Travelling while vegan isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset, tools, and a bit of planning. Whether you’re in Cambodia, Queensland, or about to head to Mexico like me, these vegan travel tips are based on my own experience figuring it out on the road (often the hard way).
Research Local Cuisine Before You Go
One of the best ways to avoid frustration is to learn about the local food scene before you land. In Thailand, for example, fish sauce is in everything. In Queensland, I struggled because everything was meat-heavy. Knowing the common ingredients and local customs helps you avoid unexpected animal products and plan better.
Don’t Rely on Airports (Seriously)
Even if you’ve ordered the vegan option for your flight, there’s no guarantee it’ll be edible. Airports are often a vegan wasteland. Always eat before you leave and pack snacks for the journey, crisps, dried fruit, nuts, anything that doesn’t need refrigerating. Sometimes the only thing available is chips. Sometimes, not even those are vegan.
Use Google Translate (Offline!)
Instant noodles in foreign supermarkets can be vegan gold… or full of egg powder. Download the offline version of Google Translate before you go and use the camera function to check ingredients on food labels. It’s saved me many times, especially in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Airbnb with a Kitchen? Gamechanger.
If you’re somewhere less vegan-friendly, having access to even a basic kitchen helps massively. A fridge and a kettle can go a long way (hello, emergency noodles). Airbnb or private rentals are often more vegan-travel-friendly than hostels or hotels.
Get the Right Apps
HappyCow is great, but I’ve often had more luck just searching “vegan food near me” or using “vegan maps.” They bring up all the little places that real people are reviewing; often with way more recent info than listings.
You’ll Need a Bit of a Backbone
This might be the most important vegan travel tip of all: you need thick skin. You’re going to have to explain, re-explain, and send food back sometimes. Politely, but firmly. Learn a few key phrases in the local language, and don’t be afraid to make your point with a smile and a joke.
Stay with Locals (but Set Boundaries)
Staying with locals can be brilliant, but you need to be clear. I once stayed with a Buddhist woman in Vietnam who tried to give me eggs every morning, but eventually she got it and started bringing me little vegan snacks. It became kind of a lovely joke between us.
Don’t Fall for the “But You’re Missing Out”
People will say it. Let them. I just explain that I love animals and don’t want to exploit them, and leave it at that. You don’t need to convince anyone. Just live your values.
Travel Vegan on a Budget
It can be hard, but not impossible. Vegetables, salad (watch that tap water), fruit, rice, and noodles are available almost everywhere. You might not eat like a king, but you’ll get by.
Watch Out for Hidden Animal Products
Some countries sneak cheese into hummus. Some breads contain milk or egg. Always read the label or ask questions. And if you’re in a place without signal, have your Translate app ready and downloaded offline.
Ethical Tourism Matters
Being vegan often overlaps with caring about animals and the planet. If you’re visiting elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia, look for ones that don’t allow touching or riding. Even then, be cautious; I’ve seen “ethical” places still tie up animals. I wrote about this here.
Final Thoughts
Being vegan while travelling can be tricky, frustrating, and occasionally hilarious. But it’s worth it. These vegan travel tips have helped me navigate everything from meat-heavy Aussie towns to tiny Cambodian corner shops.
Got more vegan travel hacks? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear how you make it work.
Before you go…
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