Vegan-Friendly Travel: Here’s How to Do It Right Gabby Teaman January 23, 2024 Food & Drink, Interests, Sustainable Tourism, Travel Tips It’s no secret that there are many benefits to going vegan. Maintaining a vegan diet of whole and nutrient-rich foods can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and make a positive impact on the environment. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re eating ethically. But if you love to travel, being vegan can pose some challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, are new to the diet, or are traveling with someone who keeps a strict vegan diet, there’s no reason why this should stop you from seeing the world. So many destinations today are vegan-friendly and offer tons of options. But, even if you’re going somewhere that isn’t as vegan-friendly, there are still ways you can navigate your travels without going hungry. No matter where you’re going, here’s our advice on how to be vegan when you’re traveling. Get Organized The first order of business is research, research, research. It will help you immensely no matter what destination you’re flying to. Research the restaurants, accommodations, and grocery stores that you’ll be staying near. Fill out a planner, notebook, Google doc, etc. Use whatever you need to make sure you have enough options and the right accommodations for you. Put Your Smart Phone to Work Spend a lot of time on Instagram? Utilize hashtags to help you on our vegan-friendly ventures. For example, if you’re heading to the Big Apple, search through and follow hashtags like #nycvegan, #vegannyc, or #plantbasednyc. See what people have posted. Not only will you find lots of restaurant options, but you’ll also have a community to fall back on during your trip. You can also use search and join Facebook travel groups for traveling vegans. If you know where you’re headed, post in the group and ask for suggestions. Many people will want to be helpful and share their own advice. Also, apps like Happy Cow will help you find vegan and vegetarian options all over the world. Bring Lots of Plant-Based Snacks If you’ve been vegan for a while, you may already know which snacks will fill you up while you’re on the go. If you’re still figuring out how to be vegan when traveling, no worries. But now’s the time to start thinking about what backup snacks you should tote along with you in case you get hangry. We’ve all been there. You don’t want to get cranky or feel faint on your three-hour hike or art museum tour. This is especially vital if you’re trying to stay healthy and fit. Snacks like trail mix, raw nuts, roasted almonds are great options. Or, opt for celery sticks and peanut butter, hummus and carrots, energy bars, and dried fruit. These items all pack protein so they’ll fill you up. And, more importantly, they’re also delicious. Find Vegan Options at Non-Vegan Restaurants If you can’t find any vegan spots and have to make do, look up the menu of the restaurant you’re going to beforehand. Scope out the menu for vegan-friendly options. Depending on the location you’re visiting, you may be surprised at the number of restaurants that now have marked vegan and vegetarian options. But if this isn’t the case where you are, check for items on the menu that are baked, grilled, or steamed. If you’re worried about your food being fried in animal fats and oils, you’re less likely to encounter that with baked foods. Bring Condiments and Creamers With You Traveling as a vegan often requires a bit of creativity and planning ahead. To ensure your meals remain enjoyable and aligned with your dietary choices, consider packing your own dairy-free milk or creamer for that essential morning coffee. This approach also applies to other meal enhancements; bringing your favorite vegan spices and sauces can be a game-changer. As you may know, some spice blends or pre-packaged spice mixtures can contain non-vegan ingredients like dairy derivatives (for creaminess), honey powder (for sweetness), or additives derived from animal sources. Bringing your own spices is especially helpful if you have the opportunity to cook in a kitchen. Speaking of which… Find Accommodations With a Kitchen Rather than opting for that five-star resort, try going through vacation rental apps for accommodations that provide you with a kitchen. What you may sacrifice in luxury, you make up for in convenience. And, not to mention lower prices! If you’re lucky enough to land a kitchen, try not to go overboard with the provisions you bring with you. Remember, you can always go down to your local convenience store, grocery store, or farmer’s market if you need to quickly whip up a meal. Try to keep things simple and filling. Now’s not the time to try out the complicated three-tiered cake you always wanted to make. Instead, try going for something like potatoes and broccoli or veggie burgers with hummus. You can also go for chickpeas and beans, whole wheat bread, and of course, lots of quinoa. Pack a Vegan Travel Kit Besides snacks, assembling a small vegan travel kit can be a wise move. In addition to a portable blender for whipping up smoothies, include reusable cutlery and a collapsible bowl in your kit. These items are not just convenient but also crucial for maintaining a vegan lifestyle while on the go. With your own utensils, you eliminate concerns about cross-contamination with non-vegan residues, a common issue in shared dining settings. This compact set of tools ensures you’re always prepared for plant-based success, offering peace of mind along with practicality. Take a Vegan Cooking Class Once you get to your destination, try enrolling in a local cooking class that focuses on vegan cuisine. It’s a fun way to learn about the local culture through plant-based culinary practices. It’s not just about the food; it’s a chance to connect with the locals around you. Or, spice up your travel memories by joining vegan food tours. Enjoy a delightful adventure exploring off-the-beaten path locales and savoring delicious plant-powered creations. Bring Supplements For an extra protein kick, you can easily add nutritional yeast and plant-based protein powders to your meals while travelling. They’re especially useful in areas where vegan protein sources might be limited. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and nutty flavor to your meals while providing a burst of essential nutrients. Sprinkle it on salads, pasta, or even popcorn for a savory kick. Plant-based protein powders mix easily into smoothies, oatmeal, or even local dishes to ensure you’re getting the protein punch you need. Check Out Vegan-Friendly Events Look for vegan-friendly events or meet-ups happening at your destination. This can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals and discover insider vegan tips about the locale. You’ll get to unleash the social side of your vegan journey by checking out local vegan events at your destination. Dive into a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for plant-based living. Look for vegan markets or festivals happening in the area. Again, it’s a fantastic way to connect, swap tips, and discover places that only locals know about. Joining these events not only adds a social flair to your travel but also opens doors to some of the best vegan spots in town. You may also like: Going Green and Giving Back: Here’s How to Be a More Sustainable Traveler Learn the Language If you’re flying to a non-English speaking country, you might want to memorize some keywords in the local language. You should also carry around a translation guide with you or use a translating app on your phone. Important words to learn in the local language include “vegan,” “vegetarian,” “eggs,” “animal fat,” “dairy,” “meat,” and more. Whether you’re saying “Soy vegano” or “je suis végétalien,” you’ll have less to worry about if you can express your dietary needs to those around you. FAQs: Q: How can I discover vegan-friendly spots beyond social media? A: Explore local vegan blogs, forums, or ask for recommendations from vegan travel communities to discover where to go at your destination. Q: Are there travel-friendly vegan apps besides Happy Cow? A: Yes, explore apps like Vegman or Veganagogo. They offer comprehensive vegan guides and language support for various destinations. Q: How do I find vegan-friendly cooking classes and food tours globally? A: Seek out international vacation rental platforms for virtual vegan cooking classes and guided vegan food tours, providing a unique cultural culinary experience. Q: How do I handle vegan meals in areas with limited grocery stores? A: Plan ahead and consider using grocery delivery services or local markets for a steady supply of vegan ingredients during your travels. Q: Are there sustainable and vegan-friendly travel products to consider? A: Explore eco-conscious travel brands that offer cruelty-free toiletries, sustainable luggage, and reusable travel essentials for an ethical and vegan-friendly travel experience. Do you have any other tips for how to be vegan when you’re traveling? Let us know in the comments below!
