Travelling with dietary restrictions whatever they may be isn’t just inconvenient, it can be overwhelming. For me, travelling gluten free is hard. I’m gluten and dairy free but the gluten is definitely the harder of the two. I find it’s a mix of excitement and stress: the thrill of discovering unfamiliar places, clouded by the constant worry of what’s safe to eat.

Challenges Planning a Japan Gluten‑Free Trip

That was my experience planning a trip to Japan, the trip was intended as a scoping mission to see how feasible a snowboarding trip would be. As my first trip after this new found revelation I found myself deep in Reddit and Facebook groups, blogs promising gluten free travel tips, and restaurant reviews. Not to mention learning about translation apps, how to order a special meal and whether I needed an allergy card just to avoid getting ill while I was away. I remember thinking, “There has to be an easier way.” That thought became the seed for Globally Sauced.

My Gluten‑Free Travel Challenges

Most travel resources aren’t built for people with food restrictions. And while tools like ChatGPT, Copilot or Google Maps can help, they don’t understand what it’s like to travel with allergies, intolerances, or religious dietary needs. We do. One restriction is tough enough, juggling multiple adds a whole new level of complexity. I even found finding suitable allergy cards tricky. The one’s translated by a human were often single restriction which I didn’t feel comfortable with.

Discovering Supportive Communities & Tools

Jo travelling gluten‑free in Japan

While I was in Japan each night, I would be checking Google Maps or the Gluten Free in Japan Facebook Group (fantastic resource, join if your going to Japan) to see what would be nearby or what was worth going out of my way for. Often to find that other travellers were on a different budget to me.

Now I don’t mind the occasional splurge or must try restaurant, (If you’re in Tokyo check out Gluten Free T’s) but I didn’t want to come home having blown my travel budget.

Building AI Tools: What Changed

My next trip was a snowboarding holiday to Banff, Canada, so back in Aotearoa (New Zealand) the planning had begun. To simplify it, I started building AI-powered tools tailored to dietary-restricted travellers. From allergy-aware restaurant searches to all the information I wanted to know when visiting a country, including customisable translation cards, these tools changed how I travel.

How AI Tools Simplified Travelling

My Canadian adventure consisted of stops in Vancouver and Calgary followed by a week in Banff. Knowing that close to my accommodation was great, safe food choices (even poutine!), and whether I needed to pack a lunch when I was out was just what I needed

Enjoying a gluten free poutine in vancouver

Travelling Gluten and Dairy Free was no longer as daunting. No longer did I need to sift through massive amounts of research, I still could but I didn’t need to all I needed to do was check the output.

Now I’m sharing them with you. Whether you’re coeliac, vegan, allergic to nuts, or just trying to avoid certain ingredients, you deserve to travel with confidence.

How My Tools Help You Plan Safe Trips

We’re not just another AI tool. Our system prompts and recommendations are designed to food-restricted travellers, especially for smaller or less-covered destinations where mainstream tools fall short. We’re here to share hard-earned knowledge with our country or city guides, and shine a light on hidden gems where you can eat safely. If you’ve ever felt anxious about eating while abroad, this is your space.

Key Takeaways

  • Use community groups as part of the planning process to find hidden gems
  • Combine translation apps with allergy cards for peace of mind
  • Prepare carry‑on snacks for the flight or while you get familiar with your surroundings
  • Use our AI planning tools to simplify the process