Nancy Sherry Baker

Two gluten-free words: gyros and baklava! Not kidding. After 12 days in the Balkans, I gained a third of a pound per day—and loved every bite. Safe, satisfying, and naturally gluten-free, the cuisine reflects a culture of care and common sense. My husband once served in Bosnia and later supported US diplomacy in the former Yugoslavia. During our years living in Europe, we vacationed in Croatia and Montenegro. This recent return—my first in 19 years—was everything I hoped for, with new memories made in Greece and Albania. The land is diverse, the climate agreeable, and the people vibrant and kind. And the food? Simply amazing.

Seattle’s charm isn’t just in its skyline or seafood—it’s in how thoughtfully it welcomes every traveler. This guide unlocks the city’s most accessible and allergy-conscious experiences with clarity and care, proving that thoughtful travel isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

I offer concierge-level legacy travel services for families planning funerals, memorials, celebrations of life, and ash-scattering ceremonies at sea. I provide seamless coordination and emotionally supportive logistics to honor your loved one with dignity and care.
I’ve cultivated trusted relationships with boats and captains who guide families and friends to legally designated locations on Puget Sound for ash-scattering ceremonies. The exact coordinates of the final resting place are respectfully recorded and shared as part of the memorial experience. Several cruise lines departing from Seattle offer onboard ash-scattering ceremonies during Alaska sailings. I’ve established relationships with these lines to coordinate directly with ship staff, ensuring respectful and seamless arrangements. As loved ones gather for the voyage, Seattle provides a rich array of spaces and experiences to support reflection, connection, and multi-generational travel.

If you are gluten-free, you can do Tokyo! That is my pep talk for you. Japan is a bit of a gluten-free trick, but it can be done with some preparation and research! I have been twice in the past few years and the second time, I was better prepared and it made all the difference. I am a highly symptomatic celiac (no oats, wheat starch, shared toaster, nor deglutenized barley beer for me.) But I understand most require more or less precautions than myself. This is not a catch-all but a safety net post for some.

Colombia is a country where situational awareness (paying attention to your physical safety) is important, as reflected in the travel advisories issued by many governments. That said, it’s a fantastic destination — full of beauty and culture — provided you choose your destinations and transportation wisely. In that sense, it’s similar to how travelers with special dietary needs plan ahead and know where they might go for safe nutrition. The good news for those on a gluten-free diet: Colombia is one of the safest and most accommodating gluten-free destinations I’ve ever eaten!

The Snoqualmie Valley is halfway between Seattle and the Cascade Mountains — an easy drive to visit the amazing Snoqualmie Falls, enjoy the farms and wildlife, hike or bike the miles of trails or lurk into the lore of the show “Twin Peaks.” The greater Seattle area has a proud culture of ensuring those on a gluten-free (GF) diet have safe, affordable and tasty options — before it was “cool!” For those whose food tours are around gluten-free options, Snoqualmie Valley should be on your list. Don’t worry about if you can get a good meal if you are seeking solace in nature just 25 miles from Seattle.

The Seattle area has a proud culture of ensuring those on a gluten-free (GF) diet have safe, affordable and tasty options before it was “cool”! For those whose food tours are around, gluten-free, Seattle should be on your list. Look at this power list that created a culture of GF options: Seattle-based Ener-G Foods was the manufacturing pioneer of gluten-free baked goods (1962). Seattle-ite - Bette Hagman, the Gluten-Free Gourmet, was the first to publish (GF) cookbooks (1990). Local non profit, The Gluten Intollerance Groups is over 50 years old and runs GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization). It is the nation’s largest safety and quality assurance organization in 2005. Beyond Celiac’s great food service program was developed by a local (2009). Local legacy bakeries, Krusteaz and Franz, have developed amazing lines that are nationally distributed under multiple white labels. So proud of them! Lots of options in the Emerald City, but don’t let your guard down. Double check on cross-contact and if you are one of the “lucky” celiacs who cannot eat oats or wheat starch, keep an eye out for those in certified products or local bakeries.