How to Travel Gluten-Free to the Cottage Without Stress This Summer
There’s nothing like a peaceful summer weekend at the cottage—lake swims, bonfires, barbecues, and time to unwind. But if you’re living gluten-free, especially with celiac disease, cottage trips can bring unexpected stress: shared kitchens, mystery condiments, and limited grocery options.
With a little planning, though, you can enjoy all the cottage fun without worrying about gluten exposure. Here’s your ultimate guide to gluten-free cottage travel—from prep to pack-up.
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Before you leave, think through your meals and snacks for the trip. Not every rural area has gluten-free options (and let’s be honest—no one wants to spend their vacation reading labels in a tiny general store).
Try meal planning for:
Breakfasts: overnight oats, gluten-free granola, eggs with fruit
Lunches: pre-made quinoa salad, gluten-free wraps, hummus with veggies
Dinners: pre-marinated meats, grilled veggies, foil-packet meals
Snacks: gluten-free trail mix, popcorn, protein bars, fruit, cheese
Pro tip: Prepare and freeze meals like chili or stir-fry that can be reheated easily at the cottage.
2. Pack a “Safe Food Bin”
Bring a bin or tote with your trusted gluten-free staples:
Gluten-free bread, pasta, and tortillas
Crackers, rice cakes, or granola bars
GF soy sauce, dressings, or condiments
A toaster sleeve or mini toaster oven (if you’ll be sharing a kitchen)
Label your bin clearly, and store it separately to reduce cross-contact.
3. Be Smart About Shared Kitchens
If you’re sharing a kitchen with others, assume there will be gluten everywhere. Here’s how to stay safe:
Use your own cutting boards, pans, and utensils
Avoid wooden spoons or scratched non-stick surfaces
Keep your food prep area and sponge separate
If using a BBQ, use foil or a grill pan to prevent contamination
Always read labels—even on things like ketchup or seasoning blends
If you can, prep your food at home before the trip and keep it in sealed containers.
4. Communicate With Friends or Hosts
It might feel awkward, but giving your hosts a heads-up about your gluten-free needs can make things much easier. Most people want to help—they just need a little education.
You can say something like:
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend! I’ll be bringing my own food just to stay safe with my gluten-free needs—please don’t feel like you need to change your plans, I’ve got it covered!”
5. Don’t Forget the Fun Foods
Cottage weekends are for treats too! Bring or prep:
S’mores made with gluten-free graham crackers
Gluten-free cookies or brownies
Cider or gluten-free beer
Charcuterie with gluten-free crackers
It’s easier to resist tempting (unsafe) snacks when you’ve packed something delicious of your own.
Final Thoughts
Yes, traveling gluten-free takes extra planning—but it doesn’t have to take away from the joy of a relaxing cottage weekend. With a bit of prep and clear communication, you can stay healthy and safe and fully enjoy the lake, the sun, and the s’mores.