Top 10 Tips to Survive Overseas Trips for Vegans
By: Vagabondish

By: Marian Krueger

If you’re traveling overseas and you’re a vegan, preparation is key for a successful trip. These are my top ten tips to survive your overseas trip.

Check the airline’s website or call to inquire about a vegan meal

Some airlines do a great job at providing well balanced meals even in coach class. I happen to love the site airlinemeals.net that has pictures of meals from travelers who have flown on different airlines. I don’t think this is enough to get you to switch your airline, but it might prepare you for what will be coming once in flight. If you think that their meals can’t accommodate your needs, pack a meal. You can always put it in a small cooler and later use the cooler for drinks or shopping at your destination.

Photo By evettesbu

Pack at least one reusable water bottle in your suitcase or carry on bag

This is a must-have travel accessory! At home I am always drinking water, but I find that when I travel for some strange reason I end up drinking far less. I started carrying my own water bottle as a reminder to drink and stay hydrated, especially on airplanes and throughout my travels.

Bring along a sufficient supply of protein for your trip

This is not only for when you arrive, but more importantly for the airplane flight itself. For some reason the airlines when they do vegan meals usually don’t include a protein source. During a layover it’s even worse because should you want to eat something, it’s usually carbs all the way. Stock up on items like Primal Strips which are easy to pack, take up very little room in your bag, and can hold you over until you can get a decent meal. You can also pack a few protein or granola bars for any hikes, tours, or excursions you might go on at your destination.

Before booking your hotel, check your destination city for vegan restaurants and/or stores

A great resource is happycow.net as it lists both. I then try to book my hotel in an area near these restaurants and stores to make life easier when it comes to food. Yes, you can usually always find veggies almost anywhere, but it’s nice when you can sit down to a meal and know you can find something on the menu.

Photo By Christaface

Be adventurous!

You are already halfway there by traveling abroad so don’t skimp out on all of the fun. Look for interesting food choices that you might have skipped back home and go for it. What could be better than trying a brand new fruit or vegetable? I remember visiting Colombia and couldn’t believe my luck at all of the different exotic fruits like lulo and granadilla. I didn’t like all of them, but I did give most of them a try!

Photo By Quimbaya

Whether you are vegan or not, you should absolutely learn at least a few words and phrases in the language of the country or countries you will be visiting

For vegans, this is helpful when you are dining out so you can ask if the meal you are about to eat is vegan.

Speaking of this, don’t simply ask if there is “meat” in your meal

I remember asking this question and being served something with chicken in it. I asked if it had chicken and they said “Yes.” They didn’t think of chicken as “meat,” which I guess they were thinking beef or pork maybe. Be specific — if you don’t want beef, pork, chicken, seafood, dairy, or eggs in your meal, let them know this.

Be flexible!

Vegan beef and vegetable dish at Good Fortune in Ashburn, VA -PhotoBysteve loya

Don’t expect to find the same products when traveling abroad that you are accustomed to back home. Also accept that veganism is a strange concept in some parts of the world and the closest thing you will be able to get to a vegan meal may be bread and rice or bread and pasta or bread and bread. I have had to even accept that dairy sometimes makes it into my food when traveling abroad because if I want to eat, sometimes it is easier to just eat than to not at eat at all.

Don’t beat people over the head with your veganism!

People everywhere are intrigued as to why people choose a vegan lifestyle and I do encourage you to talk about your own choice to become a vegan, but don’t beat people into vegan submission. No one likes to be preached to and it ultimately turns people off. Briefly touch upon key points that you want to discuss, but keep it brief and avoid insulting or offending people, especially your host.

Go to a bookstore in the area you are visiting and pick up a cookbook

Even if it’s not vegan, you can always adapt it and enjoy the flavors of your trip when you get back home. This will help keep the memories of your trip alive long after you’ve returned home.

Stay open and positive to the possibilities of your travels and although sometimes difficult, traveling as a vegan is more than possible. With a little planning and a taste for adventure, your vegan travels will be full of fun, excitement, and adventure!

About the blogger:

Marian is a vegan traveler who loves to write, travel, and photograph the places she has visited. She is traveling the world one city at a time and sharing what she has learned along the way, be it by cruise ship to the Caribbean, on land in Europe, or somewhere in between. Follow her travels here Follow Marian on Twitter