How I Travel as Someone w/ ARFID
ARFID is something I’ve struggled with most, if not all, of my life. For a lot of people it comes off as just being picky or dramatic, I wish it was that simple. When most kids go to their first sleepover it’s “I hope Emma’s mom likes me” and “I hope Emma and I have a fun time together!”. For me it was “I hope Emma’s mom makes food I’m able to eat”. I’ve always hated being perceived as difficult or ungrateful and for a lot of people who don’t know what ARFID is that’s how they see it. I get it, I didn’t even know I had ARFID until I was adult (I assume someone will ask, yes I do have a professional diagnosis), I thought I was just difficult too. But, with all that said, now that I’m an adult it’s my responsibility to make sure I’m able to eat. I don’t expect my friends to be able to accommodate me for every meal; I’m a huge believer in not making my struggles hinder other people’s happiness. At home, this is generally pretty easy, abroad it’s a bit more challenging. Here’s a few things I do to manage:
1) A lot of research on the places we’re going! Since I’m the one with the restrictions, I lookup restaurants in the areas we will be staying in and read over the menu. If it’s a fit the place gets pinned on Google Maps.
2) I understand and I am willing to split up for meals if my friends want a specific restaurant that I can’t eat at. For example, my friends really wanted to try this restaurant that had 0 options that I could eat, so I pulled up my Google Maps to see my pinned restaurants. I picked the one closest to the restaurant they picked and we agreed to meet up afterwards.
3) I come prepared with some travel stable safe foods from home JUST IN CASE. For me this looks like cup ramen and protein bars.
4) If all else fails I’ve never had an issue finding bread and Nutella in the local grocery store.
I’m aware some of these things I do aren’t the healthiest and are not sustainable if you’re traveling for super long periods of time, however it’s what works for me. What works for me, may not work for everyone else and that’s okay!
Navigating travel with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, it becomes much more manageable. One essential aspect is understanding how ARFID impacts your eating habits and how to plan accordingly. Researching local food options in advance is a powerful tool: using online menus and Google Maps to identify restaurants that offer safe food choices reduces stress and avoids unexpected challenges. Pinning these spots creates a personalized food map, making meal planning smoother. Splitting up for meals is another effective strategy that respects both your needs and your friends’ preferences. It allows everyone to enjoy dining experiences without compromise and fosters understanding within your travel group. Carrying travel-stable, safe foods such as cup ramen, protein bars, or favorite snacks can be a lifesaver when suitable meals aren’t readily available. Though these convenience foods may not be the healthiest long-term, they ensure you can maintain nutrition and comfort while on the road. If you find yourself in a pinch, simple grocery store staples like bread and Nutella can provide a familiar and easy meal option. This approach underscores the importance of flexibility and creating a toolkit of fallback options. It’s also worth noting that everyone’s ARFID experience is unique; what works for one person might not for another. Listening to your body and adapting your strategies is key to finding travel solutions that fit your lifestyle. Many people with ARFID also explore apps and online community forums for additional support and ideas. Lastly, maintaining open communication with your travel companions about your needs fosters empathy and helps cultivate a supportive travel environment. Traveling with ARFID can certainly present challenges, but with thoughtful preparation and a proactive approach, it's possible to enjoy your journeys comfortably and confidently.