At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location, and lodging, and in some places, options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Albanian mountain cuisine has improved a lot in recent years, but it’s still shaped by a long tradition of simple, resourceful cooking in a rugged landscape where communities historically grew only what the mountains allowed. As a result, meals remain hearty, rustic, and limited in variety, relying on local, seasonal ingredients and the roots of ‘cucina povera’. Rural guesthouses, restaurants, and hospitality providers that mainly serve a domestic audience are often unfamiliar with dietary restrictions and preferences, and special diets are not always well understood. While the food is wholesome and filling, travelers with specific dietary requirements should not expect a wide culinary range. It is also worth noting that fresh fruit can be hard to come by in the high alpine areas - this is because as soon as it ripens, it’s often snapped up to make raki, Albania’s homemade firewater.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian
Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, you should be aware that traditional Albanian dishes can be meat-centered, and vegetarian diets are not common in certain areas that this trip visits. Having said this, there are several traditional dishes that are vegetarian by default with meat usually served as a separate side dish. Vegetarian dishes are considered shared dishes and are generally served to the entire group. Vegetarians are often served the same meals as everyone else, minus the meat or fish.
Vegan
Vegan diets are very difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. Traditional Albanian dishes are meat-centered, and vegan diets are not common in certain areas that this trip visits. While it is possible to follow a Vegan diet on this trip, you need to be aware that options are very limited, lack protein, and can be quite repetitive. Without dairy and eggs, breakfast and picnic lunches are limited to bread and raw vegetables. Dinners are satisfactory in the majority of places, but the lodging hosts may require your input/guidance. Please bring calorie-dense and protein-rich supplements from home - snacks and items such as peanut butter etc - to supplement the meals and ensure you have enough fuel for the adventure.
Kosher
Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
Certified Halal supply varies by destination and cannot be guaranteed on this trip. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Celiac, please see Allergies section below)
Gluten-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive. At breakfast and for picnic lunches, fried doughs (such as petulla, pancakes) and bread are the staple foods. Gluten-free alternatives beyond the occasional dense and dry corn/maize bread are virtually unknown/unavailable so please do bring plenty of your favorite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free
Lactose-free diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that alternative products are not available in this destination, and you may find the picnics provided somewhat limited. As cheese is a staple at breakfast and lunch, we recommend bringing your favorite snacks or supplements from home. Please also see the notes text on the vegan diet above.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life-threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our CX team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip, and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when traveling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods, and labeling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
