Tell us about you!
Where are you studying abroad?
Paris, France.
How did you choose your study abroad location?
It was the only one available through dance.
Do you speak the local language and had you been out of the country before studying abroad?
No.
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
Yes. I was scared of the language barrier/cultural attitudes towards allergies, as well as hearing peanut oil was common there. Also, I was nervous about the bakery culture and knowing I wouldn’t be able to eat stuff like that.
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
Yes! I brought allergy cards, spoke with someone who traveled there, did restaurant research on Spokin/FaceBook, and packed a carry-on of snacks I knew I couldn’t get there.
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew Delta and didn’t eat their food. I packed my own snacks from favs like Undercover Snacks, Made Good, 88 Acres, Chomps, and some pretzels and yogurts.
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
Residence with a shared kitchen. I mostly made/cooked my own stuff from the grocery store.
What other places did you visit during your trip?
Amsterdam and London.
What are your 3 favorite places to eat in Paris?
Paris – Cafe di Roma, Cafe le Pierrot, Marcello, Patate (French fries only).
Is there any food your study abroad location is known for that you were able to have safely?
Patate for French fries!
In the other cities you’ve traveled to, what were some of your favorite safe places to eat?
London: Bill’s SoHo restaurant, The Breakfast Club, Millie’s Lounge in the Ned Hotel, and Pizza Express.
Amsterdam: Cecconis.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
Yes!
Paris: Versailles, Grand Palais, Opera Garnier performance, Parc Monceau.
London: Show in the West End, Big Ben, dinner at the Ned hotel (many restaurants inside which are all nut-free) with live music and dancing.
Amsterdam: Canal cruise and Vondelpark with rented bikes.
Any tips you have?
The grocery store labels were trustworthy and comprehensive! I felt safe buying from stores and cooking my own food. I used Google Image Translate to translate the labels. There was a Chipotle in Paris that I visited when I wanted a break from cooking but not the price and hassle of finding a safe sit-down place. I had no problems with wine in Paris. At bars, I had a harder time communicating with them to avoid shakers and make my drinks in the glass, so I stuck with simple wine most of the time. I avoided any mixed drinks due to the use of amaretto or other nut liquors.
Restaurants likely have allergen menus if you ask for them!
London was very allergy-friendly in all of the places that I had found through Spokin. I highly recommend the Breakfast Club (many locations) for a safe breakfast!
Were there grocery stores that you felt you could safely shop at?
Yes. Monoprix and Franprix.
