honestly, it was also the easiest to overcome. I've surprised a lot of people {myself included!} with just how 'hippy-dippy, crunchy-granola' I've become since entering mommyhood, and I've got some pretty fierce opinions about the fact that, for our family, parenting is a full-time commitment. Nighttime, sick time, vacation time. We're a family, and we stick together. I know there are others out there who will disagree with me, and that's fine. What works for our family may not work for yours. Anyway, while I would have preferred to have him with us, we did all survive. Minimal tears were shed, and he thoroughly enjoyed a good spoiling by those who love him.

Flashing back to that phone call, I cried, hard, as I stood in my kitchen and fretted over everything that could possibly go wrong.

I fretted and worried and planned for the next five months.

In the end, I was successful. Of course everyone else knew I'd be ok--but I didn't. Things weren't perfect, but they were good enough. I spent some much-needed time with my always-at-work hubby, snapped some great new pictures, and learned a lot about how to eat in funky situations.

Stick around for the posts that will follow this one. I've got lots to share about cruising with food issues, some tips and tricks that I will keep with me for next time, and of course pictures. Lots and lots of pictures!

I'd love to invite you to post questions here on this post that I might be able to include in the rest of the series. What do you want to know about travelling with food allergies/intolerance? Do I have any fellow MdDS readers??



Continue reading this series {will be updated as posts are added}:
My post on Flying
Pictures... Barcelona and RCI's Liberty of the Seas, Cannes, France, Pisa, Italy, Rome, Italy
My first post on Cruising
My second post on Cruising
My final thoughts, plus some Q&A