10 Essential Travel Tips for Newly Vegan Travellers by Dale Davies of AngloItalian
I have asked Dale Davies to share with us his tips for newly vegan travellers. As a family who have newly vegan members, this is something that has become topical for us, as we not only have them over for dinner, but also understand some of the issues they face when they travel. When I wanted to get this post written, it was obvious to go with the best of the best, and so I contacted Dale, for his knowledge and his expertise. In addition, he is a really lovely man. Hint: Vegan as in Megan, not Vagan as in Fagan. My bad.
Without further ado, Dale has shared 10 Essential Travel Tips for Newly Vegan Travellers.
There are two paths that people typically follow when they go vegan. Either they adjust to it immediately without much stress or alteration, or alternatively they spend many, many months learning all there is to know about all the new foods to try, combinations to experiment with, and all nutritional information that every vegan needs for a healthy energetic life – yet no matter which kind of vegan you may be, learning to adjust your travels to veganism can be a thought that many won’t consider until the last minute and they’re boarding their plane.
For the newly vegan traveller preparation before your trip is essential.
There are a whole host of things to consider when booking your transport, accommodation, and any tour you may be interested in joining – and from my own experience of travelling full-time as a vegan there have been times where I’ve surprised myself by discovering one more thing that I’d not prepared for.
With the following vegan travel tips I hope that no matter how long you’ve been following the vegan lifestyle, you’ll be prepared for it in every way.
My 10 Vegan Travel Tips
Contents
- 1 My 10 Vegan Travel Tips
- 1.1 1. If travelling in a group, make everyone’s trip easier
- 1.2 2. Double check your airline is vegan-friendly
- 1.3 3. Book vegan-friendly hotels and tours
- 1.4 4. Pack the vegan essentials
- 1.5 5. Research restaurants before you arrive.
- 1.6 6. Connect with the local vegan community
- 1.7 7. Contact the local tourism board
- 1.8 8. Pack treats for the trip (and the odd emergency!)
- 1.9 9. Learn a little of the language
- 1.10 10. Go self-catering
- 2 What’s Your Vegan Travel Tip?
- 3 What’s YOUR vegan travel tip?
1. If travelling in a group, make everyone’s trip easier
If you’re travelling or taking a holiday with family or friends then put yourself in their shoes for one moment. They may be happy to make adjustments and accommodate your lifestyle whilst considering restaurants, but may feel a little disgruntled if they find that the restaurant is not to their liking.
When booking your reservations for restaurants, hotels, or any activities scheduled for your trip; perhaps double check that it’s something the whole group will enjoy, not just yourself; especially in the case of restaurants where it may be easier for everyone if you pick a restaurant ahead of time that caters to both your vegan dietary requirements, plus their typical tastes.
Try your best to please everyone, although it won’t always be easy!
2. Double check your airline is vegan-friendly
If you’re planning to travel abroad and have a long flight scheduled be sure to call up your chosen airline prior to travelling to the airport. Double check that your in-flight meal will be vegan so as to avoid disappointment when you’re accidentally served with a vegetarian meal instead.
The same can also be said for some first-class train trips where some food items are served during the journey. For other transport options such as coaches or road trips in cars be sure to take your own pre-prepared vegan meal with you in reusable containers that you can use again when you arrive.
3. Book vegan-friendly hotels and tours
Over the past few years as veganism has grown so has the quantity of 100% vegan and vegan-friendly hotels which you can book for your upcoming travels. By booking with a hotel that is already aware of the requirements you have in your diet and the needs associated with veganism (animal rights, anti-animal testing, etc), you’ll have one less headache and complete peace of mind.
Many of the vegan hotels you can book are also highly luxurious as they aim to appeal to the bio and eco-loving community of travellers who prefer well designed zen-like surroundings. Because of this you may find that your family or friends travelling with you will enjoy how luxurious the interior décor and services can be.
If you’ll also be joining a number of group and guided tours on your trip it’s worth considering a tour that will appeal to your own interests and those of your companions. Food tours in particular are great fun for everyone, regardless of how talented they may be in the kitchen; plus, both you and your friends will be learning meals you can try when you return home.
4. Pack the vegan essentials
If you’re travelling to countries within the Western Hemisphere or Europe you might be lucky enough to find that many of the cosmetics that you would normally like to pack are easily available in many supermarkets and health stores, but whilst the availability is increasing it’s worth being smart and practical by grabbing a few essentials for your suitcase or backpack.
It’s probable that you’ll be able to find all the vitamin and mineral tablets you would normally take in local chemists but instead it’s wiser to pack with you the number of supplements you’d need for the trip, plus an extra day (in case of flight delays, etc).
Vegan-friendly soaps and shampoos are the smartest items to pack in your luggage, however finding either of them in small enough packaging for getting past customs can be more challenging them shopping for them in another country. Instead pick up some hard soaps and shampoos which are both small and easily packed in your checked luggage. The cosmetics company Lush has a number of best selling cosmetic bars you can purchase, although you’ll also find many other choices at most well stocked health stores.
5. Research restaurants before you arrive.
Prior to your becoming vegan you may have trusted the restaurant suggestions of your hotel or travel guide book, however it’s rare that either of them know much about the local vegan scene or the quantity of restaurants available. Thankfully there are a number of websites that making finding vegan restaurants an easy task.
Websites like the veggie-volunteer ran site HappyCow.net include a number of vegetarian and vegan restaurant recommendations, plus a small number of veggie-friendly eateries and shops. Foursquare and Yelp are also incredibly useful for finding new vegan-friendly restaurants before they’ve been indexed on other websites as people tend to review and photography them almost as soon as a new eatery has opened.
If you’re still unsure before you arrive that you’ll find the best restaurant to try, then the next travel tip should aid you further.
6. Connect with the local vegan community
Before I arrive anywhere I search websites like Facebook for active groups in the area and through it ask as many questions as possible. If the group is active enough then within the last few posts you should find a few recommendations worth trying, but don’t be afraid to ask for personal tips from the group
Where possible I also like to search other online communities like Reddit’s Vegan Community and Meetup.com to see if there are activities or meetups scheduled to happen whilst I’m in the country. Sometimes you’ll find great vegan festivals that can be great fun, or even a potluck night at a locals house which is the best kind of travel experience.
7. Contact the local tourism board
It’s within the interest of the local tourism board to help you have the best time possible whilst you’re in their town or country, so why not send them a Tweet or email before your trip begins to see what they recommend?
With great contacts with local restaurants and community groups they gather an array of great suggestions that may only be in the short period you’re there, so don’t risk missing out and get in touch.
8. Pack treats for the trip (and the odd emergency!)
You’re sitting waiting for you flight and your mind is highly conscious of the noises your stomach is making. There’s a vegan meal on the flight with your name on it, but unfortunately there’s at least another hour until the gate opens for boarding.
You need snacks – and enough to see you through the first 24 hours.
When I’m about to go travelling with my partner we always make sure to do a little shopping beforehand for a couple of easily packable treats that won’t spoil during the trip. Snack and energy bars in particular are perfect for this eventuality.
They’re also highly useful for when you arrive and haven’t had time to explore the local supermarkets for what vegan treats they may have.
9. Learn a little of the language
I can’t emphasise enough how much your travel will change if you learn a few words in the local language.
During my time spent living in Berlin in 2014 I found that learning the German words for ingredients such as eggs, milk, plus many other non-vegan substances helped me to understand exactly what I was eating without the fear that I’d be eating something non-vegan.
Should you not have time to brush up a little on your language skills before you start travelling why not pick up a Vegan Passport which has a simple “Hello I’m vegan…” explanation in over 80 different national languages.
For an even better experience it’s worth getting hold of a “Cheat Sheet” that lists all the most useful words to know, plus a list of vegan meals you can eat, like the one I put together in my recent Vegan Travel Guide to Rome.
10. Go self-catering
If you’re going to be travelling or on holiday for an extended period beyond a weekend then it’s certainly worth considering self-catering accommodation or booking a holiday apartment through a website like airbnb.
It’s quite probable that your destination isn’t going to have a vegan-friendly restaurant for every meal time of your trip, plus eating out for every meal will soon reduce your travel budget right down to pennies. Making at least one of your meals at your accommodation each day will save you a great deal of money as well as guarantee you that you’re getting all of the nutrients you need for your vegan diet.
What’s Your Vegan Travel Tip?
During your first vegan holiday you’ll learn a great deal more about how to make your travels as easy as possible through preparation and planning ahead, and through regular trips you’ll soon find yourself thinking ahead before every trip you make, no matter if it’s across country or just a small trip to see your family in the next town.
Should you learn any more vegan travel tips on your journey to be coming an expert vegan traveller, I’d love to read them in the comments below.
What’s YOUR vegan travel tip?
Thank you Dale, this is an amazing guide that I can see as being a very useful tool.
These travel tips are so on point for vegan travelers. We have many friends who are vegan and some gluten free as well. The list could easily be adapted for both groups. Well done!
Thanks to Dale, whose knowledge we needed to defer to. It has become something that we are personally interested in with family and friends who are vegan. For us to understand the needs better is a good thing.
This is a great resource. My husband and daughter are both vegetarian, and it’s always a challenge to find good dishes when we’re traveling. I can’t imagine how hard it would be as a vegan.
So true, and I think the advice that Dale has given will be very helpful to all vegan travelers, new or not.
Even though we have no dietary restrictions we have many friends who do and these tips are well researched and timely. Traveling presents a lot of challenges, especially when trying to eat healthy foods on a budget and this info should be useful for many travelers in addition to vegans.
I agree. There is no such thing as a ‘normal’ diet, and being able to adapt and think outside of the box at times, is imperative.
This article reminds me how hard I tried to be vegan for one day only! It’s not easy anywhere, but you’ve given some great tips here!
I agree, it is not easy but doable.
Interesting article! It is nice that hotels and restaurants are more attentive than ever before to allergies and dietary preferences.
I think there has been some advancements, though having dined with vegans there is a long way to go.
Speaking of airlines, we flew with Thai Airways recently from Bangkok to Chiang Mai just before the big famous Vegan festival. They had vegan pies on board as the food for passengers and they were DELICIOUS! Thought it was really cool an airline does that 🙂
That is amazing. Good for lots of people, vegan or not to try and see how the pies were delicious.
Very informative. We recently traveled in a small group with someone who is vegan and it was quite challenging for her in terms of variety and availability. It’s a big commitment and hats off to those who see it through. Very well done, Dale. Kudos to you and Paula for linking up this way.
Thanks Betsy. I didn’t have the expertise to do this article, but knew that Dale did. I am very happy to have worked with him.
If you’re going to the San Francisco area, I maintain pages for vegan and vegetarian restaurants there, http://berkeleyandbeyond.com/Northern-California/San-Francisco/Restaurants/All-Vegan-Veggie/all-vegan-veggie.html
Thanks Carole
While not a vegan- I have dietary issues that make travel interestingt at time. I’ve written about it before. I think your suggestions are right-on. One of our favorite things ist o book a place w/ kitchen and shop for what’s fresh and local- a lot easier thest days. For eating out in serious restaurants I contact them in advance when possible to see if they can accommodate my dietary needs. Dining on the road as a vegetarian/vegan has come a long way in most places- I remember traveling during my vegetarian times eating ice berg lettuce salads with oil and vinegar, plain pasta with tomato sauce or grilled tomato sandwiches as the only options on occasion.
I think there has been growing awareness of people dietary needs and choices and this is a good thing. I have to say that I laughed with the iceberg lettuce.
I found this very interesting. My daughter is living with us for a few months. She is vegan and I am learning how difficult it is to go out to eat. That is in our home town where I know something about restaurant choices, never mind in a strange city. She is also gluten-intolerant and has a soy allergy, which complicates things. It is actually the soy allergy which causes the most issues. Soy oil is widely used for cooking and in salad dressings. I haven’t traveled with her since she learned about the soy allergy, but have thought about the planning that would be needed.
I agree, that more and more of us have family and friends that we need to consider there needs. Throw palm oil in and so many more options become limited.
It is amazing how much pre-planning we usually need to do for a trip but obviously there is even more planning required if you are vegan! Thanks for sharing your tips.
I think it must be difficult. I know my niece is vegan and when she went to Columbia there was a lot of research done before hand. It was not easy for her but she managed.
This is real hard work and you really have to be careful because it’s not just what you eat. Lots to think about and definitively less freedom. Some destinations are great for this but others can be very challenging – in Spain I’ve heard griefs saying how hard it is to be vegetarian since we eat lots of meat
I agree, it is difficult. That is exactly why I wanted Dale to share these tips, so that those traveling as a vegan had more knowledge and information. I couldn’t do this post myself as I don’t have this knowledge base, but I am learning.
Great tips. It’s such a good idea to give people ideas on how NOT to let their newfound eating philosophy hamper their travels. I don’t think I would have thought to book a vegan-friendly hotel. I’ve been especially impressed by how diverse the meal options are on some of the Asian airlines I’ve flown on are, and horribly disappointed in how limited American airlines are regarding food.
I have to say that the photos that Dale sent through made me totally hungry, so, difficult as it is to travel as a vegan, it is still possible to get some amazing meals.I am not surprised that Asian airlines have more capabilities in feeding both vegetarian and vegan passengers.
These are great tips! I tried to be a vegan a few times but it’s a lot of effort. Also, my biggest temptation is cheese 😀
I think that it would be difficult also, but I do admire people who are able to.
I’m a vegetarian and I can relate to some of the tips. I love that Dave mentioned fellow travelers and connecting with local community. This can make your trip not only vegan, but also more insightful.
I totally agree. Dale has certainly captured that a community of supporters can make your life a lot easier.
This ia great. Tourism board is an excellent idea! Thanks for the tips.
Thanks, and we are very to share Dale’s tips.
I think it’s very considerate to mention thinking about fellow travelers. I’m about as opposite as you can go w/ eating habits (Paleo), so I know what it is like to be the odd man out in terms of food choices, but I would never push my ways onto my fellow mates. When traveling alone, I agree that just simple planning out ahead is often the best key to success!
Great tips for ANYONE w/ “abnormal” food choices!
Thank you. Vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, don’t like olives (I do), don’t like pork (I don’t but I like bacon, go figure) we are all different and that is why we need to value one another.
Though I am not a vegan, this is a very interesting and informational read. It’s definitely important to do research first. Especially if you’re coming to a country like the Philippines where meat is a staple dish, it definitely needs a bit of preparation!
People do need to be prepared but also to have a solid knowledge base, which Dale does. I would recommend people read his and Franca’s blog, regardless of whether you are vegan or not.
Great tips for those who are planning to shift. My friend tried once but found it difficult but I guess with determination its possible.
I think knowledge is the key and as Dale says, connecting with other vegans who may know lots of different things.
A little bit of research ahead of time will save you a lot of frustration!
Seems that way. It must make it slightly easier.
I did a trek through Spain many years ago and had several vegetarians in our group. it seemed every restaurant’s solution was to serve them a Spanish “tortilla” (eggs with potatoes and sometimes onions or peppers. So i imagine one challenge when your are traveling as a vegan or vegetarian can be finding enough variety.
I would have to agree. We have many vegetarian friends and family and sometimes the offerings are just pathetic. Now that some are turning vegan it is even harder for them, and admittedly harder for me to feed them. However I am learning, and can now do a really mean chick pea curry, and am adding to my repertoire as I learn.
This is very timely. Having watched Cowspiracy I turned (virtually) vegan a couple of weeks ago. Thank you so much. I was worried how I was going to manage while travelling. I can’t even get a vegan meal in my hometown and I love eating out, hence the virtually bit. Also trying to eat organic produce as I’m sick of all the crap they put in our food these days.
Yes, it is becoming a very real issue for us also. Dale knows his stuff so much better than we do, so we have learnt also in this post.
When I was living in Turkey and someone who was vegetarian (not even vegan) would try to order food, it was kind of funny. They were always asked, chicken ok? Well no. Fish? We have fish. Still, no!
That is probably exactly how it is for vegan travellers, so we were so pleased that Dale was able to share is tips.
great post! I personally am not vegan or even vegetarian BUT I adore vegan food…its actually my fav! I have never thought how hard it could be though for those with different dietary requirements, so great post, I also love how you make a point of saying to think about others too (who aren’t in the same boat) I think with every in life it takes a little compromise on both parties.
I agree and it was only when we were in the position of having some newly vegan friends and family, that we realised the difficulties for them and for us. Asking Dale to share his thoughts has made us understand more also.
I’m vegetarian and I find it hard enough to travel as a vegetarian, let alone vegan. I do dabble with veganism, but I find it so hard when I’m travelling!
I think it would be difficult. A friend just returned from Columbia and it was difficult though not impossible. This is why we called on Dale’s expertise, to help people and us.
Fantastic tips – especially making sure your airline is Vegan friendly. People often don’t think about this, though on a long overhaul flight you have to eat. We go through similar issues with my husband being gluten free.
I hadn’t thought of it either Meg, and and this is something people do need to specify, particularly on long haul flights.
Wow it looks so hard to be Vegan on the road. These are great tips for those attempting the impossible. But I do say some of those vegetarian dishes do look scrumptious… even without the meat 😀
It does look hard and that is why we asked Dale to share whatever tips he had. I agree some of the meals look amazing.