If you’re an intrepid vegan with a case of wanderlust, the idea of traveling the world while staying true to your ethical values can be exciting but also overwhelming. How do you plan a dream vacation without compromising your principles? Fear not, fellow plant-based explorer! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the world as a vegan traveler.
Preparing for Your Vegan Adventure
Before you embark on your journey, there are a few crucial steps to take to ensure your travels go smoothly.
Researching Vegan-Friendly Destinations
The first step is to choose a vegan-friendly destination. While it’s not always necessary to travel to a country with a well-established vegan scene, it can help make your trip easier. For example, the UK, Israel, and New Zealand all have high percentages of vegetarians, and cities like Tel Aviv, Berlin, and Bogota have a thriving vegan scene. You can also check out vegan travel guides like Vegan Travel or Vegan Abroad for inspiration.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, you can begin researching specific cities or regions. Websites like Happy Cow and Vegan Plate can help you find vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
It’s also important to research the local culture and cuisine. For example, in India, you can easily find vegan versions of popular dishes like chana masala and dal makhani. However, it can be more challenging to find meat-free options in countries where meat is a staple, like Argentina.
One strategy is to focus on traveling to countries where plant-based eating is already popular. In fact, some of the healthiest and longest-living populations in the world, like those in Costa Rica, Panama, and Japan, are primarily vegetarian or vegan.
Another option is to travel to countries with a high percentage of vegetarians or vegans, such as India, Israel, or New Zealand. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians of any country, with an estimated 40% of Indians being vegetarian. Israel comes in second with 13% of the population identifying as vegan, and New Zealand has the highest percentage of vegetarians among Western countries, with 14% of the population reporting that they don’t eat meat.
If you’re planning a trip to a country with a predominantly non-vegan population, it can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language. For example, you can learn how to say “I don’t eat meat” or “I’m vegan” in the language of the country you’re visiting.
Packing for a Vegan Trip
In addition to packing your usual travel essentials, there are a few items that can make your vegan travels easier.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and a straw to avoid plastic waste.
- Pack some vegan snacks, like energy bars, fruit leather, and trail mix.
- Consider bringing vegan supplements, such as B12 and omega-3s, in case you have trouble finding these nutrients on the road.
- If you’re flying, be sure to let the airline know if you need a vegan meal.
Many airlines have vegan meal options, but you need to request them in advance. Some airlines, like Air New Zealand and Emirates, have extensive vegan menus. Others, like Southwest, only offer a vegetarian meal option. It’s always a good idea to double-check your meal request a few days before your flight.
If you have dietary restrictions other than veganism, be sure to let the airline know about those as well.
Booking Vegan-Friendly Accommodations
Accommodation is one of the most important aspects of travel planning, and it can also be one of the biggest challenges for vegan travelers. While many hotels and resorts have vegan options, it’s important to do your research ahead of time.
One of the easiest ways to find vegan-friendly hotels and resorts is to use online booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor. You can search for accommodations with vegan options by using keywords like “vegan,” “vegetarian,” or “plant-based” in the search bar. Many listings also include information about dietary options in the description.
If you don’t see any information about vegan options on the booking platform, you can contact the hotel directly to ask about their vegan offerings. You can also ask if they have a microwave or toaster in the room, which can come in handy for reheating vegan meals or making toast.
If you’re planning to stay in an Airbnb or vacation rental, you can search for listings with vegan kitchens by using the keyword “vegan” in the search bar. You can also contact the host to ask about their kitchen and to let them know about your dietary requirements.
While many hosts are happy to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, it’s important to be respectful of their time and resources. Be sure to ask about any kitchen equipment you might need, such as a blender or food processor.
If you’re traveling with a group, you might want to consider renting a house or apartment with a full kitchen. This can save you money on meals and give you more flexibility to prepare your own vegan meals.
Navigating Vegan Dining on the Road
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is trying new foods, but as a vegan, it can be challenging to find places to eat that cater to your dietary needs. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can use to find vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes.
One of the easiest ways to find vegan restaurants is to use online directories and review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Happy Cow. You can also check out local vegan Facebook groups or meetups to see if there are any new vegan restaurants or cafes in the area.
If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, it can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language. For example, you can learn how to say “I don’t eat meat” or “I’m vegan” in the language of the country you’re visiting.
Many restaurants and cafes have English menus, but it’s always a good idea to have a few key phrases at the ready in case the menu doesn’t have vegan options listed.
One strategy is to look for dishes that are traditionally vegetarian or vegan in the country you’re visiting. For example, in Mexico, you can easily find vegan versions of tacos al pastor, which are made with pineapple and marinated pork, but are typically made with jackfruit or soy pork for vegans. In India, you can order chana masala or dal makhani, which are made with chickpeas and lentils, respectively.
If you’re unsure about whether a dish is vegan or not, you can ask the server if it can be made vegan. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate vegan requests, especially if you explain that you have a food allergy or intolerance.
One of the best ways to find vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes is to connect with local vegans. You can do this by joining local vegan Facebook groups or meetups, or by reaching out to vegan bloggers or influencers in the area.
Many vegan travel bloggers and influencers have Instagram accounts or YouTube channels where they share their vegan travel experiences and recommend vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. You can also check out vegan travel guides like Vegan Travel or Vegan Abroad for recommendations.
Exploring Vegan-Friendly Activities and Attractions
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new cultures and learning about history. Fortunately, there are many vegan-friendly ways to do both!
One of the most popular vegan-friendly activities is eco-tourism. Many eco-tourism companies offer vegan options for meals and accommodations, and they also prioritize sustainability and conservation. Some popular eco-tourism destinations include Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, and Borneo.
Another option is to visit animal sanctuaries and wildlife reserves. Many of these organizations rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been injured or orphaned, and they often offer tours and volunteer opportunities. Some well-known animal sanctuaries include Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Tanzania, the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, and the Orangutan Foundation in Borneo.
If you’re interested in history and culture, there are many vegan-friendly museums, galleries, and historical sites around the world. For example, you can visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the National Museum of Singapore, or the British Museum in London.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can also look for vegan-friendly theme parks and amusement parks. Some popular vegan-friendly parks include Disneyland and Disney World in the US, Dreamworld in Australia, and Europa-Park in Germany.
One of the best ways to experience a new culture is to connect with local people. You can do this by attending vegan meetups and events, or by reaching out to vegan bloggers and influencers in the area. Many vegan travelers also find that the best way to meet locals is to stay at a homestay or bed and breakfast.
Staying Healthy and Sustainable on Your Vegan Travels
One of the biggest challenges of traveling as a vegan is maintaining a balanced diet. While it can be tempting to indulge in junk food or processed snacks, these can leave you feeling sluggish and unhealthy.
One strategy is to pack some vegan snacks, such as energy bars, trail mix, or dried fruit. You can also bring some vegan supplements, such as B12 and omega-3s, in case you have trouble finding these nutrients on the road.
If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, you can also shop at local grocery stores and markets for fresh produce. Many grocery stores also carry vegan prepared foods, such as hummus, salsa, and guacamole.
Another important aspect of vegan travel is reducing your carbon footprint and being eco-friendly. You can do this by bringing a reusable water bottle and straw, using reusable shopping bags, and avoiding single-use plastics. Many hotels and resorts also offer reusable water bottles, so be sure to ask if they have this option.
One of the best ways to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint is to eat at locally-owned vegan restaurants and cafes. You can also look for vegan-friendly businesses that use sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy or reducing waste.
If you’re planning to travel extensively, you might want to consider buying a reusable water bottle made from recycled materials. There are also companies that sell reusable shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Vegan Travel Lifestyle
Traveling as a vegan can present unique challenges, especially if you’re traveling with non-vegan friends or family members. One of the best ways to navigate these challenges is to communicate openly and honestly about your dietary needs and preferences.
If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t vegan, you might want to consider finding a compromise on meals. For example, you could suggest going to a vegan restaurant for dinner, and then allowing your companion to order meat or fish for their meal. Many vegan restaurants also offer vegetarian or vegan versions of popular dishes, so you can both enjoy a meal that fits your dietary needs.
Another strategy is to find common ground with your travel companion. For example, you could both agree to order vegetarian or vegan options when eating at non-vegan restaurants. You could also explore local markets and grocery stores together to find vegan snacks and treats.
One of the most important things to remember when traveling as a vegan is to be flexible and adaptable. While it’s important to stand up for your dietary needs, it’s also important to be open to trying new foods and experiencing new cultures. Remember that veganism is about compassion, not restriction, and that the best way to connect with people from other cultures is to be respectful, open-minded, and kind.
So go forth and explore the world, my fellow vegan travelers! Embrace the challenges and the triumphs, and remember that every new adventure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the world around us.