🌍 Travelling Abroad with Coeliac Disease: Why Italy and Spain Feel Like a Breath of Fresh (Gluten-Free) Air

Going on holiday when you’ve got coeliac disease can feel more like a military operation than a relaxing getaway. You’re not just thinking about swimsuits and suncream — you’re researching restaurant menus, double-checking ingredients, and carrying snacks everywhere you go. You also end up becoming fluent in explaining the difference between “coeliac disease” and “being gluten-free by choice” — and honestly, it gets exhausting.

But not all countries treat you like you’re being fussy or following a trend. Some truly get it.

Italy — A Place I’d Love to Return To

The last time I went to Italy was before I was diagnosed with coeliac disease. I was working on the cruise ships and absolutely loved the experience… but that’s also when everything started going wrong with my health. I had severe food poisoning, and looking back, I think it was the start of my gut issues.

But here’s what’s funny — or perhaps meant to be.

Everything happens for a reason, doesn’t it? I genuinely believe that someone up there was preparing me for something I couldn’t see coming at the time. That experience, tough as it was, started my journey toward understanding my body and learning how to advocate for my health. Now, years later, I have a daughter who we suspect may also have coeliac disease. She’s already got a diagnosed milk allergy, and we’re currently waiting for her blood test results. It’s a lot. But I feel oddly grateful for what I went through, because it’s helped me be the mum she needs.

And the thing is — of all places, Italy is actually one of the best and safest countries to visit if you have coeliac disease. In fact, it’s so widely recognised that they screen children for it routinely, and it’s taken seriously at a national level. Gluten-free food isn’t hard to find — it’s almost standard. Restaurants are educated, menus are clear, and most staff will go above and beyond to avoid cross-contamination.

Spain Gets It Too

I’ve also had great experiences in Spain. Like Italy, they understand coeliac disease and don’t view it as a “fussy eater” request. In some parts of the UK, I still find myself having to say I have a gluten allergy rather than coeliac disease just to be taken seriously. But in Spain? They’re used to it. They get the seriousness. And they do their best to make you feel safe and respected when eating out.

Travelling with a Possibly Coeliac Child

Travelling with dietary needs is one thing — but now that we’re waiting to see if our daughter has coeliac disease as well, it’s a whole different level. Add in her milk allergy, and suddenly “booking a holiday” becomes “planning a logistical puzzle with food safety warnings.”

But still, I’m not giving up on travelling. I want to show her the world — safely.

Tips That Make It Easier

Here are a few things I’ve learnt that make holidaying with coeliac disease a bit less stressful:

✅ Translation cards – these explain your dietary needs in the local language

✅ Research restaurants ahead of time – look for reviews from other coeliacs

✅ Coeliac associations – check if the country has an official coeliac body or restaurant certification system

✅ Self-catering stays – having your own kitchen makes everything easier

✅ Pack safe snacks – especially for airports and long travel days

✅ Use “gluten allergy” if needed – sometimes it’s the only way to make sure people understand the seriousness

Finding the Joy Again

If you’re living with coeliac disease — or your child is — I see you. It’s not easy. But there are places where it feels less scary. Places where food becomes joy again, not stress. Italy and Spain are high on my list for that reason, and I can’t wait to go back. This time, prepared, informed, and ready to create new memories with my daughter — gluten-free and all.

Have you travelled with coeliac disease or food allergies? I’d love to hear your experience — leave a comment below and let’s support each other. And if you found this helpful, please like and subscribe for more honest parenting, travel, and neurodiversity content. 💜

References & Resources

Coeliac UK – Travel advice and translations AIC (Italy’s Coeliac Association) FACE (Spanish Coeliac Association)

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