The weather is heating up, the sun is shining, and chances are you’re probably planning your next vacation. Whether you’re going on spring break or just a simple weekend getaway, we’ve compiled some tips for you on how to make your plant-based travels as easy as possible. Unlike our omnivore counterparts, we can't just stop at a gas station to pick up any snack or sit down at the first restaurant that we see. So, ensuring you are prepared is essential to making the most of your time.
The biggest piece of advice that we have to emphasize is to always travel with snacks. One of the best ways to deal with hunger “on the road,” is to bring snacks. Snacks will keep you full between meals, especially when you’re out exploring and are uncertain when your next meal will come from. Before you go on vacation, take a trip to your local grocery store and stock up on plenty of shelf-stable goods. Protein bars, nuts, crackers, popcorn, and dried fruit will become your best friend. These are easy to grab, store, and then take with you on the go. Another component of being prepared is to do your research. Before departing for your next destination, do a little research about the various dishes that each country is known for. Discover which restaurants and dishes offer naturally plant-based dishes and which do not. As a result, you’ll be prepared and know which dishes to go for and which to steer clear of when it comes to restaurants and street food.
While not everyone may have this option, it can also be helpful to choose plant-based friendly destinations. When picking a place for your next vacation, consider picking large cities like New York instead of rural areas. You can also choose countries that eat a more plant predominant diet ,like Japan or India. Chances are, there will be more diverse food options. When selecting your accommodations, choose resorts that offer plant-based menus or an Air BNB with a fully equipped kitchen. However, if you’re unable to choose your destination, or even if you are, Happy Cow will become your best friend. Happy Cow is an app that shows you all the plant-based options within a particular area. Trip Advisor and Yelp can also give you reviews on local and plant-based food at various destinations.
If you are traveling to a different country, it is recommended that you learn a few words in the local language. Consider learning phrases like “what do you have that is ____” or “I do not eat ____.” Learning these phrases will go a long way ,and the locals will appreciate the effort. Lastly, we want to emphasize to enjoy your trip. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in all the planning, researching, and making sure you are selecting the best food options that we forget to enjoy the trip. It’s important to remind yourself why you are embarking on this trip in the first place, chances are it is to have some fun! So, take a step back and remember that traveling is about being flexible! Cheers to a new adventure!