Learning to Travel with Food Allergies: Why I Want to Tell my Story

Hi guys! First time writing something like this so bear with me! I just always felt like I was meant to share this part of my story, not because I have all of the answers or because living with food allergies is easy for me, but because I know how isolating it can feel when navigating it, and I never want someone in the same shoes as me to feel alone. 

I grew up with a life-threatening peanut allergy - the kind that made me want to hold my breath walking into the school cafeteria, and the kind that made me have to bring my own slice of cake in a Tupperware to my friend's birthday parties. There were so many moments I didn't feel like a "normal" kid. I could never get ice cream with my friends after school. I would never trade snacks at lunch, and I most definitely wouldn’t be caught dead sitting at the same table if someone was eating peanut butter. And I definitely couldn't ever sit back and relax during snack time. 

But that feeling of needing to be cautious never really went away. Even now, I’m still the person asking all the questions at a restaurant. I still check every label three times. I still have to think twice about going to an ice cream shop, and if I do, I’m always on high alert, scanning for cross-contamination before I even think about ordering. 

Although it might not get easier per say, it definitely becomes something you learn to live with. It’s shaped how I move through the world. It’s made me more thoughtful, more prepared, and honestly, it’s a big part of why I care so much about sharing my story.

Because food allergies aren’t just a childhood thing you grow out of, but they stay with you. They shape your experiences, especially when it comes to food, travel, and feeling included. And I’ve always felt this pull to create something bigger. A space for people like me - whether you’re a parent navigating this with your child, someone newly diagnosed, or just looking for safe places to eat and explore, I’m right there with you!

Whenever I’m planning a trip, or even just looking for a spot to eat locally, I’m always scouring the internet for allergy-friendly recommendations. I’ve spent countless hours digging through blogs, reading reviews, and searching for people who get it, people who understand what it’s like to need that little extra peace of mind when it comes to food.

I live in Massachusetts, so you’ll probably notice a lot of the places I talk about are local to New England. Over the years, I’ve found some super amazing restaurants, cafes, and small businesses around my area that take food allergies seriously, and I can’t wait to spotlight them. Whether you’re local too or just planning a trip out this way, I hope these recs give you some extra peace of mind!

And while I’ve found some incredible resources along the way, I kept coming back to the same thought: Why not me? Why not start sharing my own experiences, my own research, and my own trusted recommendations? Instead of relying on others, I wanted to take action. So here I am.

It also ties so naturally into the work I already do. As a travel, food, and hospitality photographer, I spend so much of my time working with restaurants, hotels, and small businesses, telling their stories through visuals. But beyond capturing beautiful spaces and plates of food, I care deeply about highlighting the places that go the extra mile to make everyone feel safe and welcome, especially those of us with food allergies.

But I was also lucky. I had an incredible support system behind me. My famiy has been there for me since the day I got diagnosed, and so I never felt alone at home, but I did feel like the world wasn't built for me.

That feeling definitely stuck with me. And for a long time, I wondered if there was something bigger I could do that would help others in their allergy journeys. Whether you're the parent of a child with a food allergy or navigating a diagnosis yourself, it's no easy task. It's exhausting, it's isolating, and it can be straight-up terrifying.

The truth is, living with a food allergy is something I’m still learning from every single day. There are highs and lows, moments of deep anxiety, and others where I feel totally empowered. I’ve come a long way, but I still have tough days. My hope is that by sharing both the wins and the struggles, it reminds people that it’s okay to still be figuring it all out. This blog isn’t coming from a place of perfection—it’s coming from experience, empathy, and a lot of lived trial and error.

If I smelled peanuts nearby or even just saw them out, I would instantly panic. My brain would spiral into worst-case scenarios, even if I wasn't physically reacting. That anxiety has been with me for most of my life.

Which brings me here!

I'm a travel and food photographer, my job is to tell stories about places, the meals they prepare, and the experiences they offer. However, for a long time, travel felt impossible to me because of my allergies.

But over time, I've learned tools, found safe spots, connected with incredible allergy-friendly businesses, and built up the courage to travel with allergies (and enjoy it). And I want to share all of that with you.

This blog is for people like me. The super cautious travelers, the anxious eaters, the parents who double.. No, wait, TRIPLE check every label. I see you. I'm with you.

This blog is my way of bringing everything I love all together. Storytelling and inspiring others, my passion for travel, and my journey navigating life with allergies.