Solo Vegan Travel 2023

Is it possible to travel the world as a vegan? It is totally possible to travel vegan. It may be challenging in some areas of the planet, but exploring the world and respecting local culture with your morals intact is possible.

To acknowledge the elephant in the room, the entire world is still recovering from a global pandemic. People are just now feeling comfortable enough to travel. Now people are ready to address issues with travel that existed pre-COVID. 

What is vegan travel?

It may seem like a simple idea for a vegan who travels. However, there are a lot of things to consider in daily life as well as abroad. 

First, it is vital to acknowledge the motivation behind personal veganism. People choose to live more compassionately for many reasons, but I generally categorize vegans into three categories. There are vegans for the animals, the earth, and health. Most of the time, these ideals overlap, though they don’t have to for someone to be a vegan. 

Additionally, some vegans prioritize one of these principal ideals.

Vegan for the Animals

Vegans, for the animals, are generally the purest of hearts. They will probably get into more trouble petting street dogs and trying to comfort stray cats than with the idea of travel itself. 

Vegan for the Earth

Of course, food is essential, but means of travel and the use of plastic in travel situations are also a considerable concern. Luckily there are a lot of eco-friendly reusable travel products out there. Many airlines will tell you what the emissions are on your flight. These numbers are sometimes staggering, but they give the environmentally concerned vegan a better idea of their impact. 

Vegan for Health

Many more health-conscious places worldwide exist with the rise of vegan and vegetarian health cultures, such as detox, yoga, meditation, and essential oil therapy. 

Is it Hard to Travel Alone as a Vegan?

Solo travel is always a little more complicated. It is very freeing; you can go anywhere and see what you want without anyone disagreeing. As a vegan, this is particularly advantageous. Vegans can go to an all-vegan restaurant without protests from Omi travel pals or significant others.

Vegan restaurants do exist all over the world, even in places you wouldn’t expect.

Many Asian countries have large Buddhist populations and are used to accommodating plant-based diets. Religious observations have changed cuisines all over the world. Many spiritual practices call for abstinence from animal products during certain times of the year. This means that many cultures have dishes that are organically vegan. 

Vegan Travel Food

Snacks are among the hardest things to find when traveling, especially in train and bus stations or an airport. Most airlines have a vegan option that you can request beforehand– most require 24-hour notice. 

Apart from that, picking up a few vegan travel snacks might be necessary before traveling. Most snacks are allowed on planes; just ensure you get your liquids after getting through security. 

There are lots of ways to find vegan food once you’ve landed. A simple Google search of “vegan near me” will usually yield decent results. Also, consider downloading an app like Happy Cow. This app is handy. Though not always the most up-to-date. Happy Cow encourages you to explore a new city or town for a vegan oasis. 

Communication will be essential when you are exploring a new city. Learning a few keywords and phrases in the local language is best. It can be challenging, especially in a region that uses a different alphabet or writing style than you are used to. It might be best to copy a few phrases into a notes app from a trusted source. That way, pronunciation will be less of a problem.

Google Translate can be a good tool. Though it has improved over the years, it is far from perfect. Sometimes the app gives you more formal or outdated terms or doesn’t consider syntax. There might not be a reliable connection as well. It’s best to make a little effort when traveling to a new place, especially since we don’t want to ask for thịt chay (vegetarian meat) in Vietnam and get thịt cháy (grilled meat).

Best Vegan Snacks While Traveling

There are certain staples that you need when you are traveling as a vegan. Classic potato chips are usually a safe bet.

Getting Protein While Traveling

The dreaded protein question. It usually is number one on the list of things vegans get asked all the time. Though many myths surround protein consumption, it is always essential to get the proper nutrients in your diet regardless of travel.

Remember that animals get protein from plants, so we can do the same. 

Some of the best plant-based protein sources are:

• Tofu/Tempe

• Chickpeas

• Beans and Rice

• Lentils

• Setain

• And so many more

Though Seitan and Tempe may be hard to find in a foreign town, tofu, rice, and beans are usually around. Most hostels and homestays will have a kitchen and fridge area where you can cook and store food. 

The first place to ask when looking for the best eats is the hotel/hostel/homestay owner. It takes a bit of preplanning but most places are ready to accommodate you. If you are staying in an Air BnB or something similar, you might not have as much support in this area. 

Travel Tours vs. Personal Planning

I have never personally traveled with a vegan tour group, so I cannot speak to that experience. I usually plan my trips because I believe them to be more cost-effective and less restrictive. I am not a huge fan of organized fun.  

I like to have an open-ended trip. If I like a place, I can stay a few extra nights. Flexibility is essential, especially if you only have a limited travel time. If you don’t like a city, you can leave early; if you love a home, you can stay. I usually book a return ticket and decide where to go once I land. 

I like to use my resources. Whether they are apps, hotel owners, or other travelers, I meet along the way. 

Traveling solo while vegan may seem challenging, but don’t let that deter you. Veganism, for many, was initially a significant step out of one’s comfort zone. The rewards for that first step are uncountable. Go out and make yourself a little uncomfortable again. You won’t regret it.