Tell us about you!
Where did you study abroad?
Florence, Italy
How did you choose your study abroad location?
A small city where many people who I had talked to loved going! I had also been to Italy before and loved it!
Had you been out of the country before studying abroad? Do you speak the local language?
I have been out of the country before but do not speak Italian!
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
I brought granola bars from home that I knew I could eat so I knew I could have a snack with me while I figured out the gluten-free store scene. I also researched a few places ahead of time, which made finding gluten-free options much easier when just arriving.
Did you have any concerns about traveling with celiac disease?
Yes. I was initially concerned since gluten is such a big part of Italian cuisine, but I found that people everywhere were very educated about celiac needs and had a lot of gluten-free options.
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew Delta (operated by KLM). For the flight, I packed a sandwich and some snacks in case my meal request got mixed up or I didn’t enjoy the meal provided. The gluten-free meal came fully sealed and clearly labeled, and there were also gluten-free snacks available from the flight attendants. The meal itself wasn’t my favorite, so I ended up eating the food I had brought with me. However, the staff was very kind, knowledgeable, and attentive to gluten-free needs.
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in an apartment and either went out for meals or cooked in my apartment from our local grocery store. Conad is one of the main grocery stores in Florence’s city center. They have a large gluten-free section with clearly marked products, and there are also many gluten-free options throughout the store. I was able to find everything I needed, so grocery shopping was very straightforward and stress-free.
What are your 3 favorite places to eat in Florence?
Sgrano: Known for its classic gluten-free Florentine sandwiches.
Trattoria 13 Gobbi: Amazing gluten-free pasta.
Acqua al 2: Incredible steak and risotto.
For gluten-free Florentine sandwiches, I highly recommend Sgrano a fully gluten-free restaurant. Gluten-free pizza can be a bit harder to find, so while it wasn’t my favorite, Mister Pizza was a good and reliable option. Additionally, the majority of restaurants in Florence offer gluten-free pasta. If gluten-free pasta is not available, most restaurants also serve naturally gluten-free risotto dishes, making it easy to find safe dining options throughout the city.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, were there any special sweet finds like ice cream shops or bakeries?
Florence is known for there gelato! My favorite spots were Sbrino, La Sorbettiera, and La Strega.
What other places did you visit during your trip?
I traveled extensively during my time abroad! I visited Prague, Czech Republic; Edinburgh, Scotland; Budapest, Hungary; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Dublin, Ireland; Marrakech and the Moroccan Desert, Morocco; Madrid, Spain; Lake Garda and Verona, Italy; Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Siena, Italy; Malta; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Lisbon, Portugal. I also took day trips to Lucca and Pisa.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
There are so many amazing things to see and do in every city and place you visit! Some of my favorite spots in Florence were Piazzale Michelangelo, the Rose Garden, Pitti Palace, and Piazza Santo Spirito. The list could go on and on.
Trust yourself if something doesn’t feel 100% right or if the communication seems off. Not everywhere is equally familiar with allergies, so it’s important to ask questions and speak with staff who are knowledgeable. No matter where you go, you can usually ask for something simple like roasted chicken and vegetables, which I had to do a few times when I realized my needs weren’t being fully understood. It can be tiring when your friends don’t have to do the same, but the experience is absolutely worth it!
