Best Vacation Destinations for Families with Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Do you or a loved one have food allergies or dietary restrictions? Planning a trip can feel overwhelming when you’re worried about safe meals, but the good news is that many destinations today make traveling with allergies much easier. As someone with multiple food sensitivities and years of experience in the travel industry, I want to share my top recommendations for allergy-friendly vacation spots that families can truly enjoy.
Growing Awareness of Food Allergies
Thankfully, awareness around food allergies and dietary restrictions has grown significantly in the last decade. Many restaurants now label allergens on their menus and train staff to accommodate guests with sensitivities. This progress has made family travel safer and less stressful than ever before.
Disney Destinations: The Gold Standard for Allergy-Friendly Travel
If you’re looking for one of the best places to travel with food allergies, Disney destinations are hard to beat. Disney takes allergies seriously, whether you’re dining at a quick service spot or enjoying a sit-down restaurant.
At quick service restaurants, staff can show you a binder with common allergens and safe menu items.
At table service restaurants, chefs will often visit your table directly to discuss options—and even customize meals.
Allergy-friendly meals are marked with special identifiers so there’s no mix-up.
For example, I’m allergic to bananas, and when I dined at ‘Ohana, the chef created a special sauce for my bread pudding so I could enjoy the dessert safely. Disney’s attention to detail makes it one of the most allergy-aware destinations for families.
Sandals & Beaches Resorts: Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Food Allergies
If an all-inclusive resort is your dream, Sandals and Beaches Resorts are excellent choices for travelers with dietary restrictions. Upon arrival, guests can meet with a culinary concierge who will review your allergies and work with each restaurant on property to ensure safe dining.
Additional perks:
Allergy information can be added to your pre-arrival butler suite form.
Each restaurant is trained to accommodate allergy-friendly dining—even without concierge assistance.
Staff members take precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
This extra care helps families with allergies feel at ease, while still enjoying the luxury of an all-inclusive vacation.
Tips for Traveling with Allergies
Even at allergy-aware destinations, it’s important to be your own best advocate. Based on my experiences, here are a few tips:
Ask questions about how food is prepared.
Be cautious with buffets and pre-made foods.
Stick to restaurants that cook meals to order whenever possible.
Carry a few safe snacks, especially for excursions.
Traveling with food allergies doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or flavor. With destinations like Disney and Sandals/Beaches Resorts, families can relax knowing safe options are available.
👉 Do you have a favorite allergy-friendly vacation destination? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips!
