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What We Actually Eat on Vacation as a Gluten-Free Family

 

Traveling gluten-free can feel overwhelming, expensive, and stressful — especially for a larger family.


Over the years, we’ve found a simple system that works well for us. It may not be fancy, but it keeps vacation meals much less stressful.

 

Where We Stay

 

We usually try to stay in an AirBNB with a kitchen or a hotel with a kitchen suite. Having access to a refrigerator, freezer, and stovetop makes gluten-free travel so much easier for our family.

 

I also usually pack one skillet from home so we do not have to worry as much about cross-contamination while cooking.

 

How I Prepare Ahead Without Getting Overwhelmed

I usually start preparing proteins a week or two ahead of vacation so everything does not become overwhelming at the last minute. As I make meals for home, I often just make extra to pack away for vacation.

 

I freeze the prepared meats flat in gallon freezer bags so they stack easily in the freezer, fit better into coolers, and help stay cold during the trip.

 

Supper Meals We Prepare Ahead of Time

 

Italian Sausage

    • Cooked in the Instant Pot ahead of time

    • We also slice peppers and onions and freeze them to go with the sausage

Taco Meat

    • Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning

    • We usually serve this with tortilla chips, salsa, and cheese for an easy vacation supper

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

    • Sometimes homemade and sometimes store bought depending on the season of life

Grilled Chicken

    • Great for rice bowls, wraps, salads, or quick dinners

“No Sloppy Joe” Ground Beef

    • Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, onions, and mustard

    • The flavor reminds our family of a healthier version of a White Castle sandwich

Hot Dogs with Homemade Hot Dog Sauce

    • I usually make a simple ground beef and turkey sauce ahead of time and freeze it as well

 

Breakfast Foods We Bring

 

  • Sausage gravy with gluten-free bread
  • Bacon cooked and frozen ahead
  • Homemade sausage patties
  • Gluten-free English muffins or bagels for breakfast sandwiches
  • Eggs
  • Gluten-free cereal
  • Simple Mills breakfast bars
  • Goodie Girl breakfast biscuits
  • Homemade muffins or breakfast cookies for travel days
  • Gluten-free Pop-Tarts as a vacation treat

 

Simple Lunches & Beach Food

 

Lunches are usually kept very simple, especially if we are heading to the beach or out for the day.

 

  • PB & J sandwiches
  • Lunch meat
  • Applesauce pouches
  • Puddings
  • Gluten-free meat sticks
  • Cheese sticks
  • Fruit snacks
  • Gluten-free granola bars
  • Gluten-free cookies
  • Chips
  • Bottled water

Easy Sides, Snacks & Vacation Treats

 

We try to keep sides and snacks very simple while traveling. At home, we make most of our snacks from scratch, so vacation is usually the one week where we buy more convenience foods and simply enjoy them together without worrying quite as much about perfect nutrition.

 

  • Siete cookies and chips
  • Kettle Brand Air Fried Chips
  • Simple Mills crackers and cookies
  • Glutino or Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels
  • Quinn filled pretzel snacks
  • Goodie Girl cookies
  • Kinnikinnick S’moreables or Pamela’s graham crackers
  • Marshmallows and chocolate for s’mores

Eating Out While Traveling

 

Usually, we will eat out about once during vacation if we can find a local place with good gluten-free options.

 

Sometimes we also make a restaurant stop as a special treat while traveling to or from vacation. Our family favorites are:

 

    • Chick-fil-A

    • Five Guys

    • Chipotle

 

Why This Works Well for Us

 

Having many of the main foods already prepared means we spend less time cooking and worrying about safe gluten-free options while traveling. It also helps us save money and makes vacation feel more relaxing for everyone.

 

Even while traveling, some of our favorite memories are still made gathered around a simple vacation table together. Preparing many things ahead of time also means mom does not have to spend the entire vacation stuck in the kitchen cooking and cleaning.