For Nina Wilde, travel is part of life. As a freelance photographer and content creator, she’s always on the move—jumping between cities, chasing golden hour light, and capturing stories. But there was one challenge she hadn’t quite mastered: snacking on the go without upsetting her stomach.
“I’m lactose intolerant, and it took me years to realize dairy was the reason I kept feeling bloated during travel,” she says. “The worst part is, airports and gas stations are packed with dairy-based options—yogurt, cheese crackers, creamy dips.” Tired of the stomach aches and energy crashes, Nina started bringing her own snacks wherever she went.
What began as a survival strategy became a habit she now swears by. “Packing dairy-free snacks is like packing an extra lens,” she says. “Essential.”
Her staples include roasted chickpeas, dried fruit, trail mix without chocolate, and almond butter squeeze packs. “I also make date-and-oat bites that last days without refrigeration,” she adds. They’re easy to prep, travel well, and give her a steady stream of energy without the crash.
Beyond just avoiding dairy, Nina chooses snacks that are whole-food based and easy to digest. “When I’m on a shoot, I can’t afford to feel sluggish or run to a bathroom in the middle of a hike,” she laughs.
Nina says preparation is key. “It’s not about being restrictive—it’s about being ready. You save time, money, and your gut.” She even packs extras in case her crew forgets to bring food. “They’ve all converted to my dairy-free snack life now,” she jokes.
The best part? She feels better. “No more bloating, no more crashes. Just energy that lasts.” She hopes more travelers consider their gut health when planning trips. “A little prep goes a long way—and it makes your journey smoother in every way.”
