Caribbean Food Allergy Travel Q&A
Let’s Go to The Caribbean - With Food Allergies
Traveling to the Caribbean with Food Allergies: Live Q&A Recap
Expert Advice from the Equal Eats Live Q&A
Let’s Go to the Caribbean with Food Allergies was recorded live in May and was the latest session in our monthly Equal Eats Live Q&A series. These free events offer practical insights and lived-experience travel advice for individuals and families navigating food allergies and other dietary restrictions around the world.
In this Live Q&A session, Kyle Dine, founder of Equal Eats, was joined by Julianne Ponan MBE, CEO of Creative Nature. Both live with multiple food allergies and have traveled extensively across the Caribbean. Together, they shared a wealth of tips to help others feel informed, safe, and empowered to explore this beautiful region.
Whether you're planning your first trip or returning to the Caribbean with dietary restrictions, the session provided thoughtful, real-world guidance to help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
This was the second event in our live Q&A series, and we’re so excited to continue connecting with the allergy and free from community in a supportive, informative way.
Why These Q&A Sessions Matter
Equal Eats Live Q&As are designed to support travelers with food allergies, celiac disease and other dietary restrictions by offering:
• A safe space to ask unlimited travel-related allergy questions
• Real answers from people with lived experience
• Insights you may not have thought to ask about
• A confidence boost through preparation and shared community knowledge
Watch the Full Q&A Recording
You can now view the Caribbean Food Allergy Travel Q&A recording on our YouTube channel.
Kyle and Julianne cover everything from real resort experiences to practical travel preparation. This is ideal whether you're planning your first trip or looking to improve your next one.
You can also read the top takeaways below:
First-Hand Food Allergy Travel Tips for the Caribbean
Here are some of the most valuable tips shared during the Q&A with Kyle and Julianne:
1. Research Before You Go
Join allergy-focused travel communities like the Allergy Travels Facebook Group to find real experiences, resort reviews, and food allergy insights specific to the Caribbean.
2. Language Tips
English is widely spoken across the region, which can make communication easier. Spanish is common on some islands, so use the Latin American Spanish Equal Eats card if needed, as allergen terms can differ from European Spanish.
3. Understand the Local Cuisine and Ingredients
Shellfish oil is commonly used in cooking and for flavouring, so it's crucial to ask how dishes are prepared.
Sesame is not required to be declared as an allergen in the Caribbean so always double-check with restaurant staff.
Be cautious with popular items like Nutella-style spreads and Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur, which may contain undeclared allergens.
4. Be Strategic About Where You Stay
Many hotels and resorts are accommodating due to the importance of tourism. They often go above and beyond, especially in the off-season when competition for guests is higher.
Contact hotels before you book to confirm they can support your dietary needs.
Speak with staff as soon as you arrive, so they can help you plan meals or even book external restaurants with allergy-aware options.
5. Know What’s Available Locally
Many international, allergy-friendly, and gluten-free products are imported into Caribbean grocery stores, which can be helpful for snacking or self-catering.
Always pack safe snacks, medications, and allergy translation cards as backup, in case options are limited on smaller islands.
6. Build Local Relationships
Talk to locals and hotel staff to understand the general level of allergy awareness in the area. Most are eager to help once they understand your needs.
Getting to know the staff personally can lead to more thoughtful accommodations and even custom meals.
7. Prepare for Excursions
If you’re booking boat tours or day trips, check in advance if meals or snacks are included and if your dietary needs can be met.
8. Nearest Hospital
Always know the location of the nearest clinic or hospital, just in case you need emergency care during your stay.
9. Use Tech to Your Advantage
Download helpful tools like the Equal Eats app, Google Translate, and Google Maps before you go. Check out our blog post on Best Travel Apps.
10. Order Equal Eats Translation Cards Before You Go
Our translation cards are available for 700 different allergens in 52 languages. Each card undergoes a meticulous three-step process: professional translation, expert proofreading, and evaluation by a native speaker.
Share Your Caribbean Travel Story
Have you traveled to the Caribbean with food allergies? We’d love to hear your experience.
Send us a DM on Instagram and we will be in touch with details. Sharing your experiences helps others plan their trip with more confidence.
Join Our Next Live Q&A: Traveling to Europe with Food Allergies
Our next Equal Eats Live Q&A will focus on traveling in Europe with food allergies.
It takes place on Monday, 16 June at 9am EDT / 2pm UK.
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