Here you will find an archived weblog of my food, travel, and creative pursuits which I kept from 2010-2016. Please note both that the travel information contained here may outdated and that these logs were created on a prior version of this website and may not yet be optimized for the current version. If you’re looking for specific content, use the search field below! <3
Let's not bother beating around the bush, there is no "wrong" way to travel.
It's a topic which sometimes leaves me considering unfollowing most travel writers and bloggers around the web altogether. I'm so tired of the prescriptive travel advice out there which tells you that you must "travel like a local" or "travel solo" because otherwise you're "just a tourist." Don't get me started on the traveler versus tourist debate.
Read MoreFor the first time in my travels, I found every guidebook purchased for this trip almost entirely useless. Perhaps their only positive contribution was to guide us to a spot we wouldn’t find interesting, so we would then be forced to go explore on our own. It was a fascinating set up for what has become one of my favorite travel adventures yet.
Read MoreAs I started packing for the trip about a week prior to take-off, I found myself packing in an entirely new way than in the past. Specifically, I've been packing based on what my travel essentials are versus what I think I'll need for every single day of the trip. Instead of planning each outfit to wear, I just bring my best tried and tested travel gear. It's been remarkably less stressful to pack this way since it's just a matter of bringing the best of the best.
Read MoreWe all have certain things in our lives which bring out our passion, things which we turn to in times of stress. For me, one of those things is traveling - to both new locations and favorites I'll return to over and over again. Something about going places away from home lets me relax and let's my mind run free.
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When it comes to planning a multi-week itinerary for a trip - I'm in my element.
I love planning and organizing. And yes, you may call me type A. So by extension this post is really meant for those of you that are also type A or for some reason want to be. By no means, is this the only way to plan an itinerary - it's just the way that works for me! My version of itinerary planning involves some level of certainty. The bottom line is that I like to know where I'm sleeping every night.
Does that sound like the kind of trip you like to take? Then read on and I'll take you through the my steps to plan a multi-week itinerary.
Oh the group trip. Are you familiar with these? They combine the fun of exploring new places with friends with the chaos of trying to coordinate a large number of independently minded people. From my experience with group trips, the most challenging part has always been related to the food.
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And we're off! My hubby and I are headed out on our official month long honeymoon to New Zealand. I'm looking forward to all of the gluten free adventures we will have there and will make sure to document them all for a an awesome series of Gluten Free In New Zealand here on Gluten Free Travelette!
Speaking of my hubby, he pointed out to me today that I really ought to do a post on how I prepare for my travels. So I thought I would add to this post how I'm preparing for our 3 1/2 week trip to New Zealand.
Before I go anywhere, I do a whole lot of online research on Google and compile a list of gluten free friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops. I use search terms such as "Gluten Free in Auckland" or "Gluten Free Restaurants in Auckland" or "Gluten Free Friendly Restaurants in Auckland". I do this for every city we are planning to visit. I also search for organic grocery stores or co-ops, since they tend to have a selection of gluten free foods. Restaurants and cafes that cater to vegans or vegetarians also tend to be more understanding of other food intolerances.
When booking hotels, I try to stay at places that offer at least a in-room refrigerator. This way I can go stock up on non-dairy milks and other speciality products when I get there. A room with a microwave or kitchenette is even better!
