Going on holiday with IBS/Gluten intolerance.

I have found going to restaurants in both Italy and France very accommodating as they have proper chefs who will cook something special if you ask. I had a message in French and one in Italian on my phone explaining what I could/ couldn’t eat. When I needed to be GF and onion / garlic free they were excellent and in Italy GF pasta and gnocchi are readily available. Many places in the U.K. they buy in stuff ready made and don’t cook from scratch so they can’t modify the sauces or the ingredients in a dish. The best place I have found in the U.K. are Italian restaurants, who tend to make their own sauces etc. Having said that, I agree self catering is best when you have dietary issues.

We always stay in self-catering places. Usually do a main shop on the way at a local supermarket to see us through 2 or 3 days, which gives us a bit of leeway if we decide to go out somewhere. We found that when we stayed in a hotel we rarely ate there anyway as often we wouldn't get home till late. We can knock up a lovely breakfast in no time at all so that's no problem. I think the main problem is lunches, so we usually get takeaway drinks to eat with our own food in a park somewhere.

It’s possible to access a ‘need the toilet’ urgency card or have similar on a phone which explains ( not in detail) why. I had an embarrassing moment in a shop recently and was asked if I have this card. I have it now.

Sorry I'm gluten intolerant like OP mentioned so I'm answering in those terms

Definitely not trying to advise anyone with coeliac!

VioletSky

I take Buscopan with me everywhere, if I take it at the first sign of trouble it usually works

It’s not that simple if you are coeliac though. Buscopan might ease the immediate symptoms of bloating but it won’t help the lasting effects of fatigue, anaemia and horrible smelling poo. This can last for two or three weeks.

I was not being rude - expressing an opinion isn't rude.

kittylester

Strikes me as a lot of hard work for a holiday.

No need to be rude Kitty .

Georgesgran of course I don't mean anyone with an illness shouldn't go away. Nor am I being light hearted.

I am gluten intolerant but if I go on holiday, I don't want to be cooking. I want to be able to access tasty meals without having to cook them myself.

kittylester

You people who go self catering must be much more irganised than I am.

I never have all the ingredients I need - Henderson's Relish, balsamic, mustards etc.

I cook entirely differently when I self cater....much simpler stuff. In the Uk there is also the option to shop at supermarkets who are getting much better at labelling their ready meals. (can't tolerate any kind of non sugar sweetener or MSG)

Notspagetti We always go self catering. Have breakfast then either other meals out or a takeaway. Don’t want to spend the holiday cooking. Plus you can have meals when you want them.

Georgesgran

VS - I’ll get some Buscopan! 20 years ago (at least) I was told by a Pharmacy that it wasn’t to be taken by over 40’s. There was no explanation, so I’ve never considered it since. Having just Googled Buscopan there is no upper age limit, although caution over 65. I’m sure I didn’t make it up, as getting relief was so important. Can you remember if that was so?

No sorry I really haven't heard this before, I'm 48 now

It's a lifesaver for me as I absolutely cannot get IBS at work, as I work with children

Your posts are odd ‘kitty’. I hope they are meant to be lighthearted? Surely you don’t mean that anyone with an illness shouldn’t be going on holiday?
Sometimes, just being away from home is a holiday in itself for many, even if it is self-catering and sitting watching out of a different window.

VS - I’ll get some Buscopan! 20 years ago (at least) I was told by a Pharmacy that it wasn’t to be taken by over 40’s. There was no explanation, so I’ve never considered it since. Having just Googled Buscopan there is no upper age limit, although caution over 65. I’m sure I didn’t make it up, as getting relief was so important. Can you remember if that was so?

There's a very good Facebook page that lists Gluten free restaurants etc.

My son has Coeliac disease and has found it to be an excellent resource when having a break or travelling for work.

Whitewavemark2

Oh I’ve just read mamies post. I was speaking from my holidays in Italy and Spain where I was looked after by restaurant staff wherever I went. Must be different in France, but haven’t holidayed in France for a few years now.

I am sure there are plenty of restaurants in the big cities which would be fine; we did find a vegan one that did GF but the choice was very limited. I just don't find France very exciting or adventurous when it comes to food. The classic dishes are good and there are many excellent restaurants, but the attitude of it's French so it must be perfect annoys me.
I always say the two things I like least about living in France are the food and the fashion (not to the neighbours though).
😂😂😂😂

Oh I’ve just read mamies post. I was speaking from my holidays in Italy and Spain where I was looked after by restaurant staff wherever I went. Must be different in France, but haven’t holidayed in France for a few years now.

You will have absolutely no trouble if you travel to Europe. All food providers in the EU has to list ingredients and provide suitable menus for gluten intolerant etc.

That law stands here until the bill goes through getting rid of it all.

Strikes me as a lot of hard work for a holiday.

My family always self cater. They stay in beautiful, well equipped houses. My daughter places a food order to be delivered early evening on the first day. Same in reverse for home. They eat out for most main meals.
Always a successful, happy holiday. In the past I have joined them for a couple of days. But in recent years I go to stay in their home and look after the two cats.

I take Buscopan with me everywhere, if I take it at the first sign of trouble it usually works

If I were in England I would just have an online shop delivered to the property. Here in France we take a box of stuff and check out the location of the nearest organic supermarket. 😊

You people who go self catering must be much more irganised than I am.

I never have all the ingredients I need - Henderson's Relish, balsamic, mustards etc.

I just wat to empathise as I am regularly caught out by chips who knew a potato could be so cruel

I’ve IBS and now what sets it off can vary from day to day. Yesterday it was an M&S boxed salad with Caesar dressing! Obviously I avoid eating what I’ve had problems with in the past and never, ever, go anywhere without a supply of Imodium.

My DGD2 is gluten and lactose intolerant. When something has been contaminated she says she has been "glutened".
They went on holiday to Italy (Puglia) last year and she said the number of places catering for gluten free was brilliant and the food was fabulous. Spain is also pretty good I think.
Here in France the organic shops are good, but I think restaurants are more difficult.
I would have thought self-catering and eating out would be a good combination.