Making the preparations for any vacation is always fun, whether on a 2014 late holiday or well in advance, but travelling as a vegan means you’ll encounter more carnivorous surroundings than you’re used to or might like to. It all starts with the flight, so informing the airline that you are vegan before you go is a must, as is taking some snacks with you.
Even before you leave for the airport, double check that you’ve got your footwear packed, as well as your skin and hair products. If you’d rather buy these when you land, be aware that you may only be able to buy leather shoes and products that have been tested on animals. If you’re holidaying in a country where you don’t know the language, you may not understand the labels or know the ingredients of face and body products, or food and drinks. Some drinks, for instance, have added honey. So when it comes to buying things to eat and drink, try to stick with products and brands that are familiar to you.
That said, you don’t have to restrict yourself completely when it comes to trying the local produce. One fabulous aspect of being vegan is that lots of fruit and vegetables inevitably form part of your daily menu (in many countries these are a major part of the diet), so exploring new and exotic locations is a chance to sample all kinds of appetizing produce that you’ve not tried before. When it comes to protein, you may be in a country that has lots of tofu, soya, or bean or lentil dishes. You may, however, be somewhere that does not have anything like this, so packing a decent protein shake (subject to contra-indications) is always a wise idea, as it will guarantee you the full spectrum of amino acids. You should also pack a multi-probiotic because a change in food and water can cause intestinal problems. Nobody wants that on holiday!
If you’re pre-booking your hotel, be sure to let them know that you’re a vegan. If you’re going to be in a country where you wouldn’t expect to find certain things like packets of nuts, you can easily put some in your suitcase. Do make sure you check out the regulations of bringing certain food into the country. The last thing that you want is a fine!
Before you travel, searching for locations of vegan-friendly places to try out is a fun idea. Social consciousness has increased greatly in recent years, and more places are catering for people with vegan, vegetarian or other dietary requirements.
With the right preparations, there’s no need to know whether you’ll have a full stomach on holiday or not. You can get right down to organizing those trips or simply lazing in the sun.
