Are you a vegan who loves to travel but feels anxious about maintaining your lifestyle while exploring new cultures? Don’t worry; you’re not alone!
Many vegans need help finding plant-based options in foreign countries or fear being judged for their dietary choices. But with some planning and helpful tips, staying true to your vegan lifestyle while traveling abroad is easier than ever.
In this post, we’ll share our best advice for navigating unfamiliar food scenes and staying healthy and happy on the go – so grab your suitcases, and let’s get started!
What is veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal products, including eggs and dairy. While many people follow a vegan diet for environmental or health reasons, a subset of vegans also follow the diet because they believe it is the most ethical way to live.
Since veganism excludes many types of food, it’s important to plan your trip carefully if you want to stick to your vegan lifestyle. Here are some tips:
1. Research the local cuisine before you arrive. Many places have unique vegan dishes that would be a delicious addition to your travels.
2. Pack light and stay flexible. If something goes wrong and you can’t find vegan food in an unfamiliar city, don’t stress. Plenty of options are available online or at international grocery stores when traveling abroad.
3. Plan by packing snacks and meals that can easily be adapted to a plant-based diet. Store-bought substitutes like hummus, nut butter, and beans & rice are good options for on-the-go hungry travelers!
4. Make sure you have reliable transportation accessible if necessary. Airlines tend to be accommodating when it comes to accommodating dietary restrictions, so ask in advance if there are any limitations you need to be aware of before boarding your flight!
How can you be vegan while traveling?
You can do a few things to maintain your vegan lifestyle while traveling. First, find out what the local cuisine is like. Chances are good that there will be some meat or seafood dish that is not vegan-friendly, but you can probably find something to eat.
If not, you can always find a vegan restaurant in town. Packing various snacks and food items with you is also important to feel safe if you don’t have access to any vegan meals.
And lastly, make sure to take along plenty of water and electrolytes since many places outside of America don’t have reliable access to clean drinking water.
What are some tips for vegan travelers?
There are a few things to remember when traveling as a vegan. First, make sure you know where your food is sourced from. Ask your hotel or restaurant about their animal-friendly practices and look for symbols like the “Vegan Society Approved” label. If you can’t find information on the menu or in advance, ask if they have any vegan-specific dishes or can prepare something special for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is packing snacks and meals. Many airports have vegan meal options, but it’s always a good idea to bring some extra groceries just in case. And, of course, remember your culinary skills! There are plenty of delicious vegan recipes out there that can be adapted to whatever country you’re visiting.
Be respectful of other cultures and people’s religious beliefs while traveling as a vegan. Some countries may have stringent dietary restrictions that go against what many vegans believe in, so it’s important to be aware of what’s expected before traveling there.
And lastly, remember that no matter where you are, it’s always polite to say “excuse me” if you need to step away from a conversation or meal for any reason – even if that means leaving an entire country entirely!
Conclusion
Veganism is a lifestyle choice that many people make for ethical and environmental reasons. When you go on vacation, sticking to your vegan diet without access to some animal products can be tough. However, there are ways to make vegan travel as easy as possible. Here are four tips:
1. Make a list of all the foods you will need while on vacation and research which restaurants offer vegan options.
2. Bring snacks if you get hungry between meals or are stuck in an airport terminal for hours. Vegan food options will likely be available at these establishments too!
3. Pack your lunch if possible so you don’t have to rely on restaurant fare or snack bars around tourist areas. Dig out your favorite recipes and pack them with utensils so you’re not left feeling famished when dining out alone (or worse – eating questionable food).
4. Know how much protein and other nutrients are in plant-based foods versus animal-based foods before traveling so that you can plan accordingly and ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients needed while traveling sans meat or dairy products.”