The Ultimate Vegan Travel Guide: Tips for Eating Plant-Based Anywhere

Traveling as a vegan can be both exciting and challenging. While plant-based diets are becoming more common, finding vegan-friendly meals while traveling isn’t always easy—especially in destinations where meat and dairy dominate the cuisine. Whether you’re heading to a vegan hotspot or a meat-centric country, knowing how to plan ahead, find plant-based meals, and adapt local dishes can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips for eating vegan anywhere, how to research vegan-friendly restaurants, and which destinations offer the best plant-based options.

How to Maintain a Vegan Diet While Traveling

Staying vegan on the road requires some preparation, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy your travels without compromising your diet.

Planning Ahead: Researching Vegan-Friendly Destinations

Before booking your trip, look into how vegan-friendly your destination is. Consider:

• Checking vegan travel blogs for insights.
• Looking at restaurant options on HappyCow or Google Maps.
• Reading local food guides to understand which traditional dishes are plant-based or can be modified.

Packing Your Own Vegan Meals and Snacks

Having vegan snacks on hand can be a lifesaver, especially during long flights or road trips. Some great options include:

• Protein bars and nut butter packets.
• Dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
• Instant oats or noodles that only require hot water.
• Dark chocolate and rice cakes.

Requesting Vegan Meals on Airlines and Tours

Many airlines and tour companies offer vegan meal options, but you need to request them in advance. When booking flights:

• Select a vegan meal option if available.
• Confirm with the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
• Bring backup snacks in case the meal isn’t fully vegan.

Cooking on the Road: Booking Accommodation with a Kitchen

If you’re traveling for an extended period, booking accommodation with a kitchen can help you stay on track. Look for:

• Airbnb apartments with kitchen access.
• Hostels that provide shared cooking spaces.
• Hotels with mini-fridges to store fresh produce and leftovers.

Finding Vegan Food Anywhere

Even in places where veganism isn’t common, you can still find plant-based meals with a bit of creativity.

How to Research Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Before Your Trip

To ensure you have good dining options:

• Use HappyCow to find vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
• Search for Google reviews mentioning vegan options.
• Join vegan travel Facebook groups for recommendations.

Using Apps and Online Communities to Locate Vegan Options

There are several apps designed to help vegan travelers:

• HappyCow – The go-to app for finding vegan restaurants.
• abillion – Reviews and recommendations for plant-based products worldwide.
• Google Translate – Useful for translating menus in non-English-speaking countries.

Adapting Local Dishes to Fit a Vegan Diet

Many traditional meals can be made vegan with small adjustments. Here’s how:

• Ask for no cheese, eggs, or meat.
• Substitute meat with beans, tofu, or extra vegetables.
• Request oil instead of butter for cooking.

The Most Vegan-Friendly Travel Destinations

Some countries are incredibly welcoming to vegan travelers. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Thailand: A Vegan’s Paradise

With its fresh tropical fruits, tofu-based curries, and street food, Thailand is one of the best destinations for vegans. Dishes like green curry, pad Thai (without fish sauce), and mango sticky rice are easy to order vegan.

Poland: Underrated Vegan Delights

Warsaw and Kraków have thriving vegan scenes, offering plant-based versions of traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and bigos.

United States: Plenty of Options Everywhere

Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Portland are packed with vegan restaurants, fast food chains, and health-conscious cafes.

Australia: Easy Vegan Dining

Sydney and Melbourne are home to a booming vegan culture, with plant-based cafés and supermarkets offering a wide variety of options.

Canada: Expanding Vegan Scene

Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have growing vegan communities, making it easy to find everything from vegan poutine to plant-based sushi.

Mexico: How to Find Vegan-Friendly Mexican Food

While traditional Mexican cuisine is heavy on meat and cheese, it’s easy to find vegan alternatives like black bean tacos, guacamole, and nopales (cactus dishes).

Taiwan: A Hidden Gem for Vegans

Taiwanese cuisine has a strong Buddhist vegetarian influence, making it one of the easiest places to eat plant-based in Asia.

Germany: A Growing Vegan Hub

Berlin is considered one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, with countless restaurants offering plant-based versions of German classics.

Budgeting and Travel Planning for Vegans

How to Eat Vegan on a Budget While Traveling

Eating vegan while traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Save money by:

• Shopping at local markets for fresh produce.
• Eating at buffets or pay-by-weight restaurants.
• Cooking simple meals instead of eating out for every meal.

Work and Volunteer Opportunities at Vegan Projects

If you want to travel long-term, consider:

• Volunteering at vegan farms or animal sanctuaries.
• Teaching English or working remotely for vegan businesses.
• Doing work exchanges that provide meals in exchange for labor.

Making a Living While Traveling as a Vegan

Many digital nomads fund their travels by:

• Running vegan blogs or YouTube channels.
• Freelancing in writing, design, or social media for plant-based brands.
• Selling vegan products online through dropshipping or print-on-demand.

Frequently Asked Questions