I’m leaving my computer at home this vacation, even though revenue from this celiac friendly blog pays for my vacations and provides the information I need to stay “safe” on the trip. But I’m a bit obsessive about computing; I need to leave my computer behind in order to really focus on people, scenery, and genuine relaxation.

 I’m leaving on November 7 for a week in Arizona. Here is a partial list of  what I will be taking with me:

  Notes my article “Gluten Free Restaurant Chains". Unfortunately, this will not be simple. There are so many chains and so many locations! Good luck!

A copy of the list(s)  published by the Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program (a project of the Gluten Intolerance Group). There is a separate list for each state. Click on "find a restaurant" and then "search by details". The only detail that is actually needed is the name of the state.

  A copy of the list of gluten free options published by Chili’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-Fil-A. I will keep in mind that Chili’s updates its list monthly and be sure I have the current version. When you reach my link to Wendy's, you will still need to click on the button at the bottom right corner of the menu.

A copy of information related to gluten free options at my destination. For example, since I will be in Arizona I will print out information about the Picazzo Pizza restaurant chain, which has been described as “the Mona Lisa of the Desert”.

  Information about supermarkets at your destination. Check out my article “Supermarkets that Post Gluten Free Food Lists”. The article will tell you how to find individual stores. You may want to summarize this information before you leave; the full lists can be bulky.

  So, I end end up with a large stack of paper, but it certainly weighs less than my computer. And I like to get away from everything (including my computer) when I am vacationing. By the way, do not display your collection of computer information when you walk into a restaurant. Asking questions is a great way to find out what your waiter and chef know and don’t know about gluten free food. Be prepared, but avoid looking like you know all the answers.

  In addition to this collection of papers, I will be carrying :

  A supply of gluten free food and energy bars. I can't count on finding any appropriate food at the airport or on the airplane. These bars make great emergency snacks. Check out my article “Gluten Free Food Bars” for details.

  I will also carry single serving packets of gluten free cold cereal as well as the two-slice bread packets produced by Ener-G Foods. If one is thinking only of the cost of the food, these items are ridiculously expensive but they “buy” you the opportunity to participate in the “continental breakfast” provided in many motels and provide much-need snacks.. I also carry the packets of grits sold at WalMart under its store brand “True Value”.

  This blog will “publish itself” while I am gone, using articles that I wrote (or will write) before I leave.     There will be a new article every second day. I will be on vacation from November 7-20. Soon after I get back, I’ll write a summary of what I learned about celiac friendly traveling. This will be my first attempt to travel gluten free without easy access to my computer. Wish me luck!

UPDATE: 11/23/07: I'm back! My vacation was great. My experiment with leaving my computer at home definately worked. I did make one mistake. Click here to find out what I learned.