Vegan travel doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious food and have a great trip while still adhering to a vegan diet. Just because you have a more restrictive diet doesn’t mean you can’t have fun adventures and see the world. Here are a few vegan travel tips so that you can explore the world around you without compromising on your standards.

Stay Somewhere with a Kitchen

When it’s time to book your stay, try to choose a hotel or other type of accommodation that will have a kitchen for you to use. Condos or timeshare units will give you the flexibility that you need to prepare your own meals while away from home. This is a particularly good strategy if you’ll be traveling to a destination with sparse vegan dining options. You won’t want to leave your meals up to chance if you have specific dietary needs.

Having your own kitchen will also help you save money. Since you won’t be eating out at restaurants so much, you’ll have more cash to spend for sightseeing or souvenirs. Plus, you won’t need to spend so much time deciding where to eat.

Learn Phrases in the Local Language

Vegan travel can be particularly challenging if you’ll be visiting a foreign country. That’s why you should learn how to say a few key phrases in the native language. This will help you communicate your dietary needs effectively. For example, learning how to simply say “I am vegan” or “please no meat, dairy, or eggs” can go a long way. It’s also a good idea to carry a vegan translation card. You can find these online in many different languages. Or, use a translation app on your phone.

Visit Local Markets

Local farmers markets are likely to offer a variety of vegan options. You’ll normally find a cornucopia of fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy grains, and specialty vegan items. You may also find vegan and cruelty-free products for personal care as well, depending on the size of the market. Visiting a farmers market is also a fun way to learn more about the people and culture of your destination.

Connect with Local Vegans

Don’t shy away from using technology to connect with local vegans at your destination. Ideal places to start your search include Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, Couchsurfing, or local vegan communities in the area. You can also download apps like Vanilla Bean and HappyCow, which allow vegans to submit recommendations, reviews, tips, and more.

Connecting with locals will open up a wealth of information and recommendations on local eateries to add to your travel itinerary. They may also offer insight or advice you won’t typically find in guidebooks. Not only will you have great recommendations on where to eat and what to do, you’ll also make some friends along the way!

Plan Ahead for Air Travel

A little planning goes a long way. Most airlines offer specific vegan meals. However, you’ll likely need to request this in advance. Be sure to double check your request a few days before departure so that you’re not caught at 30,000 feet in the air with nothing to eat. Planning ahead is even more crucial if you’ll be traveling internationally with a long flight ahead of you.

Pack Vegan Snacks

It’s best to pack your own vegan travel snacks. Savvy travelers understand that having snacks on hand can be a real lifesaver. It’s important to bring non-perishable and portable foods. Great choices to consider include nuts, granola bars, seeds, and dried fruits. You never know when your vegan snack will get you out of a bind when hunger strikes and vegan options are limited.

FAQs:

Q: Can I request special vegan meals on any airline?
A: Most major airlines can accommodate vegan meal requests, but it’s essential to check with your specific carrier for their policies and availability. Always request in advance, typically at least 48 hours before your flight.

Q: Are there vegan-friendly travel agencies or tour operators?
A: Yes, there are travel agencies and tour operators that specialize in vegan travel. They can help you plan your trip and find accommodations and activities that support a vegan lifestyle.

Q: How do I handle being vegan at social dining events while traveling?
A: Inform your host ahead of time, if possible, and offer to bring a vegan dish to share. Look for menu items that can be easily modified, and don’t hesitate to ask the chef or server for vegan options.

Q: What are some recommended vegan snacks for travel?
A: Besides nuts, granola bars, seeds, and dried fruits, consider packing travel-sized nut butter packets, vegan jerky, roasted chickpeas, and dark chocolate.

Q: Is it difficult to find vegan personal care products while traveling?
A: It can be challenging to find vegan products, depending on your destination. It’s a good idea to bring essential vegan personal care products with you. Look for solid shampoos, toothpaste tablets, and multipurpose balms to save space and avoid spills.

Q: What should I do if I can’t find vegan food while traveling?
A: Try to find local grocery stores or markets where you can purchase fresh produce and staples. Also, many international cuisines have dishes that are traditionally vegan or can be easily adapted, so familiarize yourself with those options.

Q: Can I find vegan options at fast food chains when traveling?
A: Many fast food chains are now offering vegan options, but availability varies by location. Research the chains in your destination beforehand or use mobile apps to find vegan-friendly fast food options.

What other vegan travel tips do you have? Tell us in the comments section below!