Veganism has been gaining significant popularity over the past decade as more people become aware of the environmental, ethical, and health implications of consuming animal products. Although largely minor even now, the trend is also seen among globetrotters who are now fortunate to find a plethora of vegan travel planning options.
Vegan travelers face unique challenges and considerations when it comes to finding suitable food options and ensuring their ethical values are respected during their journeys. However, these challenges should not deter them from visiting their dream international destinations. Whether they are taking a pizza tour in Italy or visiting the historic marvels in Asia, there are vegan travel itineraries that will uphold your lifestyle choice.
Wondering how to plan a trip as a vegan? We bring you a vegan travel planning guide to help you.
Feature Image Source
#1 Research thoroughly the destination
As a vegan planning your first international voyage, your travel planning should start with thorough research on the destination. It’s likely that you will come across a wide range of vegan-friendly destinations. But not all of them will suit your lifestyle as expected. As such, you will have to list out countries and cities that have embraced veganism to a large extent. You can go through some vegan travel blogs, social media, and travel guides online to gather information on the destination and all that it offers to vegan travelers.
#2 Travel wise by planning your meals in advance
Now comes one of the main parts of your vegan travel planning—deciding on your daily meals. Once you have chosen your vegan-friendly destination, it’s time to research places to eat. Ideally, you may want to look for vegan restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in the city you are visiting. Make a list of places to visit and check their opening hours. You can also download vegan-friendly apps that help find vegan restaurants quickly. Planning your vegan meals is a good way to travel wise and spare you the hassle and time of looking for eatery options.
#3 Know what to communicate
You may go to an international destination with the assistance of a trip planner, but it’s always best to be self-reliant. One way you can be self-reliant while going about vegan travel is by familiarizing yourself with the local language. Learning a few key phrases in the local language related to veganism can be helpful when communicating dietary preferences or restrictions. Phrases like “I am vegan” or “Does this contain animal products?” can help you communicate your dietary requirements to locals and restaurant staff when ordering food.
#4 Look for vegan-friendly accommodations
Another crucial aspect of vegan travel planning is accommodation. Look for accommodations that offer vegan options, such as plant-based meals for breakfast. Some hotels and hostels may also have a kitchen where you can cook your meals. This option can be particularly useful in areas with limited vegan dining options. However, it’s important to note that vegan travel is still an expanding niche, and not all accommodations cater fully to vegan travelers. As such, you will have to look for options and book in advance so that you get a hassle-free vacationing experience.
#5 Carry packed snacks
When it comes to vegan travel planning, it’s a good idea to have some portable and non-perishable options on hand. This would be great during times when you may not have access to vegan-friendly food. There is a range of vegan snacks that you can pack for your trip. These include dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, or plant-based protein powders. Such options can be convenient during long travel days or when vegan options are limited. However, it’s also a good idea to check the regulations of your destination regarding importing food items to ensure compliance with customs and border control policies.
#6 Check ingredients while shopping
If you’re unable to bring your own vegan snacks, you can always stop by nearby stores to purchase vegan food items. When eating out or buying food, always double-check the ingredients listed on the label. Al or ask about what’s used to prepare the dish to make sure no non-vegan ingredients or animal products are present. It’s also important to be aware of any non-vegan ingredients or animal-based elements that may be found in the local cuisine. Additionally, when shopping for clothing, shoes, cosmetics, handbags, and other items, make sure the labels are certified and marked vegan, meaning they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
By following these steps, you can plan an enjoyable first international trip as a vegan traveler. Remember to be respectful of local customs, especially when it comes to food. Some cultures may not understand the concept of veganism, so be patient and explain your dietary requirements without criticism or judgment. If you are wondering where to go, you can check out some travel itineraries on Travel-Wise. We are a trip planner that can take you to the best international vegan destinations.