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Traveling as a vegetarian can be tough, but not impossible. Something that has always identified me is that I have loved animals since I was a child, and for many years I tried to stop eating meat without any success until 2 years ago when I became a full vegetarian after watching a documentary called “Seaspiracy” that radically changed my way of eating.
Luckily, I had already moved to Vancouver, a city that has many vegetarian and vegan options within my reach. But the day I had to travel to my native country, Mexico, for the first time, is when I was concerned about what I was going to eat, since Mexican food has many dishes that I loved prepared with meat, chicken, beef or some kind of fish. Luckily before I panicked, I followed a few steps that helped make my experience enjoyable. With a little planning and research, I discovered that there are endless ways to eat well without sacrificing my values.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a vegetarian diet while exploring new places:
Investigate your destination:
Before embarking on your trip, research the local cuisine and culture. Identify vegetarian-friendly dishes that are popular in the region and learn how to say “I’m a vegetarian” or “No meat, please” in the local language.
Plan ahead:
Find vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafes ahead of time using websites like HappyCow or TripAdvisor. Save their addresses and phone numbers for easy reference during your trip.
Book self-catering accommodation:
If possible, choose accommodations that either have a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Or at least a microwave or refrigerator. This gives you control over your diet and can save money too.
Pack snacks:
Bring non-perishable vegetarian snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit to keep you going between meals, especially if you’re unsure about the availability of vegetarian options at your destination.
Communicate your dietary needs:
When dining out, politely explain your dietary preferences to the wait staff and ask for recommendations. It may help to use a translation app or carry a vegetarian travel card (a card with your dietary restrictions translated into the local language).
Be flexible and creative:
Sometimes you may need to get creative when ordering food. For example, you can ask to have a side dish served as your main dish, or request that meat be removed from a dish.
Look for cultural or religious vegetarian options:
Many countries have vegetarian dishes associated with religious practices, such as Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in Asia or fasting dishes in Orthodox Christian countries. These can be great options for vegetarians.
Take a vegetarian cooking class:
If you’re visiting a place known for its vegetarian cuisine, consider taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes. This can be a fun way to explore the culture and expand your culinary repertoire.
Connect with other vegetarians:
Join online forums, Facebook groups, or other platforms where vegetarians share their travel experiences and tips. You can get valuable tips on vegetarian-friendly restaurants, dishes, and other resources.
Be patient and remember to have a positive attitude:
Traveling as a vegetarian can sometimes be challenging, but don’t be discouraged. Embrace the experience, learn from it, and enjoy discovering new foods and cultures.
Which are the countries that you have enjoyed the most as a vegetarian or vegan? Tell me in the comments.
