This summer has been a whirlwind, but I finally published this post after two trips: one to southern California and another brief visit to family in Deep Creek, Maryland. I enjoy travel and time with my husband, but staying on a special diet like the autoimmune protocol (AIP) or Paleo while away can be stressful.
Instead of a detailed travelogue about every place we visited, this post focuses on how I prepared, planned, and packed for travel while sticking to AIP/Paleo. I’ve included photos and notes about restaurants we tried that accommodated my needs.
These Five Tips for Traveling AIP and Paleo are practical and field-tested—perfect for summer travel. Read on and feel free to share your tips in the comments.
I’m a planner by nature and enjoy organizing trips. When we decided to use frequent flyer miles for Laguna Beach, I expected to be off AIP by then, but a month before departure I learned I needed to remain on the protocol. My initial disappointment turned into determination: I would make the trip enjoyable while still honoring my diet. With a bit of forethought, I had a fantastic time and satisfied my foodie side. Here are the strategies that worked best for me.
1) Do your research.
Research the area you’ll be visiting before you book if possible. Are there grocery stores, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or Paleo/gluten-free friendly restaurants nearby? I look for lodging with a kitchen so I can cook when possible—this makes AIP much easier. If a kitchen isn’t available, plan ahead and identify restaurants that can accommodate your needs.
Some helpful finds from our Southern California trip:
Poké Ria – Poké bowls can be made AIP-friendly by skipping soy-based sauces. I brought travel packets of coconut aminos to dress my bowl and loaded it with fresh tuna, salmon, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, lime, ginger, and greens for a refreshing, compliant meal after travel.
Burger Lounge – They serve grass-fed beef and will prepare off-menu Paleo-style burgers on request. I ordered mine without tomato and used coconut aminos instead of sauce—hearty and satisfying.
Herringbone (La Jolla) – As a seafood-focused restaurant, they were able to accommodate AIP adjustments. I enjoyed a strawberry-balsamic mixed green salad and a whole-roasted Branzino with asparagus. The server reviewed the menu with me and helped avoid cross-contamination issues.
Broadway by Amar Santana – A memorable, attentive experience. They provided gluten-free and dairy-free menu options and were careful about cross-contamination. I enjoyed sashimi and a pan-seared chicken with greens and broccoli purée—beautifully prepared.
Pressed Juicery – Desserts and treats are still possible. I had a vanilla almond-milk soft-serve topped with berries and coconut. Not strictly AIP for everyone, but many juices are compliant and it was a satisfying end-of-trip treat.
2) Stock up on AIP/Paleo travel products.
Once the trip was booked, I built a stash of travel-friendly AIP/Paleo foods and snacks. Sources like Amazon, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, and local stores were invaluable. Useful items I packed:
Epic Bars – A reliable on-the-go protein source.
Wild Zora Bars – A flavorful meat-and-veg snack, with AIP options available.
Paleo Angel Power Balls – Compact energy bites that travel well.
Coconut oil travel packs – Convenient for cooking without carrying a full jar.
Coconut aminos travel packs – Great for dressing salads or seasoning meals when dining out.
KC Naturals AIP BBQ Sauce – Packable, nightshade-free sauce ideal for burgers and grilled foods (check airline rules for liquids if flying).
Canned wild-caught sardines or salmon – Protein-rich, easy to add to salads or wraps.
Nuco turmeric coconut wraps – Lightweight wraps that make quick lunches when filled with veggies and protein.
Plantain chips, SeaSnax, JicaChips – Lightweight, crunchy snacks that are easy to stash.
Barnana bites – A sweet, portable treat for dessert when fresh fruit isn’t available.
Numi turmeric tea – Tea bags are great to have on hand when you can’t order safe beverages at a café or restaurant.
Fresh fruit and vegetables – Pack apples, bananas, raw veggies for plane or car travel. If driving, a cooler with mason-jar salads and pre-made meals is ideal.
3) Pack as much as you can.
If you have a kitchen, bring helpful cookware and pantry basics. For road trips, pack what you need. If flying, you can still bring many items in checked luggage. I packed cans of fish, sauces, coconut oil, parchment paper, foil, tupperware, and extra spices in labeled snack bags. Wrap fragile jars in towels to prevent breakage.
Pre-pack daily supplements into a pill organizer to save space and avoid traveling with full vitamin containers. Bring a few trusted AIP recipes and shop upon arrival to make easy meals. I prepared a big batch of Turkey Apple Breakfast Hash for quick mornings, and lunches were often salads, wraps, or leftovers. Simple dinners included grass-fed burgers, chicken, sweet potato fries, and roasted vegetables.
Everything I packed was used, so I didn’t regret overpacking. It’s better to have what you need than to be scrambling for substitutes while away.
4) Carry a refillable water bottle with filter straw.
Hydration is essential, especially when taking supplements or managing thyroid issues. I prefer fluoride- and chlorine-free water, so I brought a stainless steel bottle and a filter straw that fits. These keep drinks cold or hot for hours and allow you to refill from taps or fountains safely. They’re a worthwhile investment if you travel frequently and want to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
5) Give yourself grace and have fun!
Even with the best planning, you may stray from your diet occasionally. The aim of vacation is to relax and enjoy yourself. I stayed vigilant overall but allowed a few minor concessions at restaurants—different oils, spices, or dressings—and felt fine. Everyone’s tolerance is different, so listen to your body. If you make a slip, be kind to yourself: you can return to your routine at home. Travel can be taxing, especially with autoimmune conditions, so expect you may need extra rest during or after your trip.
That wraps up my tips for packing, prepping, and planning for travel while following AIP or Paleo. I hope these Five Tips for Traveling AIP and Paleo help you enjoy a stress-free travel season, whether you’re flying, driving, on vacation, or traveling for work.
To finish, here are some photo highlights from Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego from our trip.
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