5 ways to be a savvy traveller when you have dietary requirements - part 2

What to do when you arrive – navigating dietary needs on the road

Read part 1 here

Enjoying a vegan completo in Chile

Part one of this series focused on how to prepare before you travel - check it out here. Once you arrive, how do you make sure your dietary requirements are still looked after?

Here are some of the practical things I do while I’m away to help things run smoothly. None of these are complicated, but they make a big difference in helping you feel nourished, confident, and able to enjoy your time away without worry. 

Use the apps

My go-to is HappyCow, especially when I’m not looking for a fully vegan place but still want to eat well. It’s fantastic for finding restaurants with great options that aren’t necessarily labelled “vegan-friendly.” I rely on it a lot when I travel, and if I find a great spot that isn’t listed, I always make the effort to add it for others.

Google Maps is another surprisingly useful tool. The photos, reviews, and menu previews give you a good sense of what’s available nearby. You can even search keywords like vegan or gluten-free and see what pops up within walking distance.

I also love reading travel blogs, they often go into more depth than reviews and include personal stories or hidden gems that you won’t find on the big platforms. Some of the best meals I’ve had abroad were thanks to someone else’s blog recommendation.

If you don’t speak the local language, download the language on Google Translate before you go. The photo scan feature is a lifesaver when trying to decipher ingredient labels in shops or on menus.

Learn key phrases

Learning one helpful sentence in the local language can go a long way. This phrase is golden.

“Hello, I am [vegan/gluten free/allergic to dairy]. What can I eat here?”

It opens up a conversation in a respectful and helpful way and often leads to better meals. People appreciate the effort, and it shows you’re not just being fussy but genuinely trying to communicate.

Book onto trips

I’ve often had better meals on organised tours and day trips than in hotels. Don’t be afraid to ask before you book whether they can cater to your needs. If they say yes, and say it confidently, you’re usually in for a great experience.

Whether it’s an overnight adventure or a cultural walking tour, the food is often part of the package, and operators are usually very happy to support dietary requirements when given the chance.

Learn about the local cuisine 

Doing a bit of research when you arrive can really help. My husband loves to eat like a local, so we often make it a fun challenge to find places that work for both of us. 

Knowing what local dishes are naturally plant-based, dairy-free, or gluten-free can also give you a head start. You’ll know what to look for on menus and what to ask for without too much stress.

When you get a delicious meal (or ice cream), that is ticking all your boxes, enjoy every mouthful.

Be open and prepared to talk about your requirements

If you have notified people in advance then chefs and/or hosts may wish to have a conversation with you to make sure what they’re planning is going to work for you. 

Be open to that conversation. You’re not being difficult, you’re helping them help you. If something doesn’t look quite right, don’t be afraid to ask questions or politely say it’s not suitable. People are generally kind and willing to adapt when you communicate clearly and respectfully.

Travelling with dietary requirements isn’t always seamless, but with a little preparation, it can be joyful, delicious, and full of unexpected wins. You deserve to enjoy your trip just as much as anyone else, so do what you can, stay open, and savour every bite that works for you.

Do you have any others?