Tips for Traveling for the Lactose Intolerant

International citizens might not be as dairy-dependent as your typical American, but lactose still tends to pop up in a lot of overseas dishes. Eating out can be a problem for the lactose intolerant traveler if you’re not careful.

Speak Dairy

As in, speak it in every language possible. Learn how to ask about the use of lactose or dairy ingredients in meals in whatever the prominent language of the area might be. It’s best not to leave this up to guesswork if you don’t have to.

Bring Along Lactase

There’s a good chance you’ll slip up or get your languages crossed at some point, so bring along some medicine to help combat the effects of dairy digestion — err, indigestion. You might not be able to find it in the country you’re visiting, so bring enough from home to last the trip.

Know the Cuisine

It’s best to know what you’re getting yourself into. Research the traditional cuisine of the country before dining out. This way you can get an idea of the ingredients that typically pop up and try to avoid anything that might look iffy.

Don’t Sample the Food

Okay, that’s probably the last advice you want to hear, but if you’re lactose intolerance is severe than it might be your only option. Pack your meals or cook them yourself while you’re abroad and focus on experience in the sights, people and sounds rather than the local food.