Eating Food While Travelling: Issues That Autistics Face
When most neurotypical people think of autistic folk and sensory issues, a few things come to mind instantly: noise, light, and the way fabrics feel on our skin. There is another major trigger, though, that affects many of us on the spectrum: food.
It’s no secret that many autistic people are labeled as "picky eaters," but the underlying reasons run much deeper. Some of us can’t handle hot foods, some textures feel slimy, and other foods are too sweet. While anyone can experience food preferences, the way our brains are wired amplifies these sensory experiences significantly. I personally once knew someone who would start retching when eating vegetables. It wasn't because he didn't want to eat them; it was a severe texture issue. Unless they were prepared in a very specific way, eating them triggered a literal gag reflex.
These challenges tend to amplify when you travel. Different regions offer unfamiliar foods, and international travel makes the situation even more complicated. Imagine living in New England, where your morning routine relies on oatmeal, but you’re on a trip in Alabama and your hotel only serves grits. If bringing your own oatmeal packets isn't an option, you’re stuck choosing between two difficult outcomes: gamble on an unfamiliar food that might trigger a sensory reaction, or skip the meal entirely—which can leave you without the foundation you need to take required medications. Essentially, it feels like a no-win situation.
Trying to navigate these hurdles entirely on your own can make travel feel exhausting, but it doesn't mean your vacation plans are ruined. It just means you need strategies and support to ensure your needs are met both nutritionally and sensorially. At Travel with Chance, we use a few targeted approaches to protect your comfort on the road:
1. Pre-Planning and Accommodation Support
During our intake call, we discuss the specific travel struggles you experience. If food sensory issues are on the list, you can tell us your exact safe foods and triggers. From there, we work directly with where you are lodging to see if they can accommodate your needs, or we identify nearby restaurants with options you can safely enjoy.
2. Leveraging Chain Restaurant Predictability
If you aren't traveling internationally, national restaurant chains are an underrated tool for sensory safety. Restaurant chains pride themselves on consistency to keep both customer experiences and supply chains predictable. An IHOP or McDonald's generally doesn't alter its core menu items regardless of location. You can take advantage of this consistency by visiting local chain locations in advance of your trip to test menu items. Once you’ve identified what feels safe to eat, you know exactly what to expect at your destination.
3. Tapping into Local Neurodivergent Communities Abroad
When traveling internationally, rely on fellow autistics in the region. Local neurodiverse Facebook groups and subreddits are full of people who share similar sensory processing profiles. Reaching out in these groups can help you learn about local options or rule out dishes with challenging sensory profiles.
If asking strangers details about their diet makes you feel awkward, this is another area where Travel with Chance shines. We can ask the questions you might have trouble articulating and research consistent dining options in your destination, ensuring that once you find an international food that works for you, it can be ordered reliably throughout your trip.
If you’re traveling soon or just in the planning phase, reach out to us. We offer a free consultation call to discuss your itinerary, travel goals, and how best we can help you make them happen smoothly.