Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough when we talk about vacations: food.
We are becoming much more educated about what is actually in the food we eat, especially here in the United States. Gluten, nuts, added sugars, highly processed ingredients and other dietary restrictions are becoming part of the conversation for a LOT of travelers.
And this one hits me personally.
Three years ago, I was extremely sick and because of the major surgeries that I had to have , my gallbladder, appendix and part of my stomach removed, there are certain foods my digestive system simply cannot process the way most people can. And I thank God that I do not have a life-threatening allergy like some of you have to foods.
So one of the questions I get all the time is:
“Sarah, you travel all over the world. Aren’t you afraid you’re going to end up somewhere with nothing you can eat?”
Surprisingly, no.
I’ve traveled everywhere from some of the most luxurious resorts in the world to a $3-a-night hotel in the middle of India, and I have always managed to find something clean and safe that works for me.
That doesn’t mean I wing it.
Anyone from TAU who has traveled with me knows I will absolutely pull into a grocery store for snacks. 
I travel with protein shakes. I research. I ask questions. It’s just part of my normal routine.
But when you’re spending thousands of dollars on a vacation, food shouldn’t become another job.
You shouldn’t arrive at an all-inclusive resort wondering:
Can I eat here? Is this sauce safe? Am I going to spend seven days eating plain chicken and vegetables? Do I need to pack half my kitchen?
And THAT is why Grand Velas Riviera Maya caught my attention.
Travel + Leisure recently reported that research by celiac-focused travel agency Parea + Co. ranked Grand Velas Riviera Maya the No. 1 hotel in the world for gluten-free travelers.
And this isn’t simply a resort putting a couple of gluten-free symbols on a menu and calling it a day.
According to the report, guests’ celiac requirements can be established in writing before arrival, and those restrictions are then flagged across the resort’s restaurants at check-in. Restaurant teams confirm orders with the kitchen and use procedures including changing gloves and using clean utensils and preparation surfaces to help reduce cross-contact. The resort does not have completely separate gluten-free kitchens, which is important for travelers with celiac disease to understand, but it has established protocols throughout its dining operation.
And here’s the part I LOVE:
24-hour gluten-free room service.
We’re not talking about being handed a bowl of lettuce either. Travel + Leisure reports that even foods such as pizza, French fries and chicken fingers can be prepared in gluten-free versions. Gluten-free choices extend throughout the property’s restaurants, including its Michelin-starred Cocina de Autor.
Grand Velas has actually been working with dietary needs for years. The resort has offered gluten-free and organic dishes across its restaurants, with vegetarian dishes available upon request, and its current FAQ says its dining establishments accommodate a variety of food restrictions and dietary concerns.
That matters.
Because having dietary restrictions shouldn’t mean you stop experiencing the world.
Never be afraid to travel because of what you can or cannot eat. Be prepared, ask the right questions and work with people who know what questions need to be asked.
And this is also exactly why, when we qualify a client at Travel Advisors Unlimited, we ask so many questions.
Do you have food allergies? Dietary restrictions? Mobility concerns? Disabilities? Sensory needs? What are your preferences? Heck, let’s talk about your pillow if your pillow matters to you.
Those answers help us eliminate properties that aren’t a good fit before you spend your money on them.
Because a vacation is an investment financially, but it’s also an investment emotionally. You waited for it. You saved for it. You took time away from work and family responsibilities for it. The last thing I want is for you to arrive and realize that the resort you picked from 47 open browser tabs isn’t actually right for you.
This is what a travel advisor is for.
Instead of spending hours, sometimes days, researching resorts, menus, reviews and dietary policies, let us do some of that homework for you.
And when a resort like Grand Velas Riviera Maya is making this level of effort to accommodate travelers who might otherwise be nervous about an all-inclusive vacation?
It absolutely moves higher on my list. 
Travel should be about experiencing the destination, not worrying about your next meal.
Support a small business. Use a travel advisor. Ask the questions.
And then go see the world. We’ll help you figure out what you can eat when you get there. 
XO- Sarah
Founder/Owner