Food and drink

If you suffer from a food allergy, it's your responsibility to inform us, plus the hotel team when you arrive, the crew on the plane, and other establishments you might be eating at. Even though you may have told us and the information has been passed on to the hotel, please inform the hotel again when you arrive. You should also advise your server on every occasion, and make sure they understand what you're communicating to them and what this means. If ever in doubt ask to speak to a manager or supervisor and learn how to say or write down the name of your allergy in the local language to show them. 

Destinations don’t all manage and communicate allergies in the same way, so please familiarise yourself with how it's done at your hotel and never assume that a food is free from an allergen if it isn’t mentioned in the name or ingredient list.

Good food establishments will prepare a freshly prepared dish for you as there are significant risks of cross contamination with eating from buffets and open food displays.

Really good advice on managing your allergy is available on the Food Standards Website.

Always carry your allergy medication on your person whilst travelling, such as an EpiPen, and if you're on holiday with others make sure someone you trust knows how to use it.

If you have any specific dietary requirements, it's your responsibility to ensure the hotel, restaurant or bar is aware of these on your arrival. Please ensure that your server understands what you are asking for.

There are some countries where dietary requirements aren't well known or are uncommon, so do some research and prepare yourself accordingly. It's always good advice to write down your requirements in the local language to refer back to. Please note that you can't get halal food in Iceland. 

Food and drink can be one of the real highlights of travelling. The delights of the local cuisines and customs enrich the holiday experience. However to keep you feeling good, here are some recommendations that are worth remembering:

• Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before eating
• Where appropriate, drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks
• Be aware that alcohol measures abroad may be larger than in the UK – drink in moderation
• Follow the advice of: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
• Make sure your food has been thoroughly cooked and is still hot when served
• Avoid any uncooked food apart from fruits and vegetables or food that can be peeled or shelled
• Avoid ready to eat foods that have been left out in the heat for prolonged periods of time
• Different cuisines prepare foods in different ways and with different ingredients that your body may not be used to. You may wish to ease your way into a completely new diet
• Ask for information on meal ingredients if you have food allergies or dietary requirements and carry your medication with you
• Take care when handling lava rocks, hot stone grills and other cooking equipment 

If you start feeling unwell, contact your hotel reception who will be able to call you a doctor, if needed. And don't forget to let us know too.