Travelling as a vegan might seem daunting initially, but it doesn't have to be a hassle. After all, exploring new cuisines is part of the excitement of going on vacation, isn't it? While vegan food has gained popularity lately, not all places are as accommodating as we would like. However, with adequate research and preparation, you won't have to miss out on local dishes and traditional treats during your holiday.
Tips for Travelling as a Vegan
Follow our tips for a stress-free travel experience, whether you're planning a vegan vacation or going abroad.
#1. Check out Facebook groups!
There are amazing Facebook groups exclusively devoted to vegan travel that serve as invaluable resources for collecting information and recommendations from seasoned vegan travelers. By becoming a member of these communities, you can connect with like-minded individuals who offer genuine insights into vegan-friendly destinations, eateries, and places to stay. Engage in conversations, seek suggestions, and share your own experiences. A couple of well-known vegan travel Facebook groups worth joining are "Vegan Travelers" and "Vegan Tours and Vacations."
#2. Understand local cuisines!
Meat and cheese play a vital role in numerous cuisines worldwide. Surprisingly, even vegetables may not always be prepared in a way suitable for vegans! Before heading to a new destination, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the popular dishes and ingredients of that specific cuisine. This way, you'll have an understanding of the level of customization available for those dishes.
#3. Choose the right accommodation!
Few hotels offer a veggie menu, but they can often prepare one upon request. Notify the hotel of your dietary preferences and ask for it to be taken into account. You may not have to shop around for veg food, instead, it will always be on hand. If it is not possible to find a vegan-friendly hotel, a good option is to book accommodation with a kitchen. So you can prepare the perfect salad for yourself anywhere in the world. Considering that this part of the world must have unfamiliar vegetables and fruits, this is a great chance to experiment and tease your taste buds.
Friendly advice - before booking accommodation, try activating the VPN iPhone setting. While it may seem a bit tedious to figure out how to set up VPN on iPhone, it's worth it. With a good VPN on your iPhone, like VeePN, you can protect yourself from scammers and hackers while you travel. You will be protected when connected to public Wi-Fi, which poses a serious threat, and even is able to book a room cheaper. It is enough to change your region to get a discount. This is applicable to those sites that use price discrimination.
#4. Utilize vegan travel resources!
Check out online platforms such as HappyCow and VegVisits. They offer valuable info on vegan-friendly restaurants, accommodations, and local tips straight from vegan travelers. Don't forget to tap into these platforms to uncover some hidden vegan gems and connect with fellow like-minded individuals. Don't hesitate to explore vegan travel blogs, guidebooks, and social media accounts for personalized recommendations and exclusive insights. These resources will be your trusty companions in navigating uncharted territories and discovering the most exquisite vegan spots.
Which Countries are the Best for Vegan Travel?
The world is becoming more welcoming for vegan adventurers. Take the United Kingdom, for instance, where Veganuary has sparked an explosion of new vegan products and businesses. From small independent shops to major fast-food chains, everyone is offering options for vegans. Similarly, countries like Germany, Sweden, and many major cities in the West boast a vibrant vegan scene. Moreover, some countries have had vegan options even before it became trendy. Throughout Asia, you can easily find traditional dishes that are accidentally vegan. China and Indonesia are relatively vegan-friendly for travelers, but Taiwan stands out as a must-visit vegan destination. Not only is a significant amount of vegan meat produced there, but the variety of vegan dishes is limitless.
Which Countries are Less Suitable for Vegan Travel?
While some countries eagerly embrace veganism and offer incredible plant-based options, unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Although major cities in the United States and the west coast make vegan traveling effortless, the rest of the country falls behind. However, that doesn't mean you won't discover delightful vegan eats. From LA to Boston and even Las Vegas, metropolitan areas generally boast a diverse vegan culinary scene. In countries like Russia and much of Eastern Europe, it may be more challenging (but not impossible) to find vegan choices. Nevertheless, don't be discouraged. You'll always find something to eat; it might just require a little extra research during your trip-planning phase.
Wrap Up: A Comprehensive Guide to Vegan Travel
Being a vegetarian in many parts of the world is still difficult. There aren't many things that fit into a plant-based diet, but with the right planning, your vacation will go smoothly. If the price is just a few hours of searching for suitable places, then this is not such a high price for a green and sustainable future.
What about you, which countries have you travelled to as a vegan? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
