Nassau, Bahamas Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. I now have the opportunity to combine that passion with another important part of my life: helping families. While I continue to work as a school counselor, I also help families plan vacations that fit their unique needs, including those navigating celiac disease, food allergies, and gluten-free travel. For the past 25 years, I've worked with children and teens ages 5 through 18, helping students build confid

Sacre Coeur - Paris, France After my celiac diagnosis, I was afraid to travel internationally. It took me a long time to feel like I could eat out safely in the United States. How was I going to do that in another country? Traveling with celiac disease can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, gluten-free travel is possible. You may be surprised to learn that sometimes it is much easier to eat gluten-free in other countries. Gluten-Free Trip

Great Bear at Hershey Park - Hershey, PA When you have celiac disease or must eat gluten-free, visiting an amusement park can feel overwhelming, but not at Hersheypark. This Pennsylvania gem combines sweet fun, exciting rides, and surprisingly safe gluten-free options that make traveling with dietary restrictions so much easier. My family and I have returned to Hersheypark again and again, not just for the roller coasters and chocolate (though those are big perks!), but becau

Orange County Convention Center-Orlando, Florida Attending a convention, conference, or expo can be an exciting opportunity—whether it’s for work, school, or just for fun. But if you have celiac disease or follow a gluten-free diet, it also comes with a big question: What am I going to eat? Convention centers aren’t exactly known for their gluten-free friendliness. The food is often pre-packaged, mass-produced, or laden with hidden sources of gluten. But don’t stress—with the

Woman walking with her suitcase in the airport. For many of us, summer is a high travel season. I love to travel but would lie if I said that finding safe gluten-free food isn't stressful. Sometimes I think back to life before my diagnosis. I was excited to travel and did not worry about food. Food and Travel My sister just returned from a trip and was excited to tell us how they shared several local dishes on their tour. Eating food from other countries and cultures is pa

View from Devenish Island, County Fermanagh Ireland holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. My grandfather was from Tubberclair, Ireland, not far from Athlone. He left Ireland for New York City in search of a better life leaving behind his family and friends. Can you imagine getting on a boat that would take several days to arrive in the United States? Knowing that it was possible that you may get sick and never arrive. Traveling to a country you don't kn

SoNapa Grille in New Smyrna Beach, Florida When you spend time at the beach the last thing you want to do is go back and make a meal. One of my favorite restaurants at the beach is SoNapa Grille. The restaurant is known for great wine, from the Sonoma and Napa Valley, and amazing food. When you walk into the restaurant it has high open ceilings. There are large beams and the restaurant has an open feel. You will see wine barrels above your head on the second floor. The b

As I posted in my last blog, I recently visited the beautiful city of Chicago. I left the day before the tragic shootings took place in Highland Park. I debated waiting to post about Chicago, but I believe people should be aware of all the wonderful things the city has to offer—including its welcoming atmosphere, rich cultural diversity, and surprisingly fantastic gluten-free food options. While I was here, I met people from all over Chicago, as well as people who have moved

I recently visited the beautiful city of Chicago. Sadly, I left the day before the tragic shootings in Highland Park. I considered postponing this post, but I believe it’s important to share all the wonderful things Chicago has to offer. During my time there, I met people from across the city and from around the world—including those who have moved to Chicago from Africa, Mexico, and many other places. Everyone I encountered was friendly, helpful, and kind. To all the familie

When planning a trip to an amusement park with celiac disease, food is often the biggest source of stress. But at Hersheypark, that’s not the case. One of the reasons I keep coming back is that they offer safe, clearly labeled gluten-free food options throughout the park. From chicken tenders and burgers to fries cooked in a dedicated fryer, I know my family and I can enjoy the day without worry. It’s such a relief not to have to pack a cooler or leave the park to eat. And be

We hit the road and headed to Buffalo recently! I have a niece that lives there and thought we would spend the day with her. Our first stop was the Walden Galleria Mall. I am not a big shopper however; my child needed some dress clothes so off we went! If you enjoy shopping this would be a great place for you! There are numerous stores here to explore. Some highlights are Lululemon, Loft, American Eagle, Apple, DSW, and Sephora. My favorite was Macy's! We found all

Charm City-Baltimore