My improv paella cooked in sea water in my traveling PFOA-free non-stick pan!

Why we travel

Eating good food is a core pleasure for so many of us. It is the way we connect to one another, the way we learn about other cultures and it is our legacy to future generations.

Like so many travelers, food has so much to do with the allure of a new country, region or even town. Yet just as many Americans are finally coming out of their cocoon to discover other corners of the world, many are being hit by the reality of food allergies, restrictions and limitations, which seems to send them running back to the safety of the four walls within which they live.

I too was diagnosed with multiple food allergies at age 25 and thought I’d have to give up my favorite hobby forever. However, quite the opposite happened. Seeking out alternative foods opened up a world of culinary delights and amazing travel adventures for me.

Instead of finding myself incredibly limited in my travels, I was able to uncover a wide array of traditional, delicious foods on my journeys, many of which I continue to prepare when I’m back home.

Over the years as many of my friends have uncovered their own food allergies, I constantly get asked how they too can make travel possible under such circumstances. That’s why I decided to start this site — to show people how they can travel despite dietary limitations.

Becoming a travel pro

On these pages, you’ll learn my best tips for things like packing food for a long flight, choosing the best luggage, how to pack the most effectively, what foods you can and can’t bring into the US from abroad and how to find health food stores in foreign countries.

Yes, foreign travel is my specialty, so you will also get a lot of information about traveling abroad. What customs people follow in other countries, when is the best time to go out for a meal, the best way to make a local phone call or get local money and even how to save for your vacation! In short, I hope to answer your questions and allay any fears you may have about being able to pull off a vacation, whether your concern is having enough money, time or “stuff you can eat” because your doctor just diagnosed you with gluten intolerance.

I implore you to ask me to inspire me to write articles you don’t see uploaded here yet. Sometimes, I just need that little push to get the juices flowing in a particular direction. There are so many things people want to know about travel that unfortunately are NOT answered on the internet. So if I can be a vehicle to a solution for you, I would love to help — ask away!

The world is your oyster

Gilligan's Island Poker

It is a big mistake in the US that you need to be independently wealthy or travel “in style” to have a relaxing and memorable vacation. I have a little extra dough to spare these days compared to when I first began traveling as a teenager and I tell ya that my best and most fulfilling trips have been done on a budget.

I’m not suggesting you try to sleep on people’s couches wherever you go, but you don’t need a four-star hotel either. All you need is a clean, comfortable bed in a safe neighborhood — not very hard to come by at all.

With a little manifestation and preparation, you too can enjoy the kinds of vacations my family and I have been able to take over the past 20+ years. The only limit is your will to do it!

I invite you to travel around the world with us as we discover new cultures together, meet new and old friends and dine on some of the world’s most inspiring cuisines. Learn from our experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I am here for you to make your first or next trip a simple and painless adventure!