When I joined Travel Counsellors in 2021, both my daughter Merryn and I had been diagnosed with coeliac disease. At the time, I was also returning to the travel industry after more than three years away.

My focus was simple: build my travel business.

I knew that one day I wanted to specialise in gluten-free travel. After all, I was living it every day. I understood the challenges, the anxiety and the endless research that goes into travelling safely with coeliac disease. But I wanted to establish my business first before creating a niche.

Then, three years ago, everything changed.

The Conversation That Changed Everything

I was attending our first Disney Ambassador conference when another Travel Counsellor asked me a simple question:<

"Why don't you do gluten-free travel?"

My response was immediate. "That's what I want to do... but I want to build my business first."

Her reply? "Just do it."

So I did.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

From Personal Experience To Professional Expertise

What started as sharing my own experiences quickly grew into something much bigger.

As a coeliac myself, and mum to a coeliac child, I know that travelling gluten free isn't just about finding a nice hotel.

It's about:

•⁠ ⁠Knowing you'll be able to eat safely

•⁠ ⁠Understanding whether staff are trained in allergens

•⁠ ⁠Feeling confident enough to relax on holiday

•⁠ ⁠Knowing where to find safe meals when you're exploring a destination

•⁠ ⁠Avoiding the stress of spending hours researching before you travel

Because I live with coeliac disease myself, I understand the questions people ask before they book.

And often, I understand the questions they haven't thought to ask yet.

Building A Gluten-Free Travel Database

Over the past five years, I've spent countless hours researching destinations, speaking with hotels and suppliers, gathering feedback from travellers and building a database of trusted recommendations.

Today, that database includes:

•⁠ ⁠More than 200 hotels worldwide

•⁠ ⁠Cruise lines with excellent gluten-free provision

•⁠ ⁠Family-friendly resorts

•⁠ ⁠Luxury hotels

•⁠ ⁠Theme park destinations

•⁠ ⁠Touring holidays and city breaks

Some destinations are so good for gluten-free travellers that you don't necessarily need a specific hotel recommendation.

Italy, for example, is often considered one of the best countries in the world for people with coeliac disease. Spain is another destination where gluten-free travellers can often find excellent options and understanding of dietary requirements.

Destinations I Regularly Recommend

One destination that consistently stands out is Walt Disney World in Florida.

As both a travel professional and frequent visitor, I've seen first-hand how seriously Disney takes food allergies and coeliac disease. From quick-service restaurants to signature dining experiences, gluten-free guests are exceptionally well catered for.

Other destinations and cruise lines have also impressed me over the years, and my recommendations continue to grow as I receive feedback from clients and conduct my own research.

More Than Just A Holiday

Today, helping the gluten-free and coeliac community is one of the most rewarding parts of my business.

When clients book through me, they're not just booking a holiday. They're benefiting from years of research, personal experience and a genuine understanding of what it's like to travel with dietary requirements.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, travelling with a coeliac child, or simply looking for reassurance before your next trip, my aim is always the same:

To help you travel with confidence.

Because everyone deserves to enjoy their holiday without worrying about their next meal.