How to Choose the Best Vegan Travel Destination
Remember that time you ended up eating plain rice for three days straight in that city that totally understood veganism? (Spoiler: they didn’t.) While the world’s catching up to plant-based living – with vegan food sales skyrocketing to nearly $27.8 billion– some destinations still think tofu is an exotic space food.
The good news is – your next trip doesn’t have to be a choice between scenic landscapes and decent cruelty-free meals. Today, we are on a mission to show you how to tell truly vegan-friendly destinations from the pretenders, so you can finally stop packing your suitcase like you’re preparing for a desert expedition.
Let’s get to it!
Start With a Digital Recon
Your hunt for the perfect vegan destination should start with some digital detective work. First things first, check the density of vegan restaurants and food options using platforms like HappyCow and local food apps.
These apps will give you a clear overview of what’s available and whether the options suit your tastes.
Social media is also a fairly handy research tool. Go ahead and search recent reviews and photos (within the last six months) on platforms like Instagram or Yelp, where travelers often share real-time experiences with dishes, ambiance, and service.
While you are at it, don’t forget to search for mainstream restaurants with vegan options. These should be your backup plans for group dinners or when you’re far from the vegan hotspots. Search for phrases like “vegan menu” or “plant-based options” on their websites or call ahead.
You can also join local vegan Facebook groups a few weeks before your trip. These communities are virtual goldmines of current information and locals are usually happy to share their favorite hidden gems.
Plus, you might even make some friends who can show you around. Win-win, isn’t it?
Find Vegan-Friendly Accommodation
With veganism becoming more mainstream than ever before, many hotels around the globe are now embracing the clean, cruelty-free way of living.
Apart from diversifying the menu, these places are creating a pro-vegan ambiance with small but significant modifications by introducing eco-friendly amenities such as bamboo bedding and cruelty-free toiletries.
Platforms like Vegvisits (an Airbnb-like platform for vegans) have made it easier to connect with vegan-friendly hosts in the city or country you are planning to visit.
If you are a woman traveling to an unfamiliar city, especially solo, safe transportation matters as much as food and accommodation. Unfortunately, while ride-sharing seemed like the perfect solution for travelers on a budget, the rising number of Uber sexual assault cases has sparked serious concerns about travel safety for female passengers.
TorHoerman Law reports that the number of Uber sexual assault lawsuits in multidistrict litigation has reached 387. These lawsuits set an example for women struggling with feelings of shame and apprehension when it comes to reporting such incidents.
If you ever feel unsafe during an Uber ride-share, please be assured that there are legal professionals who offer free and confidential legal counsel to the victims of sexual assault or misconduct by their Uber driver.
Religio-cultural Attitude Towards Veganism
It’s not a mere coincidence that some cities just get veganism better than others. It’s often rooted in something deeper than food trends – we’re talking centuries of cultural and religious practices that align perfectly with plant-based living.
Pick a travel destination where plant-based eating is culturally or religiously common. In Southeast Asia, for example, many, if not all, Buddhists practice veganism as part of a compassionate lifestyle.
Jainism, an Indian religion that emerged between the 5th and 7th centuries BCE, is closely aligned with vegan values, practicing strict non-violence and avoiding animal products.
Predominantly Hindu regions, like parts of India, also offer ample plant-based food options as a part of their religious customs.
Due to the strict Kosher law in Israel, this country has the highest percentage of vegans per capita globally. No wonder why Tel Aviv is hailed as the vegan capital of the world.
Speaking of vegan-friendly religion and culture, Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian communities observe up to 250 days of fasting during which devotees refrain from all animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays. This means that around 70% of the year, many strict Ethiopian Christians follow a largely vegan diet.
Exploring destinations like these where plant-based diets are part of the local culture could bring both convenience and depth to your travel experience.
Check out the Seasonal Availability and Local Agriculture
Researching local growing seasons and nearby farmers’ markets will help you find fresh, regionally sourced ingredients during your stay. This is especially important if you are planning a longer stay.
In countries like Germany, known as the top producer of plant-based meat, vegan dining options abound. Meanwhile, India’s year-round growing season means you’ll never run short of fresh produce, whether you’re craving mangoes in May or sweet potatoes in September.
The UK has jumped on board too, with cities like London and Brighton hosting massive vegan festivals that align perfectly with harvest seasons.
The World Is Your Oyster Mushroom!
Here’s hoping these tips help you find a destination where people don’t just cater to your dietary preferences, but also understand the “why” and respect it. When a place has veganism woven into its cultural DNA, you will be able to experience centuries of plant-based culinary innovation on your plate. Safe travels!