Traveling while maintaining a vegan lifestyle may seem challenging, but with the growing awareness of plant-based diets, finding delicious vegan options while on the go is easier than ever. Whether you’re embarking on an international adventure or taking a short weekend trip, you can enjoy a variety of plant-based meals without compromising your values or health goals.
In this blog, we’ll provide practical tips, strategies, and resources to help you navigate vegan options while traveling. From global vegan hotspots to local restaurants and helpful apps, we’ve got you covered for your next travel experience.
1. Research Vegan-Friendly Destinations
Why destination research is important: Choosing your travel destination carefully can make all the difference in finding a variety of vegan-friendly options. Some cities and countries have embraced plant-based eating more than others, and by doing some research ahead of time, you can make sure there’s plenty to enjoy during your trip.
Top Vegan-Friendly Destinations:
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Berlin, Germany: Known as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, Berlin boasts a variety of vegan restaurants, cafes, and even vegan supermarkets.
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Portland, Oregon, USA: This eco-conscious city offers a vibrant plant-based scene with numerous vegan eateries and an overall commitment to sustainability.
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Tel Aviv, Israel: Tel Aviv is a haven for vegans, offering an abundance of plant-based food options, from hummus to vegan shawarma.
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London, UK: With a growing number of vegan restaurants and food markets, London has become a top destination for plant-based travelers.
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Bali, Indonesia: Bali offers a tropical paradise where you can find numerous vegan-friendly cafes and resorts that cater to plant-based diets.
Tip: When planning your trip, search for vegan travel guides, local vegan communities on social media, and restaurant recommendations to find the best spots in your destination.
2. Use Vegan Apps and Websites
Why apps and websites are essential: Several apps and websites can help you locate vegan-friendly restaurants and food stores while traveling. These resources allow you to explore plant-based options near you and read reviews from fellow vegan travelers.
Must-Have Vegan Apps for Travelers:
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HappyCow: This app provides a comprehensive list of vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants around the world. You can filter by location, cuisine type, and even browse user reviews to find the best spots.
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Vanilla Bean: Perfect for finding vegan eateries in cities across the world, this app offers personalized recommendations and allows you to save your favorite places.
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Vegman: Vegman offers global vegan food options, helping you navigate restaurants, markets, and local food stalls wherever you go.
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Google Maps: Don’t underestimate the power of Google Maps. Simply search for terms like “vegan,” “plant-based,” or “vegetarian,” and you’ll find nearby options, including cafes, grocery stores, and food trucks.
Tip: Download these apps before your trip and explore restaurant options in advance to ensure you have a smooth dining experience.
3. Embrace Local Vegan Staples
Why embracing local food is important: No matter where you are, most cultures have traditional plant-based dishes. By learning about the local cuisine and adapting it to a vegan diet, you can enjoy authentic meals while staying true to your lifestyle.
Vegan-Friendly Global Dishes:
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India: India has a rich tradition of plant-based meals. Dishes like dal (lentils), chana masala (spicy chickpeas), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), and roti (flatbread) are common and easy to find.
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Middle East: The Middle Eastern diet is full of naturally vegan foods, such as hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
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Thailand: Thai cuisine offers many vegan-friendly options, including pad Thai, green curry, and spring rollsmade with tofu, vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
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Italy: While Italian cuisine is often associated with cheese and meat, dishes like vegan pizza, pasta with marinara, and minestrone soup can easily be made plant-based.
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Mexico: Many Mexican dishes are naturally vegan or can be adapted to be. Try guacamole, salsa, vegetarian tacos, and burritos stuffed with rice, beans, and veggies.
Tip: When traveling, research the local cuisine and identify plant-based dishes you can try. Often, restaurant staff can modify certain dishes to make them vegan-friendly.
4. Stay Prepared with Snacks and Essentials
Why preparation is essential: While traveling, it’s always helpful to have a stash of vegan snacks and essentials on hand for those moments when you can’t find a vegan-friendly restaurant. Having easy-to-carry snacks in your bag can help stave off hunger between meals and ensure you don’t go hungry.
Travel-Friendly Vegan Snacks:
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Nuts and seeds: A great source of protein and healthy fats, nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and trail mix are easy to carry and can keep you full during long travel days.
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Energy bars: There are numerous vegan energy bars available, like Clif Bars, LÄRABARS, and Kind Bars, which offer a quick, nutritious snack.
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Dried fruit: Lightweight and easy to pack, dried fruit like apricots, raisins, and dates can provide a quick energy boost while traveling.
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Crackers and hummus: Pre-packaged vegan crackers and small hummus containers are perfect for a quick snack.
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Vegan jerky: Vegan jerky made from soy, tempeh, or mushrooms is a high-protein snack that can be packed for your trip.
Tip: If you’re traveling internationally, pack a few vegan-friendly snacks in your luggage to ensure you have options during flights or when exploring remote areas.
5. Communicate Your Vegan Needs Clearly
Why communication matters: When eating out or staying at hotels, it’s important to communicate your vegan needs clearly to ensure your meals are free from animal products. This will help you avoid surprises and ensure your dietary preferences are respected.
How to Communicate Vegan Requests:
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Learn key phrases in the local language: Knowing how to say “I am vegan” or “No animal products” in the local language can go a long way in ensuring your food is prepared correctly. Many vegan travel guides provide phrases in different languages.
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Use vegan-friendly cards: Consider carrying a vegan translation card that explains your dietary restrictions in the local language. These cards can be handed to waitstaff to avoid any confusion.
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Ask for modifications: In many restaurants, you can ask for modifications to dishes, such as omitting cheese, substituting tofu for meat, or requesting plant-based milk for coffee.
6. Find Vegan-Friendly Accommodations
Why your accommodation matters: Many hotels, hostels, and Airbnb properties now offer vegan-friendly options or are located near vegan restaurants. By choosing a place to stay that is conscious of plant-based diets, you’ll have more convenient access to vegan meals.
How to Find Vegan Accommodations:
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Look for vegan-friendly hotels and hostels: Some accommodations cater specifically to vegan guests, offering plant-based breakfasts, vegan room service, or even in-house restaurants with plant-based menus.
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Stay near vegan restaurants: Use apps like HappyCow to find vegan-friendly hotels or Airbnb properties located near top plant-based restaurants and food markets.
Enjoy Your Travels While Staying Vegan
Traveling as a vegan is more accessible than ever. With a little planning, research, and flexibility, you can enjoy diverse and delicious plant-based meals wherever your travels take you. From using vegan apps and learning local cuisine to packing snacks and communicating your needs, these tips will help you navigate vegan options while traveling.
As you continue your Veganuary journey, don’t be afraid to explore new destinations and cultures. The world is filled with plant-based opportunities, and traveling as a vegan can be an exciting way to expand your culinary horizons while staying true to your values.
