Traveling is one of the most exciting ways to break out of routine and explore new places, but for those living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, it can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or jet-setting to far-off destinations, maintaining your plant-based diet doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple hacks and some pre-planning, you’ll be sticking to your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle while still enjoying all the perks of being on the go.
Plan Ahead Like a Pro
Before you even set foot on that plane or hop into your car, spend a little time mapping out your food options. Research restaurants, cafes, or local spots near your destination that cater to plant-based diets. Apps are perfect for discovering hidden gems serving vegan dishes. You’ll be surprised at how many vegan-friendly places exist in areas you’d never expect. But if you’re staying somewhere without many plant-based options, packing essentials is a game-changer.
A healthy vegan breakfast is the best way to start your day, especially when traveling. Pack some oats and nut butter, or even grab an on-the-go smoothie from a local grocery store to stay fueled. Many hotels also offer continental breakfasts, and even if they’re not labeled vegan or vegetarian, they usually have some basics like fruit, toast, and plant-based milk alternatives. Keep it simple and fuel up early—it’s better than being stuck in the middle of nowhere hungry!
Know the Vegan Chains and Grocery Stores
Let’s be real—sometimes you’ll land in a town where the vegan options are…limited. In those cases, knowing your go-to chain restaurants or grocery stores can make all the difference. Many major chains now offer vegan options, whether it’s Chipotle’s Sofritas or Subway’s veggie sub. Plus, most fast-food joints now have at least one item that can be customized to fit your diet. It’s all about knowing what to ask for—hold the cheese, add the guac, swap in the plant-based patty!
If you’re staying somewhere for a while, hit up local grocery stores. Stocking up on plant-based snacks and meals is a lifesaver for those moments when you’re stuck on a long layover or a remote location. With grocery stores like Whole Foods or even Walmart offering pre-packed vegan meals, it’s easier than ever to find something quick and tasty. So, if all else fails, grabbing some groceries can keep you feeling good, even on the road.
Prep or Get It Delivered: The Real MVP Move
Now, this is where your trip goes from good to great. By doing some vegetarian meal prep or, even better, having some delivered to you, you’ll stay on track without breaking a sweat. In fact, this is probably the smartest travel hack for plant-based eaters. There are services that will deliver prepped meals to your door. Having these on hand not only keeps you fueled but also eliminates the stress of finding vegan or vegetarian options on the go.
You can also take a little time before your trip to prep some meals yourself—nothing too fancy, just things like quinoa bowls, roasted veggies, or even wraps that you can store in the fridge and grab when needed. Whether you’re catching a flight or hitting the road, having pre-made meals or snacks makes sticking to your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle effortless. Plus, you’re less likely to cave into non-plant-based temptations when you’re well-prepared.
Learn to Navigate Local Menus
Traveling to different countries? Even better! Exploring the local cuisine is part of the adventure. Just because you’re vegan or vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to miss out on experiencing the food culture of your destination. In many countries, plant-based diets are already a norm. Countries like Thailand, India, and Ethiopia have a ton of vegetarian and vegan dishes that you can dive into without worry.
If you’re in a place where plant-based options are less obvious, don’t hesitate to ask for modifications. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests, even if vegan or vegetarian isn’t listed on the menu. You’d be amazed at how flexible chefs can be when you simply ask to hold the meat or dairy and add in extra veggies. This not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also lets you sample local flavors while staying true to your diet.
Always Pack Snacks—Because You Never Know
Let’s face it: travel can be unpredictable. Delays happen, you miss meals, and sometimes you’re just plain hungry between planned stops. That’s where packing your own snacks comes in handy. Load up on energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or even veggie chips that you can stash in your bag. When you know you’ve got something to munch on, it keeps you from reaching for less healthy, non-vegan options in a pinch.
Being prepared with snacks also keeps your energy levels up, which is super important when you’re on the go. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or just spending hours in transit, these small bites can keep your stomach happy and your mood in check. Plus, having something familiar to you makes it easier to adapt to whatever food challenges you might face during your trip.
Wrapping It Up
Sticking to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, the right tools, and some flexibility, it can be an enjoyable part of the journey. From packing essentials to navigating local menus and even prepping meals in advance, there are so many ways to stay plant-based and thrive while exploring the world. So, next time you hit the road, don’t worry about your diet—just focus on making memories and enjoying the ride.
