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 accommodation, 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 cuisine is 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, travellers with specific dietary requirements should not expect a wide culinary range. Having said this, in Berat and Permet, you will be well looked after as your host provides the meals and has a broad and good understanding of various dietary requirements.
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 very meat-heavy, 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 can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. 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 very meat-heavy, and vegan diets are not common in certain areas that this trip visits. Please bring snacks and protein-rich supplements from home to supplement the meals and ensure you have enough fuel for the adventure.
Kosher
-Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options are the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
-Certified Halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options are the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Lactose Free
-Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination. Please also see the text on the vegan diet above.
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below)
-Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination. Gluten-free alternatives beyond the occasional dense and dry corn/mais bread are virtually unknown/unavailable and supplements from home are recommended.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, 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 travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling 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. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
