Vegan Vacation: How to Travel While Vegan

Veganism is growing in popularity, and with it comes the demand for vegan-friendly options while traveling. While this lifestyle has its benefits, it can also be difficult to find vegan-friendly destinations, food options, and activities when you’re on the go. But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll discuss how to make your vegan vacation as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. 

From tips on finding vegan restaurants to shopping for vegan-friendly foods, we’ll provide you with the tools and resources you need to plan a successful trip that respects both your diet and the environment.

See also How To Avoid Binges and Setbacks On a Raw Vegan Diet and How To Stay Healthy While Traveling.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is a way of life that excludes all animal products, including dairy and eggs. For many people, veganism is a moral commitment to not harm animals. Others choose veganism for health reasons or to reduce their environmental impact.

Benefits of Eating Vegan While Traveling

Eating vegan while traveling has many benefits, including

1. It’s good for your health 

When you’re on the road, it can be difficult to eat healthy. Fast food and unhealthy snacks are often the easiest and most convenient options. However, if you’re vegan, eating healthy while traveling is easier than you might think. 

A vegan diet promotes good health by providing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with essential nutrients that can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote heart health, among other benefits.

2. Eating vegan while traveling can help you save money

Meat and dairy products tend to be more expensive than fruits, vegetables, and grains, so you may find yourself spending less on food overall if you stick to a vegan diet. 

Plus, vegan meals are often high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer and prevent overeating.

3. A vegan diet can help reduce your carbon footprint

A vegan diet can help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and by choosing a plant-based diet, you can help lessen your impact on the environment.

4. It can help reduce your impact on the environment

A vegan diet can help reduce your environmental impact in many ways. For example, it takes far less water to produce a pound of grains than a pound of beef. It also requires less land to grow crops than graze cattle.

Second, eating vegan cuts down on deforestation. According to the World Wildlife Fund, animal agriculture is responsible for 80% of Amazon rainforest destruction. By choosing not to eat meat or dairy, you can help preserve these vital ecosystems.

5. You’ll get to try new and exciting foods.

One of the best parts about vegan travel is getting to explore all the delicious plant-based cuisine out there. 

Whether you’re trying street food in Thailand or fine dining in Italy, there’s sure to be something new and exciting for you to try. And who knows, you might even find a new favorite dish!

6. You’ll learn more about other cultures and cuisines.

Veganism is gaining popularity worldwide, which means there are now more opportunities than ever to learn about other cultures through their food. When traveling as a vegan, you’ll have plenty of chances to sample traditional dishes, learn about different cooking techniques, and discover new flavors.

Vegan Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Traveling While Eating Vegan

1. Do your research before you go

If you’re vegan and traveling, it’s important to do your research ahead of time so that you can find vegan-friendly restaurants and accommodations. There are a few things you can do to make sure you have a great trip:

• Plan ahead and research vegan-friendly restaurants in the areas you’ll be visiting. Make sure to bookmark or save them so you can easily find them when you’re hungry.
• If you’re staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or other types of accommodation, make sure to let the staff know that you’re vegan. This way, they can make sure to accommodate your dietary needs.
• Use Instagram hashtags. By searching for hashtags like #veganeats or #veganfriendly, you can locate restaurants and cafes that cater to vegans. Once you’ve found a spot that looks promising, be sure to check out their menu ahead of time to make sure they have options that fit your dietary needs.
• Another great tip is to follow vegan bloggers or influencers who are always posting about their latest vegan finds. This way, you can be sure that the places they’re recommending are actually vegan-friendly and worth checking out.
• Ask around: If you know anyone who has traveled to your destination before, ask them for recommendations on where to eat. They may have some great insider tips on where to find the best vegan food.

2. Pack your own food

When traveling, it is often difficult to find vegan-friendly food options. One way to ensure that you will have access to delicious vegan food while on the road is to pack your own. This may seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning, it can be easy and fun!

Here are some tips for packing your own vegan food when traveling:

• Choose nutrient-dense foods that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Good options include whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Pack snacks that are easy to eat on the go. Examples include energy bars, trail mixes, fruit leathers, and veggie chips.
• Don’t forget dessert! Pack some of your favorite vegan cookies or brownies for a sweet treat after a long day of exploring

3. Be specific about your dietary requirements

When ordering food, be specific about your dietary requirements. Many restaurants will have a vegan menu or be able to accommodate your needs if you’re specific about what you can and cannot eat.

Here are some tips to help you order vegan food when traveling:

• Ask if the restaurant has a vegan menu. Many restaurants are now catering to the growing demand for vegan options, so it’s worth asking if they have a separate vegan menu.
• If the restaurant doesn’t have a vegan menu, ask the waiter/waitress what vegan options are available. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
• Be specific about your dietary requirements when ordering. For example, if you’ve ordered a salad, specify that you don’t want any dairy products or meat in it.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you’re unsure about something on the menu, simply ask the waiter/waitress for clarification. They’ll be more than happy to help you out.

5. If possible, book accommodation with a kitchen

If you’re vegan and traveling, one of the best ways to make sure you’re able to eat vegan is to book accommodation that has a kitchen. 

That way, you can cook your own meals and not have to worry about finding vegan-friendly restaurants.

Of course, not everyone has the option to book a place with a kitchen. But if you can, it’s definitely worth it! Not only will it save you money (eating out can be expensive!), but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing that you have food that you can eat.

So, if you’re planning a trip and are vegan, remember to look for accommodation with a kitchen so that you can cook your own meals. It’ll make your life much easier (and cheaper!) while you’re away from home.

You can bring along some non-perishable staples: Just in case there’s nowhere nearby that offers vegan food, it’s always good to have some non-perishable staples on hand (think canned beans, rice, pasta, etc.). That way, you can always whip up a quick and easy meal no matter where you are.

6. Pack enough vegan friendly snacks

One way to make sure you have vegan snacks is to pack them yourself. This way, you know exactly what ingredients are in your snacks and can be sure they’re 100% vegan. Some great vegan snack ideas include energy bars, fruit and nut bars, veggie chips, trail mix, and dried fruit.

Another way to ensure you have vegan snacks while travelling is to research ahead of time where you’ll be able to find them. Many cities now have health food stores that sell a variety of vegan snacks. And if all else fails, most convenience stores these days carry at least a few vegan-friendly options like granola bars or veggie chips.

7. Ask for help from locals

If you’re travelling and want to eat vegan, one of the best things you can do is ask for help from locals. They know the area better than anyone and can often point you in the right direction when it comes to finding vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes.

8. Ensure proper hydration

Drinking adequate amounts of water is essential when traveling to ensure you stay healthy (vegan or not) and avoid common dehydration symptoms like headaches and dizziness.

To ensure you’re always hydrated, carry a water bottle with you and drink regularly throughout the day. Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol, since they can dehydrate you.

Additionally, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, that contain high levels of water including melons and celery.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you stay properly hydrated throughout your travel and stay.

Finding Vegan Restaurants in Your Destination

There are a few great resources that can help with this.

First, there’s HappyCow.net, which is a directory of vegan and vegetarian restaurants around the world. They have an extensive list of countries and cities, so you’re sure to find something near you.

Another great resource is Vegan Passport, which is a phone app that provides information on vegan-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and more in over 150 countries.

Once you’ve found a few places to eat, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and make sure they can accommodate your dietary needs. This will ensure that you have an enjoyable dining experience on your vacation.

Planning a Vegan Grocery List for Your Trip

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of must-have vegan grocery items that you should pack for your trip, especially if you’re going to be preparing your own food. They include:

• Plant-based milk (almond, soy, coconut, etc.)
• Non-dairy yogurt
• Vegan cheese
• Fruit and vegetables
• Whole grains (gluten-free bread, rice, pasta, etc.)
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Vegan protein sources (tofu, tempeh, seitan)

With this list in hand, you’ll be able to find everything you need to keep your belly happy- no matter where your travels take you.

Common Challenges & Solutions for a Vegan Vacation

There are a few challenges that come with traveling while vegan, but they are definitely manageable with a little bit of planning. 

i. Finding vegan-friendly restaurants

The most common challenge is finding vegan-friendly restaurants, but there are a few solutions to this. 

As stated early, you can use HappyCow (vegan restaurant guide) to find vegan restaurants near your location. 

If there are no vegan restaurants nearby, you can always look for vegetarian restaurants or cafes with vegan options. 

Another solution is to bring your own food, so you always have something to eat. This is especially helpful if you’re going to be on a long trip.

ii. Dealing with food cravings 

When you’re on the go, it’s easy to crave unhealthy foods because they’re readily available. A solution to this is to pack healthy snacks with you, so you have something to eat when you start feeling those cravings. Some good snacks include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

iii. Dealing with people who don’t understand your lifestyle choice

The last common challenge is dealing with people who don’t understand your lifestyle choice. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is going to understand or agree with your choices. 

The best thing you can do is educate yourself on the reasons behind your choices so you can explain them calmly and confidently if someone asks you about it.

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4. What Foods Are Better For Diabetics?

Final Thoughts

Eating vegan while traveling can be a challenge, but it’s a great way to experience local culture and make your vacation more eco-friendly. 

With the right planning and research, you can find plenty of delicious vegan dishes in any destination around the world. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort with full vegan menus or want to explore the best street food markets in town – there are plenty of ways to make sure that your next trip is both healthy and enjoyable! 

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