Gluten-Free Travel in Italy: Interview with Catalin Varela, The Celiac in Italy

Meet Catalin Varela, the gluten-free expert behind "The Celiac in Italy." In this interview, she shares how her love for Italy inspired her journey as a gluten-free travel consultant, offers tips for safe travel with celiac disease, and reveals her favorite Italian dishes. Read on for insights, travel advice, and more from Catalin's experience on Thatch!

Liv Coning

Marketing Lead

Gluten-Free Travel in Italy: Interview with Catalin Varela, The Celiac in Italy

Aug 27 2024

Meet Catalin, a passionate traveler and gluten-free expert who's made Italy her home.

In this interview, Catalin Varela shares how she fell in love with Italy, built her brand "The Celiac in Italy," and offers insights into her experiences as a gluten-free travel consultant on Thatch.

Can you tell us about your brand, "The Celiac in Italy,” and the story behind it? What inspired you to move to Italy and become a gluten-free travel consultant?

It's quite a story! It all began in 2019 while I was completing my Medical Anthropology degree. My thesis focused on how different cultures approach gluten-free eating and its impact on the quality of life for people with celiac disease. This research took me across Europe, including my first trip to Italy, where I fell in love instantly. There's something about Italy—Florence in particular—that feels like home. Plus, Italy is a leader in celiac inclusivity, which gave me a glimpse of what life could be like without the constant limitations imposed by my diagnosis.

After returning to the U.S., I felt a strong pull back to Italy. I started the visa application process and officially moved in September 2020. My brand began almost by accident during the COVID lockdown. I started hosting gluten-free pasta-making classes over Zoom to connect with the global celiac community. What started as a small project turned into a huge success, and soon people were asking me for travel recommendations. That's how my Instagram account and eventually my business were born. Today, I'm thrilled to be doing this full-time. It’s been an unexpected journey, but I couldn’t imagine a more fulfilling path.

What’s your favorite gluten-free meal or dish you’ve discovered during your travels in Italy?

Living in Florence has made me a fan of Tuscan classics. I was initially hesitant to try pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), but it has become one of my favorite dishes! Outside of Italy, I’ve developed a love for Greek food—I'm a sucker for a good gyro!

Besides Italy, are there any other countries where you’ve found it easy to travel as a celiac?

Italy truly is unparalleled for celiac safety, but I’ve found Spain and Greece to be relatively easy to navigate as well. Bigger cities tend to be more celiac-friendly; I love the variety of international cuisine in London and the gluten-free bakeries in Paris.

How do you research and plan for gluten-free dining options before visiting a new destination?

There are several apps that provide gluten-free recommendations, which can be a good starting point, but they often aren't comprehensive. Whenever possible, I prefer to connect with a local celiac. Which is exactly why I started my business—I believe there's nothing more valuable than local intel. National celiac associations are also excellent resources. Some, like Italy’s, offer apps, dining guides, and restaurant certifications to help you find celiac-safe spots.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with celiac disease who wants to continue exploring the world?

First, give yourself time to adjust to your new diagnosis. Celiac disease involves a steep learning curve, so be patient as you figure out what works best for you. Travel will come in time, and it often involves some trial and error. Most of my best travel tips have come from learning from my mistakes. Be discerning about online resources; some are helpful, while others may spread unnecessary fear. Remember, everyone’s experience with celiac disease is unique, and with time, you’ll gain the confidence to travel the world safely.

Can you share your top tips for traveling safely and confidently with celiac disease?

One of my top tips is to always bring food with you for long-haul travel. While most airlines offer gluten-free meal options, they are often unreliable. The last thing you want is to be hungry—or worse, glutened—30,000 feet above the ground. Prepare proper meals like ramen noodle cups or salads instead of relying on snacks like beef jerky and trail mix.

And most importantly, have fun! Traveling with celiac disease may seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's entirely manageable. Those of us with dietary restrictions deserve to see the world too!

Are there any upcoming destinations or projects you’re excited to share with your audience?

I have a huge project coming up, but I can't reveal much just yet—stay tuned! Recently, I started working as the English language consultant for the Italian Celiac Association, which is incredibly exciting. As for upcoming destinations, I'll be visiting Sardinia in October and Normandy in December. After a busy start to the year, I'm also looking forward to spending some time at home in Florence.

Any best practices for creating travel guides and services on Thatch that sell?

Start by identifying a niche, ideally one that you personally relate to, and establish yourself as a subject matter expert. I’m uniquely positioned as a native English speaker and fluent Italian speaker who has celiac disease and lives in Italy. This gives me a deep understanding of my audience and sets me apart. The travel industry is competitive, so finding a way to stand out is crucial.