Traveling can be an amazing experience, but it can also be challenging if you practice mindful consumption. For vegans, vegetarians, or those who follow a plant-based diet, finding suitable food options while on vacation can be daunting.

However, with the right preparation and research, traveling as a vegan can be an enjoyable experience. In this blog, we'll share 7 tips to help you prepare for your next vegan vacation.

We'd also love to hear from you - please share your favorite vegan restaurants and tips for a plant-based holiday in the comments below. We hope you have a great time exploring vegan-friendly destinations!

Research vegan-friendly destinations

Before you start planning your trip, do some research on vegan-friendly destinations. This will help you find places that have a lot of vegan restaurants, grocery stores, and vegan-friendly attractions.

Search “local produce near (your destination)”, “vegan food near (your destination)”, or “plant-based options in (your destination).” Write down the names of the shops and restaurants with the best reviews, and the ones that catch your eye.

Even if you don’t do research in advance, you can do a simple search for “vegan restaurants near me” or “local produce near me” when you arrive at your destination.

Also, be sure to research the culture and food practices of the region you are visiting. If you’re not going far from home, you may expect to find similar restaurants and grocery stores to the ones in your own town. This may be true in some cases but certainly not all. Even if you’re traveling to a nearby location, be sure to do some research into the culture surrounding food in that area.

Is fresh produce accessible? What types of restaurants are most abundant? What are the popular dishes of the region? These are all essential questions to ask before you travel.

*Mercado de La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain*

Pack snacks

It's always a good idea to bring snacks with you when you travel, especially if you're not sure if you'll be able to find vegan options easily. Some good snack options include fruits, nuts, energy bars, and vegan jerky.

In general, pick snacks that can withstand the hustle and bustle of travel. Bananas and oranges are great because they come in their own packaging, but a bruised banana isn’t always the most appetizing option after a long day of travel. Make sure whichever snacks you pack are aligned with the type of traveling you’ll be doing (car vs. bus vs. plane vs. bike)

Learn some key phrases

If you're traveling to a country where you don't speak the language, it's a good idea to learn some key phrases related to being vegan. This can help you communicate your dietary needs to restaurant staff and locals.

In general, learn the words for “hello,” “thank you,” “meat,” “dairy,” and “vegetarian/vegan.”

In meat-heavy cultures, it is especially important to be able to communicate that you do not eat any meat at all, which may include animal byproducts like milk and cheese.

I’ll never forget when I was first in Italy and asked for a vegetarian meal while at a group dinner. I was brought a large block of grilled cheese.

I felt so silly not realizing that for many cultures, vegetarians eat an excess of cheese. Afterward, I made sure to tell restaurants I am “vegana,” and not just “vegetariana.”

Find vegan restaurants

Use apps like HappyCow or Yelp to find vegan restaurants in the area. You can also search for vegetarian or plant-based options if there aren't any vegan restaurants nearby.

Use tools like Google, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. If you’re visiting a destination that receives lots of tourists in a particular season, there are likely already hundreds of reviews online of other travelers just like you.

If you find a vegan restaurant you like, be sure to leave your own review if possible!

*Vegan Dishes from Al Sultan, Lebanese Restaurant in Larnaca, Cyprus*

Talk to locals

Locals can be a great resource for finding vegan options in the area. Strike up a conversation with someone who lives there and ask for their recommendations.

A great way to do this is to first conduct your own research on popular vegan restaurants in the area. Then, when you go to visit, try and strike up a conversation with someone who looks like a local.

Cook your own meals

If you're staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, you can always cook your own meals. This gives you more control over what you're eating and ensures that you'll have vegan options.

When I travel anywhere longer than a week (even sometimes less than that), I always make sure to check which grocery stores and produce stands are nearest to me. I then plan meals out in advance and do my grocery shopping as I would at home.

Not only does cooking your own meals guarantee you know exactly what you are eating, but it also can save you money and provide an hour of refuge from busy tourist areas outside your hotel or Airbnb.

Be prepared to be flexible

While it's great to stick to your vegan diet as much as possible, sometimes it's just not possible. Be prepared to be flexible and make adjustments to your diet as needed. This may be skipping out on a restaurant you had hoped to visit because their menu doesn’t accommodate vegans.

Or, you may choose to opt for a dairy option if you know it has come from farm-to-table, local, or traditional practices.

Ultimately, it is your life and wellbeing and only you can make the decision of what to consume.

Finally, don't forget to have fun! Traveling is an amazing experience, and being vegan shouldn't hold you back from exploring the world. Embrace new experiences and enjoy your trip!

7 Tips for Plant-Based Travel