Just because you are traveling to go out and see the world does not mean that you have to eat unhealthily. And for all you vegans and vegetarians (and those of you just looking into plant-based cookery), there are a multitude of ways to find tasty, budget-friendly eats even when on the road. – Delicious and Affordable Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Those sad-sack days of plant-based travelers resorting to flavour-free salads and convenience-store snacks are looong gone. Worldwide, the trend toward plant-based options has surged with the growth of veganism and vegetarianism from sleek cities to remote villages. But with a bit of pre-planning and knowledge, you can indulge in footwear-saving dishes that satisfy your belly AND support every taste bud need without creating a hole in your wallet.

Read on for our tips, suggestions, and resources to help you travel the world with ease while maintaining your plant-based lifestyle.

Planning Your Plant-Based Trip

Make sure you are ready with full preparation, as this will help you in ensuring a stress-free travel experience on a plant-based diet. With a little bit of planning before you head out on your travels, you can prepare yourself to have a successful trip and keep diet-related struggles at bay.

Researching Destinations

Set aside some time to do a little bit of browsing for the destination you have chosen before booking your flights and accommodation. Choose vegan- or vegetarian-friendly cities or countries. This will exponentially improve the likelihood of easily and abundantly accessible plant based alternatives.

Your 7 research tips

• Research online: Make use of web portals and apps for vegan and vegetarian travelers specifically. Happy Cow is a great source of finding Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants, cafes and stores all across the globe. Check out others such as VegVisits (vegan travel guides), online vegan/vegetarian sites to connect with other plant-based travelers, etc.
• Check blogs, and reviews : There are quite a few travel bloggers or publications out there focusing exclusively on plant-based travel recommendations. Read the local articles and reviews on your destination, for you to know good places to eat in that area.
• Utilize Social Media: Start following plant-based influencers and groups in social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook. Usually these platforms are a gold mine of information with regards to plant based options at any particular destination.

Packing Essentials

Although part of the excitement of traveling is trying out new foods, taking just a bit can ensure you’re never left without food to eat in a pinch.

Snacks and protein bars: Get a variety of snacks and protein bars that will keep you sustained on long journeys, or if perhaps it may be tough for you to find plant-based meals. Some good ideas are nuts and seeds (remember the dried fruit!), as well as energy balls.

Reusable water bottle and utensils: Help the environment and bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated while with your friends. It is also useful if you plan to buy food at the markets or street vendors.

Simple cooking utensils: If you are in a hostel with a kitchen, take with you some simple tools such as a small cutting board, good knife and spices. This will help you to be able to cook delicious plant-based meals with fresh, local ingredients in a breeze.

Local language vegan/veggie ordering phrases: Even where you don’t speak the local language fluently, learning a small handful of key phrases for your favorite vegan or vegetarian foods can be invaluable. Getting this right can prevent both confusions and help you get a proper meal compromised of your diet.

Carrying out research and packing wisely will give you a great start to nailing your plant-based eating experience on the road. And remember, a little planning goes a long way and will help you to have access to delicious budget-friendly vegan and vegetarian eats on your journey!

In this next section we are going to share some hacks on how you can still eat plant based food while travelling, even in locations where vegan and vegetarian options may be scarce.

Finding Affordable Plant-Based Food on the Go

Fine dining experiences are definitely one of the things to look forward to when traveling. Thankfully, there are many more inexpensive and even tasty plant-based flexible spending options for the government insider at a new locale. Below, I have compiled a short list of some ways you can eat well on a budget:

Street Food and Local Markets

Street food and markets are your best friends on a budget — and delicious, often vegan treats can be found. A lot of street food across the world include vegetables, legumes and grains in their recipes.

Most local farmers markets have great options for fresh produce, and in many cases salads or grain bowls that are already vegan/vegetarian.

Random Ethnic Cuisines: Some random ethnic cuisines (Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern…), have a ton cheap plant-based recipes that are pretty good.

Examples of some typical plant-based street food dishes you may come across on your travels include;

• Falafel: The falafel is made by deep frying a ball or patty usually of ground chickpeas and are a traditional Middle eastern dish frequently garnished with tahini sauce, hummus in Pita bread.
• Samosas: A popular Indian snack, samosas are savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
• Nacatamal: Traditional Mesoamerican steamed corn dough, filled with vegetables or beans, popular as street food in Mexico and Central America.

If you are looking for budget friendly restaurants and cafes…

Although fine dining may not be the place people flock to when it comes to cutting out meat completely, plenty of cheaper restaurants and cafés have long been feeding students on a budget with amazing vegan and veggie options.

• Explore Ethnic Cuisines — Many ethnic cuisines are primarily plant-based. Visit Indian restaurants for lentil curries and vegetable biryanis, Thai restaurants for tofu stir-fries and vegetable curries, or Middle eastern restaurants for falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
• Use the internet: Applications and websites like Happy Cow can help you to find vegan/ vegetarian restaurants in the place that you will visit. You can filter by price range, as Eating Well listed some restaurants for cheaper eats under $10 and also by dietary preferences to find something that suits you.
• Signage or locals: If you need more help, do not hesitate to ask local people for advice. They sometimes have the down low on some of the best hidden little local spots or at least where to eat on the cheap and not just get it off the internet.

Cooking Your Own Meals

Self-catering is not usually an option when traveling, but if you have access to a kitchen while on the road or at your destination then this could be right for you.

• Stock up on essentials: Head down to local grocery stores/market and stock up on some staples – fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and other plant-based equivalents.
• The KISS Rule: Keep It Simple Silly! Stick to simple, fast and easy meals that don’t have long ingredient lists or require specific equipment.
• Test new materials…and try the flavors of Ecuador to make your vegan meal interesting and different from the regular meals you eat at home.
• With a combination of these tactics, and willingness to be adventurous with your choices, you can have an excellent plant-strong culinary experience even on the go.

Next, to keep from offending your hosts or inadvertently showing disrespect at the table, learn how to navigate cultural and dietary differences that guarantees a pleasurable dining experience while on the road.

Navigating Cultural and Dietary Differences

Travel ope­ns doors to new cultures and food habits. It’s thrilling, but care is due­ when exploring, espe­cially if you stick to a plant-based diet. Chatting About Your Food Nee­ds Talk clearly when ordering food abroad, e­specially if you follow a strict diet.

So, how can you make sure­ you’re understood?

• Learn local sayings: Knowing simple­ local sayings about vegan and vegetarian food he­lps you explain your diet and avoid mix-ups.
• Try translation apps or guide books: If the­ local language is challenging, use translation apps or guide­ books to talk to restaurant workers.
• Stay nice and value­ their rules: Be re­spectful of cultural difference­s. Explain your diet patiently, and be unde­rstanding if they can’t meet all your ne­eds. Trying Local Foods It’s good to share your diet, but also try local plant-base­d dishes. Many global foods are rich in plant-based re­cipes, giving you new options to taste.
• Le­arn about local plant-based dishes: Before­ hitting the road, study the local food and look for native ve­gan or vegetarian dishes.
• Be­ bold: Don’t shy away from tasting new dishes. You may find a new favorite­ food or ingredient for your home cooking.
• Change­ local dishes: If a tasty dish has animal products, ask politely if they can twe­ak it for your diet. Restaurants usually agree­ to such changes. With a positive attitude and re­spect, you can enjoy diverse­ food cultures and have a great plant-base­d food journey. In the next part, we­’ll tackle common hurdles for plant-based trave­lers and give useful tips to be­at them.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions

As society seems to be adjusting better and differently in the support of plant-based meals, there are still some issues every person choosing type of life can feel at home. But we can adapt, and travelling plant-based doesn’t have to be a dull foraging exercise or an inconvenience at all making the experience quite tasty and satisfying.

No availability in remote areas

Locations in remote locations or little cities may not even have plant-based alternatives. However, don’t despair! In this situation, here are some tips to help you —

Bring your own snacks and/or protein sources: Whether you make it to the closest training facility or the middle of nowhere, you can always pack a bag of nuts, seeds, dried fruit or a couple of protein bars. This way you will have something to eat in case of an emergency.

Pondering the accommodation in advance: If you are residing at a hotel or guest house then drop them an email or call to them that you are having certain dietary requirements. That way, you may be able to get some plant-based options or suggestions for restaurants/market around the area.

Play around with the essentials: Sometimes, even when you find yourself with not so many options, some of the simplest foods can become some of the most satisfying plant based meals such as rice, beans, and fruits.

This life is an adventure, so much convince yourself of being prepared for it all and a little bit of openness can bring amazing moments. You might find an amazing restaurant that offers a twist on local cuisine, or even a food item you may eat regularly back home.

Hidden Animal Products

Plus, plant-based travelers need to watch out for possible hidden animal products in dishes that might appear vegetarian. Some common examples include:

• Fish sauce in Thai cuisine: Although fish sauce is not used in strictly vegetarian dishes, nearly all Thai food menu items which include meat contain fish sauce. However, remember to always ask about the ingredients and opt for something out instead if needed.
• Ghee in Indian food: Arguably called ghee, a kind of clarified butter that is often used in Indian cooking. Tell them to cook the food with oil instead of ghee.
• Soups and Stews : You will find cream style soups, family meal soups and stews that may be made with chicken or beef broth. Check to see if he has a vegetable broth alternative.

The following section will bring you a virtual tour of a few plant-based destinations around the globe, contributing to the vast, enticing and great food experience this world has in store!

Inspiring Plant-Based Travel Destinations

Although plant-based options are proliferating, there are some places that just do vegan or vegetarian food amazingly well. With tons of plant-based food options these cities and countries are perfect destinations for a plant-based conscious trip.

The Best Cities for Plant-Based Dining

Germany Berlin—Vegan scene in ever-changing Berlin is lively with vegan restaurant, cafe and bakery culminating the best plant-based creations.

With a strong eco-friendly and liberal culture, Portland has long been a sought-after destination for vegan and vegetarian travelers, boasting plenty of plant-based cafes and food trucks.

Tel Aviv, Israel : As a city sitting on the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv has long been a place where plant-based follows have options galore here… SE Asia: Vegan across this region is becoming easier everywhere.

Chiang Mai, Thailand : Thai food is inherently full of things that grow out of the ground or off trees so there are loads of vegan and vegetarian options all around Chiang Mai from street stalls to high-end restaurants.

Nature-based Travel Countries

India: It can be said that with its vegetarian tradition dating back many centuries, India is a vegan paradise. Across the country, there is an abundance of delicious and cost-effective vegetarian meals.

• Italy: Even though Italy is renowned for its cheese and cured meats, the country has a surprising number of vegan and vegetarian options with Rome, Florence being home to several incredible places to eat.
• Taipei, Taiwan: There are lots of vegan restaurants and cafes in Taipei.
• Thailand: Thai cuisine is so full of plant-based foods that there are loads of vegan and vegetarian foods available throughout the country, as mentioned before.

Plant-based Events with a Twist

Apart from your common restaurants and cafes, there are some unusual plant-based dining experiences you must not miss.

• Vegan + Food Festivals: Numerous cities around the world host vegan food festivals featuring plant-based cuisine from local vendors and chefs.
• Cooking Classes: Enroll at a vegan or vegetarian cooking class and learn how to cook traditional plant-based meals from various cultures.
• Plant-Based Meals — Travel to a local farm or enjoy the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience.

The above destinations and experiences are but a drop in the bucket of plant-based travel. A very little curiosity and exploration will reveal numerous cuisines of delicious and pocket-friendly vegan and vegetarian foods when you are surveying around your travel services.

Summary of This Guide + Parting Thoughts on the Adventure of Plant-Based Travel

Conclusion – Delicious and Affordable Vegan and Vegetarian Options

And it has sparked a plant-based travel revolution that goes beyond niche pursuit to mainstream too, changing how travelers roam the world. If you care about your maximum well-being, the planet or animals, eating plant-based food while on the road is affordable and really easy.

In this article, we’ve delved into the many aspects of plant-based travel, from preparing for your journey and locating budget-friendly alternatives while traveling to tackling cultural distinctions and handling obstacles. We’ve included some seriously cool spots catering to vegan and vegetarian travelers, plus inspiring new destinations and out-of-the-ordinary food experiences.

So keep these takeaways in mind once you start your plant-based journeys!

• Do your homework: Do a little research before you go, and find out how vegan-friendly a place is, so you know what to expect and learn some local customs in dietary regulations.
• Pack smart – Pack foods and things you need to eat within.
• Be very clear, and in a nice way, communicate what you do/don’t eat so others don’t get confused
• Be brave: Also, enjoy experiencing a new flavor or ingredient and avoid getting stuck with what you are used to.
• Sit back and enjoy: Plant-based travel is not just about food; plant-based travel means immersing in new cultures, meeting new people and making memories. And that is definitely one hell of an adventure you don´t want to miss out on!

In conclusion, you can certainly eat vegan even when traveling (regardless of where in the world your travels take you) for a reasonable price, and enjoy some great food along the way if this is how you approach your travels — with an open mind and sense of adventure.

Now, grab your bags, hit the road and taste the world one vegan meal at a time!