Travelling as a vegan might seem challenging, but it can become a true culinary adventure with the right planning.To make the most of the experience, it’s important to choose destinations that embrace plant-based lifestyles.If you're planning a visit to Lisbon, make sure to check out Organi Chiado, a vegan restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine featuring fresh, organic, and high-quality ingredients.This article will reveal the most vegan-friendly countries, how to find vegan options when travelling internationally, and the best strategies to guarantee an unforgettable vegan journey.
How to Find Vegan Options When Travelling Abroad
Travelling as a vegan does require a bit more planning, but don’t worry – the world is increasingly adapting to plant-based lifestyles! So, before you leave home, follow these tips:
Do Your Research Before Travelling
Before heading off, spend some time researching the vegan options available at your destination. Use platforms like HappyCow, Google Maps or Tripadvisor to discover the best vegan restaurants around the globe.
Look for Specialised Restaurants
Many cities—especially the larger ones—have dedicated vegan restaurants that offer everything from simple dishes to innovative cuisine.For example, you'll find the best vegan gastronomy in cities like Berlin or Los Angeles. Major cities usually have a wider and more diverse range of options.
Explore Local Markets
Make the most of local markets and fairs – they’re a treasure trove for those following a vegan diet. Fresh, authentic, and often more affordable dishes and ingredients will enrich your trip.
The Best Countries for Vegan Tourism and Their Culinary Specialties
The world is becoming more vegan-friendly, offering delicious and varied options across many countries. Here are some of the top vegan destinations:
Thailand
Thai cuisine is a burst of flavour, with vibrant and fresh dishes that easily adapt to a vegan diet. Pad Thai or Thai curry are just a couple of animal-free delights you can enjoy.
Israel
Tel Aviv is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. It offers a wide range of vegan restaurants serving everything from traditional hummus to more elaborate dishes like falafel and sabich.
Germany
Berlin’s vegan scene is spectacular. Not only are there plenty of vegan restaurants, but traditional German cuisine is also adapting, with options like vegan sausages and schnitzels. If you love comfort food, Germany offers some truly satisfying vegan options.
United States
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Portland are true havens for vegans. From upscale vegan restaurants to laid-back cafés, vegan culture is booming in the U.S.
Useful Apps and Websites to Find Vegan Restaurants Anywhere
These days, technology is a huge ally for travellers who follow a vegan diet. Here are some essential tools for finding the best vegan restaurants around the world:
HappyCow
One of the world’s largest vegan restaurant directories, where you can filter by cuisine type and location for a wide variety of options.
Vegman
An excellent app that helps locate vegan restaurants, markets, and natural food shops. Perfect for finding vegan options wherever you are.
Google Maps
Sometimes, a simple search in the search bar, such as “vegan restaurant” or “vegan,” is enough to point you in the right direction.
Tripadvisor
This traveller review platform offers valuable insights into the most recommended vegan restaurants. Reviews from other vegans can help ensure a stress-free and tasty experience.
Tips for Communicating Your Dietary Preferences in Different Languages
Travelling to places where veganism is less common can make communicating your dietary preferences a bit tricky. To make things easier, here are a few helpful tips:
Key Phrases
Learning a few simple phrases in the local language can be incredibly useful. Saying “I am vegan” or “I don’t eat animal products” can quickly and clearly convey your diet.
Examples:
“Sou vegano” (Portuguese)
“Ich bin Veganer” (German)
“Je suis végétalien” (French)
“Soy vegano” (Spanish)
Diet Cards
To make things even easier, bring along cards that explain your dietary preferences in different languages. Several websites offer these cards, making communication even more straightforward.
Translation Apps
If you find yourself in a country where the language is difficult to understand, a translation app can help you avoid misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Travelling as a vegan can be an incredibly enriching experience. With proper planning – whether in Lisbon or anywhere else – you’ll find delicious vegan restaurants that will make your journey even more special.Remember to use the right tools, like HappyCow and Google Maps, and prepare a few key phrases in the local language.Vegan cuisine is gaining more and more ground, making it easier to find tasty, authentic dishes wherever you go. Safe travels and bon appétit!
