Fun fact about Cass, I am a vegan! I prefer to be called a herbivore though, because It makes me think of dinosaurs and like Dr. Ross Geller I think dinosaurs are pretty rad! I have been a thriving herbivore for a year and a half and I absolutely love it.
Eating a plant based diet is beneficial for people, animals and the environment and I would highly recommend everyone switch to veganism or at least try it out. (If you are interested in being a herbivore and would like more information, watch these documentaries: What The Health and Earthlings, and check out these sites: http://features.peta.org/how-to-go-vegan/, and https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/why-go-vegan.)
When I went on my first overseas trip as a vegan I was a little nervous that I wasn’t going to have many healthy and nutritious food options to eat. I knew that I would fo sho find french fries, and while my taste buds may have enjoyed that, my body and mind would not. So before I left on my trip, I did a little research and made a little plan so that I would be eating and remaining healthy while exploring. I then went on my trip and was pleasantly surprised at all the delicious vegan dishes that I found.
And as always I am here to help everyone’s adventures be the best they can be, so I put together some simple tips that I use to find the best vegan food while travelling. So grab some hummus and let’s get to the nitty gritty.
7 Vegan Travel Tips For The Wandering Herbivore:
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Happy Cow!
Happy cow is a website and app that will tell you all the vegan restaurants, vegetarian restaurants, restaurants that have vegan options, and health food stores in the area you are in or going to. Aka Happy Cow is a travelling vegans best friend.
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Bring snacks with you.
Leave some room in your bag for some vegan snacks. When I fly I always bring dried mangoes, and Made Good Granola Minis, in my carry on. It is also a great idea to pack some protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, trail mix etc. in your checked bag so you can enjoy a vegan snack when you are busy hiking, museum hopping or tanning on the beach.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
If you are at a restaurant, don’t be afraid to politely ask. This is also great if you are on a tour or at a resort. I went on a tour in Ireland which had a few fancy dinners on the itinerary, including a four course meal in a castle. I simply told the tour guide I was a vegan and he informed the kitchen staff on my behalf. As it turns out I was not the first vegan to vacation in Ireland! The staff at every restaurant we dined at were friendly and understanding about my eating habits. They prepared for me special meals that were not only delicious but also nutritious. My highlight was eating a four course vegan meal in a medieval castle!
- Make a stop at the grocery store or local market.
You can always visit a store and buy fresh food. This tip is great for anyone who is staying at a hostel or Airbnb, because you likely will have access to a kitchen, where you could prepare your own vegan meals. Bonus: buying groceries is a great way to save money on your vacation as well.
- Bring supplements and protein powder.
I recommend bringing a packet of your favourite protein powder and supplements. Bringing these items is a great way to ensure you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals that are needed to keep your body and mind at optimal health.
- Try to make friends with the locals
Making friends with locals is a great idea, because you then have the opportunity to learn and experience the “real” country and not just the parts that tourist see. They will speak the native language of the country and can converse with the cook to see what is in the food. I am grateful the friends I made in Thailand, not only are they amazing people but they also helped find delicious, cheap street food. Cheers to them!
- Go on a vegan retreat.
Did you know that there are vegan tourism companies? Why not eliminate any stress and book a strictly vegan tour, and spend less time trying to figure out where to eat and more time crossing items off your bucket list.
Being a vegan is great and hopefully these tips will show you it is not hard to travel and enjoy yourself as a herbivore!
Wishing you a lifetime filled of delicious plant-based dishes from all over the world,
