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Vegan Travel: It’s Not Fringe Anymore

From Mexico to Greece, plant-centric hotels, restaurants and tours are proliferating.

By Elaine Glusac

When she went vegan about four years ago, Colleen Corbett, a bartender based in Tampa, Fla., thought she might starve or be forced to eat meat when traveling abroad. Instead, it was just the beginning of her explorations of the burgeoning vegan destinations that have flourished around the world.

“It’s changed how I make my bucket list,” she said in an interview between trips to Peru in December and Dublin in March. “It used to be just scenic stuff. Now, I find myself adding cities I wouldn’t have had an interest in before, but have booming vegan scenes. I just added Warsaw.”

While vegans and vegetarians are minorities in the United States, a growing number of people are more interested in reducing their meat consumption, often for environmental reasons, as livestock operations significantly produce climate-disruptive methane gas.

The travel industry is countering with plant-centric hotels, restaurants, festivals and tours as veganism becomes increasingly associated with sustainable travel, and not just during what some people are calling Veganuary , an annual January campaign to highlight the plant-based diet in the month traditionally associated with good intentions.

“Collectively, we’re far more aware of the planetary impacts of food than we were even five years ago,” said Justin Francis, the co-founder and chief executive of Responsible Travel , a sustainability-focused tour operator, which has seen demand for its vegan trips quadruple in the past decade. “As more people switch to planet-friendly diets, travel is responding to that.”

Favoring plants

Vegan diets consist exclusively of plant-based foods, excluding meat as well as animal-derived foods such as eggs, dairy products and honey.

It’s hard to say how many vegans exist in the United States. A 2019 survey by Ipsos Retail Performance found that 9.7 million Americans were vegan compared to about 300,000 15 years before. However, a 2018 Gallup poll found the 5 percent of Americans who said they were vegetarian and the 3 percent who said they were vegan were little changed from 2012.

Still, many are eating greener. In a 2019 Nielsen survey, 62 percent of Americans said they were willing to reduce meat consumption based on environmental concerns. Many have satisfied their carnivorous cravings with fake meats by brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. The nonprofit Good Food Institute , which promotes alternative proteins, said 2020 was a record year for investment in alternatives at $3.1 billion, more than three times the $1 billion invested in 2019.

“Never before has the demand for plant-based fine dining been as popular,” said Joan Roca, the founder and chief executive of Essentialist , a members-only travel-planning service company, referencing Eleven Madison Park , the lauded New York City restaurant that went vegan last year. He expects “environmentally conscious dining” to grow in 2022.

Vegan bed and board

Hotels are rolling out the plant-based welcome mat with vegan menus and interior design.

Vegan restaurant additions span the range of lodgings, from Marriott Bonvoy’s Aloft Hotels — which recently added vegan and vegetarian breakfast items in its grab-and-go lobby markets at more than 150 North American hotels — to the high-end Peninsula Hotels , which will launch a new wellness initiative in March, including plant-based dishes as well as sleep-promoting aromatherapy.

Some used the pandemic hiatus of 2020 to turn over a new leaf, so to speak, including Andaz Mayakoba resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, which introduced VB, short for vegan bar, serving rice ball salads and Chaya leaf wraps beside the beach.

Since 2017, when it hired the vegan chef Leslie Durso, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico has been accommodating an expanding range of diets. She now offers more than 200 vegan menu items and creates dishes based on guest allergies and dietary restrictions.

“Instead of dealing with this as an afterthought, we are providing a safe place for travelers to relax and unwind that has already anticipated their needs,” she wrote in an email.

Menus aren’t the only vegan aspects of hotels in the animal-free vanguard. Rooms are going vegan with plant-based amenities and interior design.

On Mykonos, in Greece, Koukoumi Hotel opened in 2020 with a vegan restaurant, a spa that uses only plant-based massage oils and rooms furnished with vegan mattresses made with coconut fiber. In the United Arab Emirates, the 394-room Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi plans to open two vegan rooms in February with vegan mini-bars and room service.

In London, among its 292 rooms, Hilton London Bankside offers a vegan suite built with plant-based materials, including bamboo flooring and pineapple-based plant-leather cushions. A pillow menu offers down-free stuffing options such as buckwheat and millet and vegan snacks fill the minibar. Guests have designated plant-leather seating in the restaurant.

“People love it because we take it so seriously,” said James Clarke, the general manager of the hotel, adding that “it’s not cheap,” running upward of $800 a night.

Many new vegan hotels tend to be high-end, such as the all-inclusive Palmaia — The House of Aia in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where the food is vegan (though non-vegan additions are available) and the furnishings are leather- and feather-free (doubles start around $900 a night).

Vegan activities have grown at Anse Chastanet Resort on St. Lucia, which added a vegan restaurant four years ago. Its vegan chef offers Rastafarian Creole cooking classes, which are vegan. Chocolate-making classes produce vegan bars and an on-site craft brewery uses fruit and cassava in its vegan beers.

Karolin Troubetzkoy, the co-owner of the resort, compared having vegan options to maintaining eco-centric operations. “A certain percent of travelers check, and vegan is the same thing,” she said. “A small percent say they come here because you have a vegan restaurant, but that will grow,” she added, noting the resort recently held a vegan wedding for 24 people.

No more French fries for dinner

For travelers who don’t want to research each meal, vegan tour operators and travel agents offer the assurance that they will be able to maintain their diets and eat well, particularly abroad.

Last year, Responsible Travel added roughly 1,000 vegan-friendly trips as part of its commitment to becoming “ nature positive ,” a vow to not harm wildlife or habitats but leave them more protected and supported, by 2030.

Its vegan-only vacations include a 10-day vegan tour of Ethiopia (from roughly $2,300; prices exclude flights), seven days of hiking volcanoes in Guatemala (from about $1,360) and eight days of snowshoeing in Austria (from about $1,160).

“I think this decade we’ll see travel companies not just improve in catering to veganism, but actively working to offer the best food and experiences,” Mr. Francis of Responsible Travel said.

Brighde Reed and Sebastien Ranger were disappointed with expensive plates of pasta with tomato sauce and a lack of soy milk on the breakfast buffet at high-end hotels, experiences that helped guide their company World Vegan Travel , which offers trips including gorilla safaris in Rwanda and villa-based tours of Tuscany.

“When 20 people are coming for three nights, hotels are more likely to make an effort than they are for one person,” Ms. Reed said.

Leslie Lukas-Recio, a former food importer who lives in Portland, Ore., was experienced at traveling abroad when she joined a World Vegan trip to Alsace, France, in 2018.

“If you want to experience the culture or focus on the outdoors, the last thing you want to worry about is trying to find something that isn’t French fries and a green salad,” she said.

Donna Zeigfinger, the owner of Green Earth Travel and a co-founder of a vegan travel summit running online through Jan. 30, said the diet has become much more mainstream in the more than 30 years she’s been organizing vegan travel.

“There are countries I started going to in the 80s that I thought wouldn’t do vegan that are now some of the top vegan countries,” she said, citing Spain and France. “The joke used to be, you’d show up at the French border and show your vegan passport and they’d turn you away.”

For her vegan clients, Ms. Zeigfinger makes sure hotels know they are vegan and gets them to swap out feather bedding. For Heidi Prescott, a client and frequent cruiser based in North Potomac, Md., the notification often triggered a shipboard letter from the culinary staff requesting a meeting.

“I always hated meeting with the chef,” Ms. Prescott said. “I would eat around it.”

Now, there is much more vegan variety at sea — Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers more than 200 plant-based dishes and Virgin Voyages has a plant-focused restaurant aboard its ship, Scarlet Lady — and the letters have stopped. Last fall, Ms. Prescott sailed with Oceania Cruises around the Baltic Sea, her 11th cruise with the line, which carries staples like cashew cheese and identifies vegan choices on pasta and grain-bowl bars.

Paul Tully, a vegan and the chief executive of Better Safaris , organizes vegan-friendly sustainable trips to Africa, where he said it’s relatively easy to eat vegan.

“Surprisingly, it’s been the airlines which appear to be slow on this uptick in veganism, many still offering extremely bland food and limited options for vegans,” he wrote in an email.

Vegan-friendly destinations

Destinations, by contrast, are keen to trumpet their vegan cred. The tourism office in Virginia said visitors spend an average of more than five minutes on pages related to vegetarian and vegan content at its Virginia.org website, almost two minutes more than for general travel content.

Through Jan. 30, the global fair Expo 2020 Dubai is holding what it calls the Middle East’s first vegan food festival. In September, the tour operator Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages is planning what it calls the first vegan festival in the Himalayan region, taking place in Nepal and Bhutan with panel discussions, cooking workshops and a Vegan Village of more than 100 exhibitors.

Big cities have long been vegan refuges. Happycow , a digital platform for vegan dining, ranks London as the top city globally for vegan dining with more than 150 vegan restaurants, followed by New York, Berlin, Los Angeles and Toronto.

But veganism is becoming easier to find in more rural areas — Argyll, in western Scotland, has a new vegan trail connecting vegan cafes and inns — and in smaller cities like Boise, Idaho, home to a vegan food truck , soul food restaurant , tattoo shop and dining tour .

Dining tours have flourished from Greenville , S.C. to Scottsdale , Ariz., as ways to introduce vegan visitors to local options. In Tel Aviv, Eager Tourist began offering vegan culinary tours that visit food markets, farmers and restaurants in 2019.

“To be honest, it’s more interesting than a non-vegan tour,” said Ross Belfer, a partner in the company, who is an American living in Israel. “What Israelis can do with a vegetable is rather unparalleled, in my humble opinion.”

Elaine Glusac writes the Frugal Traveler column. Follow her on Instagram @eglusac .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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11 Vegan Travel Companies That Curate Cruelty-Free Tours

• Travel News

A better way to travel.

A recent study has found that meat is responsible for 57% of greenhouse gases from food production. Plant-based food production is much better for the planet. For years, meat consumption has been steadily rising, but this year, it’s being reported that sales of meat are down in the U.S., Europe, and Argentina. 

While the trend definitely corresponds to the economic downturn, the world has been turning to vegetarian options recently. From climate crisis to animal cruelty to health concerns, many factors have driven populations around the world to rely on plant-based diets. In the U.S., around 3% of Americans identify as vegan. Mock meat companies Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have become extremely popular, and more and more celebrities are turning vegan and advocating this lifestyle. There’s definitely a new taste for veganism, and the travel industry is responding to it.

With this shift, vegan restaurants and hotels are popping up around the world, and now there are vegan tour operators and travel companies that help you plan a trip that matches your lifestyle. Food, of course, is a big part of it, but they also focus on experiences that are non-exploitative for animals and humans. (For example, they will make sure that the hotels don’t have leather furniture or toiletries with animal products.)

Years ago, a vegan trip was a daunting task, but with these players catering to a new set of travelers, there’s no need to survive on fries and sides! You don’t need to be vegan to go on these tours, but you will experience the lifestyle if you decide to embark on a new adventure.

Top Picks for You

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Donna Zeigfinger (@greenearthtravel)

Green Earth Travel

Founded in 1997, Green Earth Travel focuses on eco-travels and vegan-friendly tours. Founder Donna Zeigfinger is a vegan herself and she customizes itineraries to help her clients enjoy vegan/vegetarian vacations. The U.S.-based company has packaged tours listed on the website and it collaborates with other vegan operators to allow travelers to experience local culture while staying true to their lifestyle. You can also pick your own dates and share your preferences for a personalized tour designed especially for you. They’ll find vegan-friendly hotels and restaurants, carve eco-friendly experiences into the itinerary, and ensure you don’t miss out on local culture.

The Bali Vegan Tour 2022 is currently listed on the website at $3,250 per person for 12 nights and includes vegan meals, cooking classes, visits to local temples, hiking, language lessons, and a dance workshop along with other cultural activities—a wholesome travel experience!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by VegVoyages - Vegan Adventures (@vegvoyages_vegan_tours)

Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages

VegVoyages is a Texas-based tour company started by friends Zac Lovas and RK Singh Chauhan. From three trips in 2004, they now offer 27 vegan tours across India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Bhutan. It’s not just food that’s vegan though—there are no trips to the zoos and no animal safaris on their itineraries. 

It’s a fully immersive cultural experience. Travelers get to volunteer for local educational programs and meet environmental activists, while the trip also familiarizes them with local cuisine, music, and way of living. All meals are vegan (at restaurants and local cafes, sometimes home-cooked with chefs offering classes) and the accommodations can be eco-retreats or villas, depending on where you’re headed.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Veg Jaunts and Journeys (@vegjauntsandjourneys)

Veg Jaunts & Journeys

Started in 2016 by Kim Giovacco, U.S.-based Veg Jaunts and Journeys offers packaged tours for small groups (fewer than 14 people) that support their vegan lifestyle. The tours—slated for 2022—can take you to Portugal, Singapore, Scotland, Greece, and Iceland, among other destinations. The trips involve cooking classes, food tours, and visits to animal sanctuaries. You can also customize a vegan honeymoon and vegan vacations, and there are also food tours in Asheville.

When you log on to the website, a pop-up notifies you that fully vaccinated travelers can book journeys with them.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gretchen Sheridan (@tiernotours)

Vegan Travel Club

Tierno Tours, a travel agency in the U.S., has a special vegan arm, Vegan Travel Club . It started with a vegan tour to Italy in 2010 and launched the travel club when the demand rose among travelers for similar journeys. Now it offers package tours to Europe—there are itineraries for Ireland, Scotland, Croatia, and Italy with lots of local attractions and food-based experiences. 

The travel club partners with Green Earth Travel for an 8-night trip to Scotland and England. In addition, you can also ask them to plan a vegan-friendly vacation in Central America (Costa Rica, Belize, and Guatemala) and Mexico.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by World Vegan Travel (@worldvegantravel)

World Vegan Travel

This all-inclusive, luxury vegan travel company designs trips that are plant-based and cruelty-free. It started with just one trip in 2017 and currently, it has 10 tours listed on the website; destinations ranging from Botswana to Italy to Japan. World Vegan Travel will make sure that you try local delicacies while still staying true to your beliefs and staying at places that (mostly) don’t use animal products.

Apart from vegan food and interaction with vegan celebs and activists, the company gives travelers opportunities to visit animal sanctuaries, participate in cooking classes, and go for walking tours—the focus is on compassionate travel all through. The trips are 8-10 days long with the comfort of luxury accommodation.

Award-winning vegan author and podcast host Colleen Patrick-Goudreau has collaborated with World Vegan Travel to curate some of these journeys, called Joyful Vegan Trips .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sail away the vegan way. (@vegantravel)

Vegan Travel

How about a vegan cruise in Europe? German travel company, Vegan Travel , specializes in luxury river cruises. The cruises are vegan and often feature yoga classes on-board, vegan-friendly shore excursions, and vegan toiletries in the cabins. There are three 2022 cruises listed on the website that’ll take you to Iceland or the Galapagos.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vegan World Tours Vegans, Baby (@veganworldtours)

Vegan World Tours by Vegans, Baby

Founder Diana Edelman has a vegan guide to eating in Vegas, along with other cities, and also curates food tours and experiences. With Vegan World Tours , she has also introduced tours around the world that are vegan-friendly. These are specially curated for foodies, but also include activities and attractions. The upcoming group tours include destinations such as South Africa and Thailand, both in 2022. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Getaway Co. (@thegetawayco)

The Getaway Co.

The Getaway Co. was founded by Amanda Persi after she and her husband relocated to Switzerland. She follows a plant-based lifestyle herself and most of the people she partners with align with her philosophy. Amanda wants to create a like-minded, compassionate community and she aims to inspire with her journeys and exclusive activities.

The Portugal getaway scheduled for October is sold out, but you can check out Live With Purpose Bali holiday, which will be a 10-day journey with Amanda and Canadian author Lauren Toyota in 2022.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Responsible Travel (@responsible_travel)

Responsible Travel Vegan Tours

UK-based Responsible is a big name in the industry, known for its sustainable, eco-friendly holidays. The company’s goal is to minimize impact and support communities and it never offers any experiences that stray from that goal (including zoo tours, large cruise ships, and dolphin shows). 

The activist company offers vegan tours in different parts of the world. A 10-day Ethiopia Vegan Tour will give you a taste of local, plant-based cuisine, along with an insight into its spiritual side. There’s also a vegan holiday in Mexico designed for women, with beach walks, fitness classes, and wellness activities. From yoga retreats to skiing holidays, there is a lot on offer for vegans.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vegan Epicure Travel (@veganepicuretravel)

Vegan Epicure Travel

From half-day excursions to week-long retreats, Vegan Epicure Travel features many plant-based experiences for vegan travelers. You can go to a local vineyard for a wine tasting tour or fly off to France for a farm-to-table dinner in the countryside. The new group tours on the waitlist for 2022 and 2023 include an escape to Italy, a women’s wellness retreat in Sri Lanka, and a trip to France.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Escape To... (@escapeto_travel)

Escape To… has two kinds of trips on offer: small group travels to Sri Lanka and India, and internships and volunteering programs for solo travelers. They are back after a pause in 2020 with “A Vegan Adventure in South India,” the only tour currently on offer. This 10-day December itinerary promises an introduction to the sustainability efforts in urban and rural South India, the growing vegan movement in the country, and the shift to zero-waste travel. And of course, lots of vegan food and wildlife rehabilitation, and cultural experiences (art, dance, music).

I would like to add a vegan tour agency which organizes a variety of vegan tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There is a Vegan Tour in Buenos Aires which visits vegan fairs (live events including a market of vegan products and services, live music, and games). The tour also visits vegan restaurants (with vegan and also organic food) vegan bars, and vegan stores while showing touristic attractions of Buenos Aires City. They pick passengers up from hotels and then drop them off at the same point. Look for them as Kangoo Tours Buenos Aires. We felt at home with them, very friendly people.

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Home » Vegan Lifestyle » Family » 20 Vegan Travel Destinations with Incredible Plant-Based Food

20 Vegan Travel Destinations with Incredible Plant-Based Food

Let’s face it: one of the most exciting aspects of traveling is exploring with our palates, engaging with unique and flavorful dishes from all around the globe. The same still applies for vegans and vegetarians!

While some places still have scant plant-based offerings, there are many vegan-friendly travel destinations that will excite your taste buds with all the flavors of the region, completely cruelty-free.

We’re delighted to share with you a vibrant collection of vegan travel destinations around the world. From east to west, north to south, there’s no shortage of vegan-friendly cities to explore on your next vacation. Here’s just a brief taste to whet your appetite for adventure.

Portland, Oregon

Some call this little slice of the Pacific Northwest a vegan paradise, and for good reason. Where else can you hope to find a fully vegan strip mall, complete with plant-based cheese shop, tattoo parlor, bakery, and so much more?

Portland is a place where individuals and startups are celebrated, which has given rise to a thriving food cart scene, countless micro-breweries, small batch roasted coffee beans, and a dozen different plant-based pop-ups on any given day. Work up an appetite hiking, rafting, and enjoying the art scene to maximize your eating opportunities. Trust me, you’ll want a least one bite of everything.

Seattle, Washington

Beyond the pioneering coffee scene, Seattle is a dynamic seaport city that takes their abundance of fresh, local produce seriously. Vegetables are often at the center of the plate at any given eatery, high-end and low-brow, vegan or not.

No establishment is off limits, but even greater culinary treasures can be found in any of the dozens of dedicated plant-based businesses at your disposal. Take comfort in classic American fare or spice up your life with a bountiful bowl of pho; it’s easy to get your fill of nature, music, and great food all in one place.

Oakland, California

Showcasing the diversity of California cuisine through the lens of many different cultures, you can get a bite of just about anything in this Bay Area hot spot. That means authentic Ethiopian and Burmese staples, found right alongside compact tacos shops and plenty of homegrown pop-ups.

Given the dense layout of shops, stemming from critical BART and bus stops, it’s easy to start a food crawl that will take you through a dozen cuisines or more. The spirit of innovation is alive and well throughout the Bay Area, with plant-based alternatives leading the way.

Atlanta, Georgia

When homestyle southern cooking and soul food meet, an unforgettable fusion of comfort food occurs. It’s just like mama used to make, but better, because these upgraded classics are now meatless, eggless, and dairy-free!

That means crispy fried chicken, boudin balls, po’ boys, and BBQ is back on the menu. Try to leave room for dessert, difficult as it may be, for your pick of sweet treats galore. Pack your stretchy pants and come hungry; you’ll only regret not going back for seconds.

New York City, New York

Get into a New York state of mind and clear your calendar. You’ll need every minute possible to pack in the dizzying array of plant-based eats lining every street and alleyway.

We’re talking about gourmet, Michelin-starred fine dining, late night thin crust pizza sold by the slice, and absolutely everything in between. We’re talking over 150 vegan and vegetarian establishments, before we even begin looking at omnivorous restaurants with full vegan menus or robust plant-based options.

Try to take a bite out of the Big Apple but know when to admit defeat and plan another trip back for more!

Chicago, Illinois

Be prepared to get blown away by the vegan options in the Windy City. Get all dressed up to explore the mind-boggling world of molecular gastronomy or get down and dirty with your favorite greasy spoon gut bombs. Even the raw food movement is alive and well here, offering a healthy balance to any irresistible over-indulgences.

No matter your mood or cravings, the “birthplace of modern architecture” is building an unshakable foundation for the vegan community, and all those who wish to share.

Orlando, FL

Soak up the warm weather in the center of the Sunshine State, decked out with an unrivaled collection of theme parks and family-friendly attractions.  Of course, you don’t need a season pass to have full access to the equally thrilling array of dining options beyond the Magic Kingdom.

Chill out or get fired up on everything from dairy-free ice cream to fiery Caribbean seasonings. Even if you only manage to eat your way through a few square miles, you’ll still agree it’s the happiest place on earth.

Asheville, North Carolina

Frequently voted the number one food destination by Yelp diners, Asheville is a bit of a sleeper hit that’s more inclusive of plant-based eaters than you may imagine. Blending the best elements of the American south and Appalachian cuisine, Asheville boasts an inspiring mountain-to-urban food scene that includes eaters of all stripes.

There’s even an annual VeganFest event every June, making meat alternatives the first choice for those seeking more compassionate eats. No matter when you go, you can expect an unforgettable array of dining options year-round in the “Paris of the South.”

Charlotte, North Carolina

A hidden gem in the American culinary landscape if there ever was one, Charlotte serves up all the convenience and diversity of a big city, packed into one cozy gathering point with small-town vibes. Like friendly neighbors, everyone is welcome at the table here, especially vegans, vegetarians, those with food allergies, and any other dietary restrictions.

For all cravings healthy or hearty, sweet or savory, fancy or no-frills, a visit to the Queen City will make anyone feel like genuine royalty.

Houston, Texas

There’s more than meat and potatoes sustaining modern cowboys in this bustling Texas city. Houston is home to an incredibly array of world cuisines, which cater to a mind-boggling number of eaters every day.

Don’t limit yourself to just chips and salsa when there’s a dazzling selection of authentic Asian, Indian, Mexican, and much more just steps away. Believe it or not, this is a great destination for those dining on a budget or sticking to strictly whole foods, too. Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a city by its past.

Cleveland, Ohio

Get ready to rock and roll with the music greats of Ohio! You’re sure to work up an appetite after a jam session, and you’re in the right spot to make every meal count. Since there are a limited number of dedicated vegan eateries, look beyond labels and your diligence will be rewarded. There are well over 100 spots with brilliant plant based options, so everyone can eat well no matter where hunger strikes.

Sacramento, California

There’s gold in these hills, and I’m not talking about the gilded metal. Now the California capitol city is rich with wineries and restaurants making the most of the lush local produce.

You’re in for a cruelty-free treat no matter what you’re craving, since good food is an affordable luxury that everyone can appreciate. Whether you splurge on a full tasting menu or go for fast food convenience, you’ll feel like a million bucks for making the compassionate, and delicious, choice!

Berkeley, California

As the birthplace of the free speech movement and hippie counterculture of the 1960s, Berkeley , California maintains a diverse population with equally unique dining attractions.

The farm-to-table cuisine originated here and is still going strong through a never-ending push for more eco-friendly, local, and sustainable options. That puts veganism at the forefront of this modern food revolution. You’d be hard pressed to find an establishment without at least a veggie burger or vegan cheese pizza, but that’s just the start.

Join the revolution by checking out an all-vegan butcher shop, high-end sushi joint, coffee roastery and bakery, and so much more.

Austin, Texas

Don’t go it alone in the Lonestar State; you’ll want someone there to help you tackle the staggering number of vegan Tex-Mex specialties and more.

Keep Austin weird by celebrating the eclectic collection of art galleries, live music shows, and food truck culture, catering to all tastes. The summers are blazing hot, but the plant-based food scene is even hotter, with new restaurants being added to the roster every year. No matter when you visit, there will be something fresh and flavorful to try.

Boston, Massachusetts

Beantown has so much more than just molasses-soaked legumes to offer. As a thriving New England college town, you can expect plenty of cheap eats, walkable streets, and outrageous treats.

Italian food still rules, with pizza and pasta leading the way, but now there’s room at the table for steaming bowls of pho, ramen, and curry, too. As the home of the very first Thanksgiving meal, Boston maintains the spirit of generosity, even if it puts up a tough front at first. Eat vegan fearlessly and your leap of faith will be rewarded.

San Francisco, California

Tech innovations put San Francisco on the map, but culinary creativity is at the same lofty level. Famed for its distinctly tangy sour dough bread, giant “Mission-style” burritos stuffed with French fries, and unrivaled dim sum brunches, there’s never a dull meal in store for those who venture off the beaten path.

Skip tourist traps at Pier 39 or near Lombard Street; hop on BART and live like the locals do, going wherever those metal tracks take them. If you see a line, you’ll know something delicious waits at the end.

Hawaii feels like a world away, while having all the same comforts of home. Ease into island time, unwind by the ocean, and pop a straw into a whole, ice-cold coconut to set the mood right. Acai bowls, juices, and shave ice will be your new best friends, alongside more tropical treats unique to Kauai. It’s the perfect place to slow down and relax, with tons of ripe fruits and Hawaiian staples to refuel along the way.

London, England

Wake up to a spot of tea and a full English breakfast but make it plant based! No problem at all in London, the origin of Greenpeace, the anarchist environmentalist activist collective that was one of the first groups pushing a vegan agenda. That spirit has encouraged many more organic, locally grown, and seasonal foods to spring up across the often foggy-covered city, lifting spirits even on the greyest days.

In the UK, you’ll find hundreds of vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries, cafes, markets, and so much more. You could live here your whole life and still never get a taste of them all, which is a wonderful problem to have.

Santiago, Chile

Though once dominated by meat-heavy dishes and barbecue in particular, Chile’s capital city is becoming a genuine rainforest retreat for compassionate eaters, too. As one of Latin America’s fastest-growing economies in recent decades, global influences are rapidly reshaping all facets of daily life.

Even the smaller, surrounding towns have a lot to offer, with many “accidentally” vegan or easily veganizable essential dishes. Learn the lingo and soak in the sun to experience everything this Spanish-speaking metropolis has to offer.

Disneyland & California Adventure

Calling all Disney lovers! Disneyland and it’s associated theme parks have become extraordinarily vegan-friendly. There is now a vegan option on nearly all the menus at Disneyland, including vegan pizza, vegan meat, vegan cheesy foods, and more. Mickey Mouse pretzels and Dole Whip, here you come!

Please DON’T Visit Pig Beach

If you’ve been dreaming of swimming with the pigs you’ve seen galavanting in crystal clear waters in the Caribbean, please read this article about the famous swimming pigs at Pig Beach first. While it this popular tourist hotspot seems like a pig’s paradise in the photos, in reality it’s a tourist attraction that many of the pigs and piglets won’t survive. Please think twice before booking a ticket.

Vegan Travel Destinations By The Numbers

This list, based on an analysis of TripAdvisor data for over 250 cities, has us scrambling to fill up our piggy banks so we can one day enjoy all of this awesomeness. 

The most exciting part is that almost every major city in the world is seeing an explosion of plant based options. It’s no longer a passing trend but a legitimate movement.

Even Barcelona, Spain —a notoriously meat-centric travel destination—is hopping with more than a dozen vegan and vegetarian restaurants and shops. The world is evolving, and fast! If you want another fabulous and interesting way to travel, check out this guide on Vegan Cruises !

Vegan travelers will no longer have to pack their suitcase with granola bars or subsist on dry bread. Hallelujah and bon voyage!

What are your favorite vegan travel destinations? Let us know over on Facebook , Twitter , or  Instagram using the hashtag #WorldofVegan.  

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This article is so helpful for travel! So many options and suggestions to make planning less stressful

Very enticed to travel now and try out all the delicious vegan places! Thanks for this!

What a comprehensive guide. Now I want to go everywhere and eat everything! 🙂

This is AMAZING! Wow…it’s such an inspiring and helpful guide for vegan traveling. Can’t wait to travel more so I can use this awesome information 😀

I want to go to all of these places!! I was in San Francisco a few years ago and the vegan scene was awesome then! A place not on the list but Mexico City has a lot of amazing vegan options too! So glad to see the world changing!

I want to go to all of these places!

Stay Inspired!

• June 2024: Northern Italy with author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
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• Nov. 2024: Rwanda with author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
• February 2025: Best Of Thailand
• Sept. 2025: Sailing Croatia I with author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
• Sept-Oct. 2025: Sailing Croatia II with author Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
• Nov. 2025: WFPB SOS-free Botswana & Cape Town I
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100% vegan cuisine

Miss out on local specialties no longer!  Our trips feature all 100% plant-based meals without the usual hassle and uncertainty.

All-Inclusive And high-end

We do all the work, organizing everything with meticulous attention to detail.  You just relax and enjoy the ride! 

Advocacy and responsibility

From the hotels to restaurants to local guides, each trip is run according to your ethics and compassionate choices.

Travel with vegan celebs

On many of our trips, get to know a renowned chef, author, activist, lecturer or life coach as part of a close-knit group.

Welcome to World Vegan Travel!

We offer all-inclusive deluxe group trips to exciting destinations around the world, specifically designed for vegans and the vegan-curious, with a focus on abundant regional plant-based cuisine , exciting cruelty-free activities , vetted animal sanctuary & shelter visits , unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experiences and, on many trips, the chance to travel with a v egan influencer and celeb !

Our Current Trips

NORTHERN ITALY: MOUNTAINS, LAKES & CANALS with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

16-25 June, 2024 10 Days, 9 Nights Group size: 16-25 Hike in Italy’s beautiful mountains Walking tours of Verona & Venice Explore beautiful Lake Garda

Kilimanjaro Full Moon Summit: Vegan Trekking & Wildlife Safari Adventure

12-23 August 2024 100% vegan meals on the mountain! Trek the 8-day Lenosho route Comfortable tents & mattress Deluxe accommodation before & after the trek a safari day before the trek!

Vegan North & Central Vietnam: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure

21-30 September, 2024 10 Days, 9 Nights Group size: max 24 100% vegan Vietnamese cuisine Visit a Moon Bear sanctuary Overnight sailing on our private boat in magical Halong Bay

BOTSWANA SAFARI ADVENTURE with acclaimed wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley

29 Oct – 6 Nov, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: max 21 Remote luxurious safari lodges Our very own wildlife photographer! Safari activities on land & water

BOTSWANA & CAPE TOWN: EXPLORING AFRICA’S WILDLIFE THE VEGAN WAY

6-14 Nov, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: max 22 Luxurious safari lodges & hotels Visit penguins in Cape Town Safari activities on land & water

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS & CHIMPANZEES IN RWANDA with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

24 Nov – 3 Dec, 2024 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 14-24 The absolute trip of a lifetime! Stay in incredible 5-star resorts Track chimpanzees and Dian Fossey’s mountain gorillas!

THE BEST OF THAILAND: Cities, Mountains & Beaches

15-24 February, 2025 10 Days, 9 Nights 100% vegan Thai cuisine Visit elephants, gibbons and rescued street dogs Spend a day at sea on our own catamaran 5-star hotels and beach resort

LUXURY VOYAGE TO CROATIA I: Sailing the Adriatic with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

20-27 September, 2025 8 Days, 7 Nights Group max size: 24 sail on your own private yacht! Visit cute coastal towns & villages all-inclusive, no extra packages!

COMING SOON: LUXURY VOYAGE TO CROATIA II: Sailing the Adriatic with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

27 September – 4 October, 2025 8 Days, 7 Nights Group max size: 24 sail on your own private yacht! Visit cute coastal towns & villages all-inclusive, no extra packages!

WFPB SOS-FREE BOTSWANA (I) 2025

31 Oct – 8 Nov, 2025 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 20 Private luxurious safari lodges 100% WFOB SOS free meals! Safari activities on land & water

WFPB SOS-FREE BOTSWANA (II) 2025

11-19 Nov, 2025 9 Days, 8 Nights Group size: 20 Private luxurious safari lodges 100% WFOB SOS free meals! Safari activities on land & water

Coming Soon

COMING SOON: Joyful Vegan Japan with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Scheduled for May 2025 10 Days, 9 Nights 100% vegan Japanese cuisine Visit peaceful temples and the countryside Visit Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima Experience a Geisha performance

COMING SOON: Bordeaux to Dordogne Valley: Castles, Caves, and Countryside with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

TBC: September, 2025 8 Days, 7 Nights Group size: 15-26 stay in a private southern France villa Tons of castles and quaint villages 17,000 year-old prehistoric cave art

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Part 2: Favorites Unveiled: Vegan Restaurants, Activities, and Unexpected Joys in Thailand | World Vegan Travel – Brighde Reed | Ep 140

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Veggies Abroad | Vegan Travel & Tours

Veggies Abroad

A vegan travel company that features an abundance of free resources for vegan and veg-curious travelers, along with epic vegan tours, and expert travel planning services to curate the perfect itinerary. Don't wait — start planning your next adventure!

Vegan Travel Podcast

Travel planning services, vegan small group tours, budapest vegan bakery guide: 10 spots for cake & dessert.

I love finding traditional veganized sweets when I’m traveling, like strudel in Germany or sausage rolls in England! So, when I started investigating my eating plans for Budapest, I came across multiple popular desserts — chimney cakes, Somlói Galuska (Hungarian…

Barcelona Vegan Bakery Guide: 10 Spots for Cake & Desserts

The first time I visited Barcelona, many years ago, there were no vegan donut shops or delicious spots…

Lisbon Vegan Bakery Guide: 7 Spots for Pastel de Nata + More

The first time I visited Lisbon, the idea of a vegan pastel de nata was laughable. At that…

Vegan Bakeries Miami: 8 Spots for Cakes & Desserts

Miami’s vegan scene is on the rise, and that includes fabulous vegan and vegan-friendly bakeries that must be…

7 Spots to Visit for Vegan Chinese Food in London

I feel like vegan Chinese food (more than just a dish or two) is one of those things…

Toronto Vegan Brunch: 10 Spots for Pancakes & More

Toronto is one of my favorite vegan-friendly cities, and lucky for me, it’s only a four-hour drive from…

Vegan Travel Guide: Best Trips & Tips for 2024

I still remember when I first started traveling as a vegan. My colleagues were beyond baffled — how…

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Veg Jaunts and Journeys

Small group vegan travel, veg out - and venture farther, all-vegan dining.

No need to make a meal out of side dishes on our trips! Whether on our oil-free plant-based whole food tours or our vegan tours abroad, from “cheap” eats to fine dining – all meals are vegan !

Small Group Travel

With no more than 12-14 travelers on each tour, we keep things nimble and intimate — this allows us to be flexible with what the group wants to see and do and makes each trip unique.

Small Eco Footprint

We will travel like locals on buses and subways when possible , for minimal environmental impact. No jam-packed tour buses for us!

Perfectly Plotted

Experience an amazing lineup of private tours and vegan-friendly activities with all logistics taken care of for you, plus plenty of down time in between to explore on your own and make the most of each trip!

See the World With a Vegan Focus

Affordable small group travel.

We organize vegan tours for small groups of like-minded travelers . f

We began six years ago, and have experienced much growth every year as more of the world becomes vegan-friendly . Learn more about our upcoming international tours and our whole food plant based no-oil domestic tours.

Upcoming Vegan Tours

Oil-free whole food plant based tours.

After receiving many requests for whole food, plant based, no oil tours, we found the perfect partner to make these tours a reality – the talented and affable Mark Cerkvenik of Let’s Eat Great Food (opens in a new tab) . Mark is a certified Food for Life instructor by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and prepares delicious oil free whole food plant based meals for the group on these tours. Learn more about our oil free whole food plant based trips below.

Oil Free Whole Food Plant Based Tours

Meet kim, founder of veg jaunts and journeys.

My tours are crafted exclusively for travelers who follow a vegan lifestyle . Of course, I seek out all vegan restaurants for us and engage travelers in vegan-friendly activities and excursions along the way – such as visiting an animal sanctuary or taking a vegan market tour, along with activities that reflect the history or culture of the destination.

Become a Veg Jaunts & Journeys Insider!

New destinations are added to the tour line-up monthly—spots go quickly! So, to be the first to hear about new tours, sign up for our e-newsletter which will arrive in your inbox every month.

Vegan Travel Tips

A guide to travelling as a vegan, or with dietary requirements, how to travel carryon only, no matter how long your trip, previous guests praise veg jaunts and journeys, a happy customer.

I wanted to share what an incredible trip we had. I am describing our adventure to others as magical. The sites, the food and especially the people were all amazing. Considering neither of us had been outside of the US, there was some anxiety at the start, but with your excellent directions and experience it was clear immediately that we were in good hands. Being in a group with folks that live and eat with the same beliefs was so comforting. As a bonus, it was very fun to talk about vegan recipes and foods that others enjoy.

Meals were generally great. Really the entire experience was fantastic and well-organized. I enjoyed the whole time, learned a lot, ate well, enjoyed the company, especially thanks to Kim. It is difficult to think of what could be improved. I have already told a vegan about it.

This is the one of the best trips I’ve had. The guide was great – extremely knowledgeable, flexible and helpful. The food was taken care of – even when it was not included, they were mostly arranged and I didn’t have to wonder where to eat. The sights were beautiful – in all 4 locations – Lisbon, Porto, Obidos and Sintra – the itinerary was very well constructed. Of course, be prepared to walk a lot and eat a lot 🙂

Vickie M.G.

I took my first trip to Europe with Kim’s tour to Scotland and it was amazing! Our group members were great and we became a family along the way. For me this was the best way to travel – some place new with a small, intimate group and a tour guide who is the bomb! 🙌😎 Thanks so much Kim!!!

Well Organized. Fun. Educational. Delicious Food. Worth every penny. These are a few of the sentiments we have about our recent trip to Asheville, NC on one of Veg Jaunts and Journeys fantastic tours. Kim, our tour guide and fabulous leader, made the experience very memorable by having our outings well organized and by her being flexible when we wanted to detour from the planned event.

Mark and Sandy L.

Home safely but missing you fellow travelers all already. Hope to see you all on future Jaunts and Journeys. Wonderful trip! Thanks Kim and Wendy. Well done!

Veg Jaunts and Journeys In The Media

Questions or concerns.

We are here to promptly answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to get in touch ; you can give Kim a call at +1 774 269-6558 , or fill out your contact information on our page. We’ll reply right away!

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Vegan & Plant-based Meal Tours

• Ways to travel
• Vegan & Plant-based Meal Tours

Help maintain the health of our planet one bite at a time on your next Real Food Adventure.

We know that plant-based foods are one of the biggest opportunities to limit climate change (according to the IPCC ), so we've included at least one plant-based meal in every Intrepid Real Food Adventure.  While we don't offer tours that are completely vegan or plant-based, taking this small but delicious step is an easy way for you to help maintain the health of our planet while you're out exploring.

Plant-based foods generally have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based foods and showcase regional produce at its best. Enjoying a tasty plant-based meal that highlights local fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds is just one way you can make your travel greener.

Our Real Food Adventures

Morocco real food adventure, 12 days from 1377.

Lift the lid on local cuisine on a 12-day food adventure through Morocco, taking in...

Thailand Real Food Adventure

8 days from 1488.

Take an 8-day Intrepid tour to Thailand, full of adventure, fun and flavour. Explore...

Vietnam Real Food Adventure

12 days from 1868.

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

Georgia Real Food Adventure

8 days from 1879.

Taste your way across Georgia on an unforgettable food adventure from Tbilisi to Telavi...

Mexico Real Food Adventure

9 days from 1913.

Take a 9-day culinary journey through Mexico, tasting the flavours of Oaxaca, Puebla,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

12 days from 2160.

Take a food-filled journey through Sri Lanka, spending 12 days cooking and eating in...

India Real Food Adventure

15 days from 2261.

Relish the sights and flavours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Goa on this...

Greece Real Food Adventure

9 days from 2712.

Meet passionate cooks and producers on a food adventure in Greece, via amazing ancient...

South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 days from 2869.

Slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the heart of South Korean cuisine, snacking at...

China Real Food Adventure

11 days from 2990.

Visit energetic China, where culture, history and cuisine come together to create a...

Italy Real Food Adventure

8 days from 3045.

From Venice to Rome, you’ll indulge in the best things to eat in Italy, with stops in...

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

8 days from 3179.

Feast on Portugal and Galicia on this food-focussed journey through Santiago de...

Northern Spain Real Food Adventure

10 days from 3852.

Taste your way from Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, through Logrono, San Sebastian...

Japan Real Food Adventure

11 days from 4412.

Take a foodie’s adventure to Japan, starting in Tokyo and hitting the streets of...

Our vegan & plant-based meal highlights

South Korea

Immerse yourself in monastic life during a temple stay in Gyeongju, including a plant-based dinner with chanting meditation and, if you’d like, a martial arts class on a Real Food Adventure in Korea .

Israel & the Palestinian Territories

In Nazareth, visit a restaurant that has been owned by the same family for over 40 years. Try their hummus with falafel, pita, pickles and cabbage salad on a Real Food Adventure in Israel & the Palestinian Territories .

The Balkans

Get hands on with local village women in Janche, North Macedonia, for a cooking class focused on making local flaky porcini mushroom pastries on a Real Food Adventure in The Balkans .

Take a walk in the countryside of the M'Goun Valley, where your leader will point out local crops of tomatoes, apples, walnuts and figs. On a Real Food Adventure in Morocco , these will be showcased in a plant-based dinner of soups, tagines and couscous.

Jaipur, India

Be welcomed into a local home in Jaipur and learn how to make ker sangri, a Rajashtani vegetable dish. Tuck into this and other plant-based dishes in a peaceful garden on a Real Food Adventure in India .

Dine on a plant-based spread at a local restaurant concentrating on dishes from the Isthmus region of Oaxaca – gorditas, tamales with huitlacoche, tlayudas and local fruits – on a Real Food Adventure in Mexico .

Dehli, India

Feast on vegan delights as you wander the streets of Dehli - think samosas and paratha (Indian flatbread) - or sample some delicious offerings at the local Langar (community kitchen). 

Head to the Tuscan hills in search of a delicious organic farm-to-table vegan feast your tastebuds are sure to thank you for and stay at a charming villa in the countryside. 

Why choose Intrepid

Local expertise.

We've teamed up with our expert local leaders to find the best plant-based meals in each destination. Whether it’s tracking down the most delicious hummus in Israel or the tastiest tamales in Mexico, they know just the place to find your next foodie hit.

Real life experiences

We love the highlights, but for us the real magic is found off the beaten path. We’re talking authentic cooking classes with local chefs, shopping at markets and other hidden gems you’ll only discover with Intrepid.

Small groups

Big coach buses and flag-toting tour guides just aren’t for us. With a maximum group size of 12, our groups are able to travel under the radar and visit spots many big tour groups can’t. It also means we can accommodate dietary requirements, and offer plant-based meals in the first place.

Responsible travel

You don’t have to eat vegan or vegetarian food at home to enjoy the plant-based meals on our Real Food Adventures. As long as you enjoy eating delicious, authentic food when you travel, you should relish every flavor-packed bite. On these trips you’ll be traveling responsibly: eating, sleeping and getting around locally and respecting animal welfare. We’ll also carbon offset your trip on your behalf.

What's the difference between following a vegan or plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet refers to a diet that's solely based on eating plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains while avoiding processed/pre-packaged foods and oils. Whereas a vegan diet means avoiding all animal-based products such as meats and dairy products, as well as leather products and other animal-made items. 

What is a plant-based meal?

A plant-based meal is entirely made from plant sources – fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, seeds, nuts, legumes, beans and oils.

What if I want to eat more vegan or plant-based meals on my trip?

You’ll be with a local leader for the entire duration of your Real Food Adventure . So even when you’re enjoying your free time or a plant-based meal is not included, they’ll be able to provide you with suggestions and advise you on where to find more delicious plant-based meals.

Are all the places you eat and cook at fully vegan or plant-based?

Animal product-free options will be available for all included meals and we will make efforts to accommodate other dietary requirements. When it comes to everyone's personal definition of veganism (e.g. only eating plant-based, not eating honey), we will do our best to accommodate these requirements as well.

You might be visiting countries where veganism may be new to the local people, and efforts to prevent cross-contamination may not be as diligent as in your home country. We make best efforts to ensure that meals are prepared in an environment free from cross-contamination, and your local leader will be there to translate when needed.

What about meals not included?

You’ll be with a local leader for the entire duration of your trip. So even when you’re enjoying your free time or a meal is not included, they’ll be able to provide you with suggestions and advise you on what to know.

Will my local leader also be vegan or plant-based?

We understand it’s important to have the expertise of someone who not only knows the destination but also what it means to eat a vegan or plant-based diet. That’s why we aim to provide you with a local leader who is vegan or plant-based – or at least a practicing vegetarian – who really gets and appreciates the nuances of these diets. Regardless, your local leader will be eating vegan or plant-based along with you during the trip.

Can I join if I’m not vegan or plant-based?

Of course! Anyone who has an interest in local vegan or plant-based cuisine is welcome on our Real Food Adventures. 

Read more about vegan & plant-based travel 

Dec 05, 2019

Vegan vegetarian food intolerances....

Two vegans, one vegetarian, one lactose intolerant and one gluten intolerant...

May 07, 2018

Vegan foodie these 5 destinations....

But try as they might, some countries are just simply better able to accommodate...

Jun 07, 2018

Why italy is an amazing destination....

Thought you had to skip the pizza, pasta and gelato? Think again.

Oct 01, 2018

Vegan vegetarian gluten-free here....

When it comes to food sensitivities, allergies and dietary requirements, Vietnam...

Jul 22, 2018

Vegetarian or vegan here’s how to....

Vegetarian and vegan travellers can have their yakitori, and eat it too. Here's...

Apr 11, 2022

Why we’re adding plant-based....

For the first time ever, all our food trips will now feature at least one...

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Vegan World Trekker – Vegan Travel

Vegan travel blog: dining, airlines, accommodations, guide books, travel gear, a vegan getaway to glacier national park montana.

The year 2020 is remembered as the year when travel came to a screeching halt due to the global coronavirus pandemic. All of us were encouraged to spend our free time appreciating nature by participating in local hikes in nearby state parks or walks along the shore. No cultural experiences. No meeting others to learn about their customs and traditions. Many US states did not even allow crossing the border to a neighboring state. Slowly the world started to open up again for travel upon the discovery of a covid vaccine. Initially, most people began to explore different regions of their own countries.

During the Summer of 2021, I began traveling again. My yearly tradition of visiting a different US State during the Memorial Day holiday weekend or the July 4th holiday weekend, had come back to fruition!

For the long Fourth of July weekend, I decided to visit Glacier National Park in the state of Montana.

Upon arrival in the city of Kalispell, I settled into my accommodations at the historic Grand Hotel. After checking in, I headed into town to see some of the local attractions.

Historic Kalispell was home to several museums and art galleries. My first stop was the Hockaday Art Museum.

Originally built as the town library in 1903, the museum galleries now showcase the art and culture of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

Next on my itinerary was a visit to the Conrad Mansion. This museum is the former residence of Charles Conrad, a shipping industry businessman and trader. In 1892, he founded the town of Kalispell. He and his wife built this home near the Montana backcountry.

The stunning, 26 room Victorian mansion gives visitors a glimpse into their life and their influence on Montana culture.

Northern Montana is home to some beautiful lakes. After my visit to the museums, I hopped into my car rental and headed to Flathead Lake.

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, within mainland United States. It is said to be one of the cleanest lakes in the world. I enjoyed the gorgeous views with the mountains backdrop.

Upon my return to Kalispell, I decided to have dinner downtown at Thai Palace. My meal was a delicious pineapple fried rice with carrots, onions, broccoli, and cashews.

I had a craving for some vegan ice cream. Sweet Peaks Ice cream on Main Street, offered a tasty, vegan strawberry flavor that evening.

The next morning, my breakfast was awaiting me at my accommodations. The previous evening, I had picked up a chia pudding from Mountain Valley Food Stop. That was my flavorful breakfast. I also purchased the local huckleberry juice which has a wonderful fruity taste.

It was time to meet my guide for a bus tour of Glacier National Park. The landscape was breath-taking! Within this popular tourist attraction, visitors will find mountains, glacial-carved formations, meadows, deep valleys, and majestic lakes. There are 700 miles of trails within the Park.

We encountered lush forests, flowing streams, and majestic mountains! St. Mary’s, Logan’s Pass, salamander Glacier, Going to the Sun Road, Many Glacier, Swift Current Lake, Heaven’s Gate, Lake McDonald, and Chief Mountain are some of the sights we viewed along our drive. We saw ground squirrels and mountain goats, as well!

At the highest elevations, the peaks were snow-capped. Our tour bus continued our ascent up the steep and winding Going-to-the-Sun Road.

A beautiful lake within the national park came into view.

Many Glacier Hotel is Glacier National Park’s largest hotel. It is located at the base of Mt. Grinnell on Swiftcurrent Lake. Opened in 1915, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was the perfect spot for our tour group to take a break and wander around the nearby area to take in the glorious views. Colorful wildflowers dot the landscape.

My lunch at Many Glacier Hotel was a wild rice bowl with green peppers, corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocado, and salsa.

Our tour of the magnificent Glacier National Park had come to an end. Upon my return back to the hotel in Kalispell, I freshened up and then headed off in my auto rental. This was the Fourth of July, so I drove to the nearby town of Whitefish to watch the fireworks by the lake. None of the restaurants in town offered a vegan option that evening, so I settled for a salad at one of the pubs in the town center.

Then onward to the lake I proceeded and witnessed a spectacular sunset, prior to the firework display. After spending a couple of hours in town, I headed back to my accommodations in Kalispell for a good night’s sleep.

The last day of my Montana long weekend vacation had arrived. I opted to dine at Bonjour Bakery & Bistro for breakfast. My meal consisted of a yummy veggie sandwich on sourdough, a cup of hot green tea, and a vegan chocolate cupcake for dessert.

I spent the day perusing shops, boutiques, art galleries, and appreciating the colorful murals around town. My first stop was the Museum at Central School. Some of the museum exhibits include northern Montana history, local indigenous culture, and the timber industry.

Next, I strolled around town visiting several art galleries and boutiques filled with locally made crafts.

Since my flight was mid-day, I chose to eat lunch at the airport. A house salad and raspberry cran-apple juice was the best vegan option there.

I enjoyed my July 4th holiday weekend visiting the beautiful state of Montana and the spectacular Glacier National Park!! The stunning scenery, the fascinating arts & culture, and the tasty vegan meals made this a wonderful three day vacation!

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The US Is Getting a National Vegan Welcome Center

Philadelphia—the birthplace of vegan and vegetarian movements in the united states—is now home to the american vegan center..

by Anna Starostinetskaya

May 14, 2021

This summer, The American Vegan Center will open in Philadelphia, PA—the city where the United States vegetarian and vegan movements began. The new vegan welcome center will feature a store (selling everything from vegan books to T-shirts to Philadelphia-specific vegan souvenirs), event space, and information center that will offer Old City vegan history tours to promote cruelty-free living to tourists and the general public. Situated near the home of Benjamin Franklin (who introduced America to tofu), the center is operated by The American Vegan Society (AVS), the longest-running vegan advocacy organization in the US, in partnership with vegan columnist Vance Lehmkuhl, the author of Eating Vegan in Philly . 

On June 15, The American Vegan Center will hold its first public event to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the American branch of the vegetarian Bible Christian Church in Philadelphia in 1817—the first vegetarian group in the US. The event will feature cartooning, tours, free giveaways, and more. “Our city’s veg history is very rich and very much worth knowing,” Lehmkuhl said.

Future events at the center are scheduled to begin in late 2021 and will focus on book signings, cooking classes, presentations, and discussion groups. The center will also promote vegan-themed events and plant-based food options throughout Philadelphia and serve as a celebration site for holidays such as Philly Vegan Day, World Vegan Month, and Vegan Cheesesteak Day.

How the vegan movement began

While lifestyles free from animal products have existed all around the world for centuries, the term “vegan” was officially coined in 1944 by woodworker Donald Watson, who founded The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom. 

Veganism was popularized in the United States by Jay Dinshah, who went vegan in 1957 after touring a slaughterhouse in Philadelphia and founded AVS in 1960. “Now that ‘vegan’ has arrived, AVS is happy to join the city’s wonderful vegan community and welcome people to Philadelphia,” AVS President Freya Dinshah, wife of the late founder who has helped operate the organization for more than 60 years, said.

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15 Best Vegan Travel Destinations (From Worst To Best)

Do you want to visit a vegan haven this year?

In this blog post, I’ve collected and trimmed down a large list of countries to give you the ten best vegan travel destinations in the world. In these destinations, you’re going to find cities where the vegan movement is brimming and ever-expanding.

As you’ll be able to read for yourself, most destinations are modern-world countries where veganism blew up, partly because of the immediate access we have to information.

Being from Portugal, a fairly traditional country where bullfighting still happens, that information crept up to me through a documentary called Cowspiracy. And it was this access to information that allowed millions of people to embrace veganism, as well.

The trend is still growing worldwide, and the way we can know that is by using tools like Google Trends (and Happy Cow) because it allows us to see what people are searching for. And these are essentially the tools I’ve used to come up with the best vegan destinations for any vegan looking to visit a place with awesome vegan food.

Google Trends

Google Trends is a tool that allows you to check if whether or not interest is trending in a particular country, or even worldwide.

I’ve typed in “vegan”, and I’ve set ‘Portugal’ as the location this time around. Plus, I set the time range for the past 5 years. And as you can see, it’s a bull trend.

Over the past 5 years, more and more people have been showing interest in the ‘vegan’ term, which means more people are interested.

But you can go even deeper…

You can see wherein each country is that term being searched for the most.

In Portugal, those are the 5 sub-regions (or districts), where searches for the ‘vegan’ term are being conducted the most. What this also means, is that there’s a higher chance of you finding more vegan restaurants if you visit one of the five sub-regions.

At the same time… you can see which countries are conducting searches related to veganism the most . All you have to is change the location to “worldwide” .

Using this one or any other tool might not be the most precise way of finding out which countries are the most vegan-friendly, but it’s a good starting point.

When you dive a bit deeper and research terms like “vegan recipes” and vegan restaurants near me”; that means the search goes just beyond curiosity.

While Happy Cow can serve us immensely by helping us find a top-notch vegan restaurant, it can also help us figure out how many vegan restaurants we have within a certain location.

Combined with Google Trends, we can more or less figure out if a certain country, city or region is vegan-friendly.

This is especially important because veganism starts with our diets. it’s not like we’re on a strict omnivore diet and can suddenly open an exception to chocolate…

No… we need to ensure we find vegan food in the places we’re traveling to, and this article is to help you find out about the places where you can find a brimming vegan culture… where movements and restaurants are brought to existence at an incredible pace.

Let’s have a look at the best vegan travel destination from worst to best!

The point of this article is to remain current, and therefore the information on this page might change over time.

The data I’ve used here is from 2019 and onward.

This data is essentially interest-level data by Google Trends that we’re confirming using Happy Cow by looking at the number of vegan establishments in a given location.

You might have a country with a high-interest level in veganism, but it might not be ideal to receive vegan travelers. Happy Cow gives us that confirmation.

#15 – Romania

Popularity level (Google Trends) : 24

When I think about Romania, I think about meat and potatoes.

However, the Eastern Orthodox fasting tradition common in most Eastern European countries compels them to abandon meat and dairy during the fasting season.

Not sure whether these recipes were developed for that season in particular, but Romanians have many traditional vegan recipes such as Varza Calita , which is essentially stewed cabbage. Mamaliga , which translates to cornmeal porridge. And Sarmale , which is stuffed cabbage rolls. (This is normally stuffed with meat, but not unusual to find them stuffed with rice as well.)

There are many other vegan recipes you’re able to find in traditional restaurants in Romania, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

As far as vegan restaurants go, you can find a few across all Romania, but it’s in Bucharest, the capital city, where you can find most.

#14 – Slovenia

One aspect I found to be common among Eastern European countries is the affordability of eating at a restaurant. And Slovenia is not any different. With 5-7 euros you can stuff your belly and not feel bad about it.

While there are only a few vegan restaurants across the country… you’ll find most of them in Ljubljana, the capital city.

In fact,  you can even find the  Loving Hut , a vegan restaurant chain that sells delicious vegan food at a really reasonable price.  A wrap and chips for 5.50 euros is a bargain.

#13 – Norway

In just 6 years, the number of vegans living in Norway has increased by 80%. And it’s also estimated that 4% of the Norwegian population follows a meat-free diet.

Mind you, these metrics come from a country that allows whale hunting and was once the world’s biggest producer of fox fur.

Fortunately, Norway is experiencing a shift, which you can confirm via data:

• Stores reported a 60% increase in sales of plant-based foods in 2018 when compared to 2017.
• The Norwegian government has agreed to put a stop to mink and fox farming in the country by 2025, shutting down the fur industry there.
• There’s an increasing number of animal activists and protests against animal cruelty.

And while it’s not a vegan paradise, you can find 21 vegan restaurants in Norway. With 13 of them being in Oslo. (According to Happy Cow)

#12 – South Africa

The chances of a booming Veg-African movement are slim, but in South Africa the vegan scene is strong. South Africans are known for their braai or shisa nyama , which in Zulu translates to ‘burn meat’, and is what we describe as barbecue .

But the truth is many traditional African meals are plant-based. Yam and vegetables, Ghanaian beans and plantains, South African pap and chakalaka, and Kenyan chapati and vegetable stew. Just to name a few.

Even if no vegan restaurants existed in South Africa, you’d still be able to eat vegan, because plant-based food is ingrained in their roots.

And fortunately, today you can find a strong vegan movement taking place in Cape Town. Where slowly you see more and more people embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, free from animal cruelty.

#11 – Finland

For people unfamiliar with Finland’s culture, you would probably think of Finland as the first country to embrace veganism due to its progressive conduct.

However, they have a deep-rooted hunting and fishing background, born from the need to withstand long, and harsh winters. As food distribution improved, hunting and fishing left from being an absolute necessity to becoming a sport.

Thankfully, in recent years there was a boom. And you can now find a wide array of vegan options in Finnish restaurants and supermarkets. Even smaller supermarkets in more remote towns tend to have a section dedicated to vegan ingredients.

Veganism is booming in some Finnish schools as well — where they serve only meat-free meals once a week while providing vegetarian options for the remaining days.

Helsinki happens to be the center place of the vegan boom, where you can find amazing vegan restaurants, each one with its creative flair of recipes.

#10 – Denmark

Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen, was actually named among the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe . And Denmark as a whole is blooming and embracing veganism, due mostly to environmental reasons.

Even Danish politicians from two different political parties completed a 22-day vegan diet to draw attention to how Western food production has an enormous climate footprint.

This progressive behavior from Danish politicians doesn’t surprise me, given how Copenhagen was named the European Green Capital in 2014.

They are forward-thinking indeed. 🙂

According to Happy Cow, Copenhagen has 25 vegan restaurants you can visit, which is quite significant considering it’s a small city that harbors 600k people.

#9 – Ireland

Similar to the countries I’ve mentioned above, Ireland is also embracing veganism and making changes one step at a time.

It’s not a mecca for the movement, but it’s not a complete stranger to it either.

This beautiful country is quickly catching wind of what veganism represents, by making available the options vegan seek the most, particularly in Dublin .

#8 – Singapore

The vegan movement is booming in Singapore, and the city is fast becoming a haven for plant-based individuals. Not my cup of tea (as I prefer to live in nature), but I totally wouldn’t mind dropping by to explore the vegan culture emerging in the city.

And lest not forget that Singapore was once considered the 2nd most vegan-friendly Asian city by PETA Asia, and the 6th top vegan city in the world by Happy Cow.

#7 – Netherlands

The vegan scene in the Netherlands is strong.

Unlike Ireland, where Dublin is the centerpiece of the vegan movement, here the case is somewhat different.

In the Netherlands, there’s one more city where vegan gastronomy is shining. There’s Amsterdam with 38 vegan restaurants, while Rotterdam, the second biggest city in the Netherlands has twelve.

This is impressive considering the Netherlands is two times smaller than Ireland but has triple the number of restaurants.

#6 – Sweden

One in ten people in Sweden is a vegetarian or vegan, according to a survey .

Coming from a country known for its meatballs, that is damn impressive. Today, you can easily find vegan restaurants in most big cities. With Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö being the heaviest hitters on that department.

You’re also able to find regular restaurants with a few vegan options, making it possible for vegans to eat anywhere.

This being said, the southern cities tend to be more welcoming to vegans, while northern cities tend to focus mostly on meat, fish, and dairy. But don’t let that deprive you of visiting beautiful northern cities, because there’s always a solution.

Supermarkets in Sweden tend to have a huge variety of dairy and meat-free options.

#5 – Australia

Despite being one of the countries where the consumption of meat is the highest… Australia is fighting for the crown for the best vegan destination.

This is one country where people are friendly, thrill-seekers, open-minded, and enjoy living a healthy lifestyle. Because of these traits, you’ll find many vegan-friendly restaurants, as well as restaurants that are happy to accommodate if necessary.

In Australia, there are nearly 300 vegan restaurants. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland are where vegan gastronomy seems the hottest.

#4 – United States

A report released in 2017 reveals that 6% of the American population is now vegan. That’s a 600% increase in three years.

Plus, I found out that in the United States, there are an astounding 1488 vegan restaurants. The states with the majority of vegan restaurants are the following: California, New York, and Florida. Each state has more than 100 vegan restaurants.

The states with the lowest number of vegan restaurants are Alaska, Kansas, West Virginia, Alabama, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Delaware.

#2/3 – Germany

Germany is known for its beer and sausages, but it also dominates the global vegan product market, according to a report launched by Mintel . The report reveals that Germany accounts for 15% of vegan introductions all over the world.

Every vegan knows Berlin for its vegan-friendliness. It has cemented its reputation as the original vegan hub of Europe, with its vegan restaurants and movements everywhere.

Also, the German government makes an effort to listen to the population and promote pro-environment alternatives. I’d say this should be a go-to destination for any vegan.

#2/3 – United Kingdom

In the UK is where you find the highest number of vegan restaurants in Europe.

Just in England alone, there are 455 vegan restaurants.

Around 170 of them located in a radius of 8 km around London.

That number is increasing, alongside eco-grocery shops and cruelty-free clothing shops.

These outstanding numbers point to an increase in demand, from an increasing population of vegans. In fact, research from 2018, suggests that more than 3.5 million UK residents currently identify as vegan. That number represents 7% of the population.

#1 – Israel

Tel-Aviv, the capital of Israel is considered the capital of veganism .

There are over 400 vegan-friendly places in Tel-Aviv alone.

And just like every other place, those numbers increase every year.

In fact, the tourism department of Israel promotes the country as a ‘Vegan Nation’. With Tel Aviv as the center of all veganism.

Hummus, tahini, falafel… those are at the core of Israeli cuisine, which are all vegan ingredients. Tel-Aviv is also known for the amazing and flavourful dishes born from the use of those very same ingredients.

It doesn’t matter where you go, you can get vegan food!

Alexandre Valente

reach us at [email protected]

Vegan foundry ⓒ 2024.

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We're Jase and Ashley, two long-term vegans with a serious travel problem.

We've spent 7+ years traveling and scoping out the best vegan eats, ethical activities and discovering adventure.

We met on the sandy shores of Koh Phangan, Thailand - literally on the sand. Since then we've grown from budget backpackers to remote workers, but always kept our mission to spread the word that vegan travel is not only possible - it's better.

If you're a vegan traveler, digital nomad, or just love a good adventure, join us as we hope to help inspire a different kind of travel.

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The rise of vegan safaris

A plant-based lifestyle is about more than just diet. Can African safaris meet the challenge?

There are some experiences vegan travelers know they might feel uncomfortable with—such as an African safari. A typical safari serves meat-heavy cuisine, has guests lounging on leather couches, and takes diesel-fueled safari drives to observe game animals. For the growing number of Americans who follow a lifestyle that not only eschews eating meat, but also focuses on sustainability and conservation of the Earth’s resources, that means safaris can be a big turnoff.

Now, though, some outfitters are offering safaris that are more accessible to vegans. These trips do more than just serve plant-based meals; they also focus on limiting exposure to animal products, minimizing impacts to the environment, and offsetting carbon emissions from the journey itself. But how vegan-friendly can safaris really be?

What’s a vegan-friendly safari?

The first vegan safaris launched around 2017, with Vegan Safari Africa and World Vegan Travel offering experiences in Botswana , South Africa , and Rwanda . Now, with more travelers identifying as vegan or vegetarian, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA ), these safaris are not only more accessible and sustainable, but also a new income stream for outfitters.

( These trends are transforming traditional safaris for the better .)

Vegan Safari Africa, based in Botswana and run by married couple Helene Sandenbergh and David Forward, has offered vegan safaris through partner lodges for about six years. It’s a departure from David’s history there: His father arrived in Botswana in 1959 with a group of big-game hunters, and, when David was a child, he had wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Now, the Forwards take about six people at a time out on vegan safaris in Botswana and Zambia . They use a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a professional local guide and spend up to 10 nights camping in the bush. They don’t have a permanent lodge, instead partnering with existing vegan-friendly lodges when needed, to lessen their environmental impact. Campsites operate with a leave-no-trace policy. Guests have reusable water bottles; soaps are handmade by locals, biodegradable, and not tested on animals; and all the food served is vegan.

Wildlife drives go out every morning, and guests relax at camp the rest of the day. “The guides are very sensitive in the way they go around looking for animals,” says Helene. If guides need to shine a spotlight to see animals on a drive, for example, they use a red-tinted light to minimize disruption.

Another company, Vegans, Baby (in collaboration with Alluring Africa), offers safaris in South Africa and, new-for-2023, Botswana . The company uses cruelty-free toiletries (meaning they weren’t tested on animals and contain no animal products) and wool- and silk-free linens, and they avoid spaces displaying animal skins (such as leather chairs) or hunting trophies (such as horns hung on a wall).

The South African itinerary is hosted at Shamwari Private Game Reserve , where meals might incorporate vegetables from the lodge garden roasted on a bonfire. Activities include drives to spot big cats, elephants, and giraffes in reserves that limit off-roading; walks to learn about the bush ecosystem; planting trees to offset carbon emissions; and helping at sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers for orphaned wildlife.

( Will plant-based meat ever satisfy America’s hunger for the real thing ? )

Other options include Kings Camp in South Africa, which provides vegan food and a safari guide who is vegan, and Emboo Camp in Kenya . Emboo is the first company in east Africa to have a full fleet of electric safari vehicles that are charged with solar power. At the lodge, which also runs on solar power, water and trash are recycled and a garden provides ingredients for meals.

Kings Camp, Vegan Safari, and Alluring Africa all won PETA awards for animal-friendly African safaris this January. It was the first time PETA has given this award.

Nevertheless, the number of vegan safari outfitters is still quite low, says Wolfgang Strasdas , a professor of sustainable tourism management at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development in Germany. The market for this type of safari remains small, he says, but there could also be a cultural difference. “The countries where safaris take place have a meat-eating culture, partially due to the natural semi-arid conditions where growing crops may be difficult,” Strasdas says.

Opportunity or opportunistic?

Going meatless is just one aspect of vegan travel, however. All safaris impact the local ecosystem and environment, especially in the popular parks, where animal harassment, habitat destruction, pollution, and off-road driving can occur. “We have seen reduction in grazing land as well as soil erosion in certain areas of the Maasai Mara due to the intensity of off-road trucking,” says Shem Wambugu Maingi , a safari ecotourism expert and lecturer at Kenyatta University in Kenya.

Considerations of overall sustainability would also address the airline and car transportation that travelers took to arrive at their destination, as well as how far food was shipped if not grown onsite.

“I don't want to be too pessimistic about that because it’s a contradiction that we have to live with,” Strasdas says. “Safari tourism, if it’s well managed, has a lot of benefits to the destinations.”

( Here’s how to do wildlife tourism the right way .)

Ultimately, Strasdas and Maingi agree that vegan safaris, even though they might not be completely vegan, are fairly sustainable—especially if the companies are hiring locally, the lodges are growing their own food, and the safari groups focus on habitat preservation and restoration. As long as travelers keep the environment and community top of mind, vegan safaris can be beneficial to both people and the planet.

“Connect with people from around the world, find out about their lives, explore the wilderness, and deeply appreciate what we have to lose,” recommends Helene Sandenbergh. “Get inspired by it and then work towards solutions.”

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• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
• WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

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Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) travel with the NHA is truly unique. Not only do you get the opportunity to explore and discover amazing destinations with like-minded friends who share your passion for healthy living, but you also get to enjoy them with delicious, bountiful, and creatively prepared meals that are not just vegan and whole food plant-based, but which also adhere to the NHA gold standard of being salt, oil, and sugar free!

Recent travel adventures have been to Germany and Amsterdam (2019), Baha (April 2022), Alaska (August 2022), Galapagos Islands (February 2023), Greek Isles (October 2023), and Costa Rica and Panama Canal (February 2024).

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Vegan Tours 

We offer vegan tours and experiences around the world.  See animals in nature. Meet people and discover cultures.  Travel adventure with lots of fun. Learning about cuisine, nutrition, ecology, conservation...   Wellness tourism for health and wellbeing.  Fitness and sport.    Looking forward to meeting you.

Vegan Trips

Let us know where and when you want to travel.  We have several more options we can tell you about.   If you do not see a country listed we have probably been there and have local contacts.  We have researched every country in the world.   We can also create custom tours for most destinations.

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Vegan World Tour

I hope you can be part of our travel project, where we will be traveling around the world for the next 3 years;   Come for any part of it;  We are a travel club, offering low prices and lots of activities for vegans, chefs, animal lovers...

The priority is on safe travel and sustainable eco friendly trips, so we plan to travel slowly, staying for longer in places.  There are lots of options to learn along the way and interact with the local culture.

What is certain, is that you will make lots of new friends and have lifelong great memories.

Vegan Business Camp

Digital nomads.

We want to bring together a mix of skills, like photography, marketing, social media.... Our base will be next to the co-worker spots and we will have great internet facilities. We will have a professional podcast studio and you can make youtube clips. We will have a drone, gopro, dlsr, lighting etc. as well as support for tools like final cut pro, gimp, corel, etc. We can do head shots, create websites, social media growth.

We have experts who want to teach and startups who want to learn. It is a great place to exchange ideas and knowledge. Take some time off too, to explore and participate in the many activities and trips we have planned.

It's a great place to network. You can combine work and fun.

Thailand Adventure

We will be based in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand for 3 months (Sep, Oct, Nov), and will focus on the veg festival which happens in October and lasts 9 days.

It's a great location up in the mountains, so a little bit cooler, and a great variety of things to see and do.  Temples, tea plantations, hill tribes, national parks, elephants....

We will definitely be cycling, as well as trekking :)

We are spending a week in a newly opened, elephant sanctuary.  It's a great project, which is rejuvenating a small village.

Thailand tours...

      https://thailand.veganonthemap.com/

Our base entry point will be Paris - one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world.

Then we head out to the region of Brittany - it is just over 2 hours from Paris by fast TGV train.

We arrive in a rural, coastal paradise.   Our journey will follow the famous GR34 coastal walking route - there are also options to hire bicycles, go sailing etc.

There is great cultural heritage, churches, castles, small rural villages, magical forests, coastal walks....

Great cuisine - and there are several new vegan restaurants for us to explore.

Transylvania, Dracula Tour

Follow the steps of Harker in search of count Dracula

This is a unique chance to discover Romania’s dark history on a cultural tour which tells Dracula’s tale through live performances, such as the Ritual of Killing the Living Dead, and gives travellers the chance to experience live re-enactments that are based on fact rather than fictional horror stories.

This is also an excellent means of discovering the rural lifestyles, undulating landscapes and medieval castles of central Romania with charming guesthouses within traditional Transylvanian villages letting you step back in time and experience life far from the tourist hot spots.

Every day spent in Romania’s Transylvania region is a history lesson. Craft guilds, counts, religious reformations, sieges, great fires, ancient trading routes—there are so many myths, legends and narratives wrapped up in this part of Romania.

Bucharest | Snagov Monastery | Targoviste | Sinaia | Poiana Brasov | Bran Castle | Sighisoara | Sighisoara Medieval Citadel | Birth and death place of Vlad the Impaler | Dracula's coffin | Dracula's Castle in Borgo Pass | Bistrita | Bistrita Citadel | Cluj | Turda | Sibiu

Iceland Adventure Tour

We will in Iceland in 2024 for July and August and possibly part of September.   Doing several different trips, the details to  be confirmed depending on the group.   We will be spending some time in Reykjavik too where we will be exploring and organising a variety of day trips.    Our tour leaders are the fun influencers Seyka & Brian.  More...

More Featured Tours

We love to discover regional cuisine and work with hotels to ensure there is always a fully vegan menu available.  We visit local markets to discover the exotic produce.  Working  with culinary schools we provide workshops.  We like to hunt down the best vegan restaurants and establish links with vegan chefs.  Most countries have traditional plant based dishes, which will amaze you.  Other dishes can be veganised.   All dietary requirements can be catered for including gluten free, food intolerances, raw food diet and any others.  You tell us your preferences and favourite styles of food.  We suggest that you bring a bento box, so that you can always eat what you want, when you want.

Vegan Resources Cheat Sheets

We have collected together a wide range of vegan resouces for you to consult and browse at your leisure.

Animals in nature.

We love to see animals in their natural surrounding and learn about conservation work.  We also incorporate visits to animals sanctuaries.   We are going :-

on safari in Africa: Kenya , Madagascar , South Africa , Botswana .  Coming soon Tanzania .

to China to see the pandas.  The cuisine is amazing.  One week in Sichuan, with spicy food, and one week in Shanghai with more sweet and sour style.  Highlight was the temple stay near Mount Emei and chanting with the monks at 6am.  Also went to Disneyland in Shanghai!!

to Iceland to see the arctic foxes, whales and puffins.  Also those famous wild horses native to the country.

to Thailand to see the elephants; we are spending a week in a newly opened, elephant sanctuary.  It's a great project, which is rejuvenating a small village.

to Australia to see the koala bears and kangaroos, on our east coast tour.  In New Zealand the kiwi bird is the nation's sweetheart.

to Scotland to see the puffins. It's also home to Harry Potter !!

For our travel calendar see here

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Hi, i'm emma.

Full-time adventurer, long-distance hiker, outdoor educator and lady behind the scenes at Vegan Adventure Holidays  dedicated to helping you have the best vegan travel experience possible.

Welcome to an international community of vegan travellers, I’m really glad you’re here! This site is full of incredible  vegan travel resources, ideas, and inspiration  so grab a soy milk cappuccino, sit back for 5 minutes, and have a good look around! 

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GUIDE A Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Japan Contrary to popular belief, there is a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options in Japan (you just need to know where to look...)

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• A Vegetarian and Vegan Guide to Japan

Being a vegetarian or vegan in Japan is a challenge, but veggie travelers shouldn't be deterred because there is plenty to keep you well-fed

Japanese cuisine is known for its heavy use of meat and fish, and even stocks and sauces usually have some ingredients containing meat.

Vegetarianism and veganism are not as popular in Japan as it is in the West, so you'll find there's often some confusion as to what you can and can't eat. However, with a little planning, it's possible to navigate Japan and even sample vegetarian or vegan Japanese food, without compromising your diet.

If you're a little adventurous, you may even discover some new ingredients to add to your vegan cooking arsenal when you go back home.

Vegetarian in Japan

Japanese food can be delicious and wholesome for both vegans and vegetarians. Rice and vegan-friendly noodles make up the base of most dishes. Tofu is available in a staggering variety of shapes and textures. Miso, a seasoning made of fermented soybeans and koji (a fungus) is in many dishes. Natto, fermented soybeans, are a staple of the cuisine and fresh or pickled seasonal veggies are easy to find.

However, even when meat or fish isn't immediately evident in a dish, there's often hidden ingredients such as meat or bonito flakes that render a dish vegan unfriendly.

While vegetarianism is gaining momentum, “vegetarian,” as an import word, is less definitive and often understood in a broader sense in Japan. Simply requesting vegetarian meals may not be sufficient. Language and cultural barriers can be challenging, but we've put together some tips on ordering veggie to help you enjoy a diet-compliant and culturally exciting trip in Japan.

Veggie bites for intrepid travelers

Zen Buddhism first arrived in Japan in A.D. 538 and prompted Emperor Tenmu to prohibit the killing and eating of meat in A.D. 675. The ban lasted approximately 100 years (though was largely ignored).

Today, vegetarianism in Japan still retains close ties with the Zen Buddhist community. Its cuisine, shojin ryori, is an important part of monks' devotion to a life of abstention from violence against living beings. Shojin ryori is found almost exclusively in Buddhist temples, meaning it's not a feasible option for fueling your entire trip to Japan unless you're staying at shukubo (temple lodgings) the whole time. However, if you get the chance to try shojin ryori, it makes a light, healthy and beautifully photogenic meal, which is a fun cultural experience for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

The elegant and artfully prepared cuisine, served on beautiful plates and dishes of Kamakura lacquerware, tends to be made up of soybean-based foods, such as tofu, along with seasonal vegetables. It is believed to bring balance to mind, body, and spirit. Great care is taken to avoid waste in preparing this cuisine, and even the tops of vegetables are used for stock.

One word of warning; traditionally, shojin ryori is vegan—and even omits pungent flavors like garlic and onion—but the use of dairy is not considered harmful to animals by modern monks, so it is occasionally used. Check ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Veggie cuisine is gaining momentum in urban Japan

Japanese culture is renowned for subtle attention to detail, dedication, and refinement. Furthermore, options for veggie lifestyles are expanding along with recognition.

Nowadays, many veggie restaurants are displaying an official vegan or vegetarian sticker of approval issued by The Japan Vegan Society or The Japan Vegetarian Association. Registering is a stringent process and therefore stickers of approval are a good indicator that the meals are meat free.

And culinary enthusiasts and chefs are continuously creating and refining new vegan recipes, creamy tofu “cheeses,” vegan eggs, vegan meat, and unique ramen alternatives that could fool even the most avid meat-lover. If you are looking for modern or Japanese fusion veggie cuisine, seeking out some of the progressive veggie focused restaurants could be the key to new discoveries.

Check out the dedicated portal sites below to search for vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your destination city or surrounding urban area.

Traveling in rural Japan

When you're outside of major cities, consider staying in a ryokan where they will be able to create spectacular feasts of vegetarian Japanese food if you contact them ahead of time with details of your dietary needs. Some are particularly proud of their vegetarian cuisine, so search online to see which ones specialize.

Konbinis (convenience stores) are a surprising goldmine of veggie snacks, perfect for when you're in a bind. They're cheap, can be found all over the place, and always stock a few things you can eat for some quick sustenance. Onigiri (rice balls) can be found in the fridge sections. Many will be filled with fish, but there are usually some umeboshi (sour pickled plum) and kombu (dried kelp) options. For on-the-go protein, natto (fermented soybean) is available in ready-to-eat packages, but, be warned, the accompanying sauce is often dashi (fish stock).

Packaged beans, edamame, simple garden salads and inarizushi (rice in a tofu pocket) are all options that can help you make a filling meal when other options aren't available. Vegetarians have more options, with cheese strings, quail eggs and lots of pastries to choose from. Consider taking your own soy sauce around with you for a splash of fish-free flavor when only the basics are available.

Tips for ordering veggie & vegan

Vegetarian is an import word and, though widely understood, can be a more flexible in definition than in English.

When ordering, be specific about what you cannot eat. Say no meats, seafoods, or animal products including dashi or stocks.

If the waiter seems unsure, reiterate that no meat also includes chicken, pork, and fish (what may seem like a reluctance to accommodate could simply be a lack of understanding).

Print out a written explanation or card detailing your dietary requirements in Japanese.

Restaurants and izakayas with photo menus can be very helpful. But be sure to check the dashi and base ingredients for fish or animal products.

Notify establishments of dietary requirements in advance when making reservations, particularly if it's a set menu.

Translation apps such as Google Translate can also be a great tool to have on hand.

Kosher and Halal Eating in Japan

How accommodating is Japan toward halal (Islamic) and kosher (Jewish) food?

Awareness and accommodation of Halal and Kosher diets is still far from optimal compared to vegetarianism and veganism. According to the strictest standards, there are almost no restaurants in Japan that specialize in Kosher food. Kosher has various restrictions, such as no pork, shrimp, or crab, no meat, and dairy products, combined with requirements concerning the slaughter process. If you adhere to Kosher diet, be sure to look carefully at the menu list and choose dishes that do not contain prohibited foods when eating out. Kosher Japan is a kosher certification organization in Japan that offers mail order and delivery services of kosher certified foods and operates kosher hotel chains.

The focus toward Muslim-friendly initiatives (halal food promotion), pursued by national and local governments, has an expansion of halal-certified products and halal-compliant restaurants throughout Japan. You can find restaurants with official Halal certificate of recognition issued by the Halal Japan Business Association or Japan Muslim Association.

These are gourmet search site that provides information on halal restaurants throughout Japan.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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21 Plant-Based Foods That Are Great For Traveling

Whenever I travel I always pack several snacks and a sandwich in my carryon bag.  It’s not just because I always need a supply of food with me wherever I go but to also ensure that I have access to nutritious food.  Not only is it cheaper to travel with my own food but I won’t be as tempted to eat junk food I find along the way if I already have my favorite foods with me.

Prior to switching to a plant-based diet, I would scout an airport’s website to see what fast food restaurants were there and plan where I was going to eat at when I got there.

Nowadays I still scout an airport’s restaurant directory before traveling but now I’m checking to see if there are any healthy plant-based options offered.  If there isn’t then I make a shopping list of plant-based foods I want to bring for the trip. Then the night before I travel, I'll go to the supermarket to buy any ingredients I may need and prep any meals if necessary. When I get to the airport all I need to get is some water after passing through security and I’m all set.

Below are 21 plant-based foods that are great for traveling:

Nut butter sandwich

Instant oatmeal packets

Granola bars

Vegan protein powders

Stevia or agave sweeteners

Hummus wrap

Seeds (flax, hemp, chia, sunflower, etc.)

Fresh fruit (if flying internationally buy them at the airport after passing through security and eat them before landing at your destination)

Cut up raw vegetables

Tea packets

Homemade trail mix

Whole grain crackers

Vegan protein bars

Unsweetened dried fruit

Veggie burger

Salads (dressing must be in a container no bigger than 3 ounces if flying)

Veggie sushi

Fruit and nut bars

Nut butter in to go packets

Pick and choose from this list and you won't go hungry on your next trip.

Have any comments or questions about these vegan travel foods?  Let us know in the comment section below!

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The Ultimate Vegan Guide To Iceland: Sights And Food In All Regions

Iceland is opening its borders back up to those who have been vaccinated or already infected in the past with COVID. This is exciting news for the country (as most of its revenue comes from tourism ) and for tourists . Iceland is the most beautiful country in the world, in my opinion, and it offers the most exciting outdoor adventures out there. From towering waterfalls, to rugged sea cliffs, to glacial volcanoes, to fields of lupines stretching towards the midnight sun, to the northern lights, it’s perfect. It’s one of those places where your jaw literally drops multiple times a day.

My partner and I explored the entirety of it (minus most of the West Fjords) back in the summer of 2019. We camped, hiked, hitch hiked, and backpacked. It was incredible, and absolutely life-changing. We free climbed volcanoes, played in glacial lagoons, watched the arctic seas from black sand beaches, and ate a lot of incredible food.

Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is the best country in the world for vegans . We had no idea, so we planned on cooking most of our meals over an open fire (that was more affordable as well). Our minds were completely changed within the first day of being there, so we ended up trying foods from eateries all around the country. It remains the best food of our life. So if you’re vegan, don’t be intimidated by this country. It’s absolutely the best travel destination for you. If you need some guidance though, read on! Here’s the ultimate vegan guide to Iceland!

Southern Iceland

Sea cliffs, puffins, waterfalls, wild horses, and endless purple lupines. Yes, this place is magical, and conveniently the home of their largest city—Reykjavik. Because of this, this happens to be the region that’s the most crowded and filled with tourists. Things are most expensive down here as well for that reason, but this region needs to be explored for at least two days. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

Camp in Vik (if you’re wanting more time in the city, stay at a hostel in Reykjavik as they’re clean and inexpensive), spend time on the sea, and enjoy all of the delicious dishes from the greenhouses in the area!

This modern spot is in the city, situated on the most colorful street in Reykjavik. Not everything is vegan in this vibrant eatery, but there are a ridiculous amount of options! They serve build-your-own bowls filled with everything from the best vegan chicken of your life to watermelon to greens to roasted coconut flakes. We loved their “VEGAN SKÁL” bowl filled with sweet potatoes, Oumph chicken, coconut, broccoli, and the best sauces on a bed of greens. Their vegan barbecue bowl and raw brownies were also so flavorful!

This is a great spot for lunch- grab a window seat so you can people watch in the artsiest neighborhood in the city.

Emilie and the Cool Kids

If you get breakfast in one place while you’re in Reykjavik, make it be here.

I can’t even stress enough how delicious their food is. Their jam alone is the best I’ve ever tasted! We gobbled up their bagels with vegan cream cheese, spinach soup, vegan sweet scones with Nordic jam, oat milk cappuccinos, and raspberry lemonade. It’s all made in house, and they even have lots of vegan paninis!

It’s a very hipster spot, being covered in monstera wallpaper, quirky art, and old-fashioned light bulbs. The bathrooms are even turned into jungle paradises with the colorful tiger wallpaper and plants!

We loved eating our breakfast there, and then getting the berry lemonade to go so we could walk along the sea with it. It’s perfect for the harbor!

Reykjavik Chips

Okay yes, this place is very touristy, but for good reason. We went just to see it, but it smelled so good that we ended up buying a lot of their fries. They were the best fries we have ever had (noticing a theme within Icelandic food? It’s ridiculously good). They are so crispy on the outside, but thick cut so the inside is very fluffy, making these into a good meal even if you are in a rush or are in the area. You can get sweet potato version if you’d prefer as well, and their vegan fry sauce is mouthwatering and creamy. This eatery is not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it and perfect for sharing!

This Neapolitan style pizza place is located in the Hlemmur (which is a bus station food court in Reykjavik). While they don’t have a vegan cheese to top it with, it honestly doesn’t need it. We got their marinara pizza veganized and it was the best. I’ve never had better crust, and it’s among the top pizzas I’ve ever eaten. This is a great options for travelers who get to the city late, and are tired and need a place to sit and gather themselves (because the jet lag is real). The Hlemmur is open very late (we ate here at midnight), and there are plenty of long tables to sit at with outlets. We didn’t have a place to stay that night so as we looked into options we could afford, we made friends with strangers at our table, ate our pizza, and charged our phones. It was honestly very cozy considering how stressful the situation should have been. If you’re wanting to stay a while or just don’t feel like pizza, there are plenty of other vegan options inside this space! We shared vegan croissants, plenty of oat milk cappuccinos, the most amazing carrot soup, and french bread from various food stands inside. The options are endless and it’s a great place to people watch.

Located in Selfoss, this bright yellow eatery is an absolute must. The little town is darling, and there’s a fantastic camping site in town for those wanting a more pampered experience—which for Iceland means having meals cooked by the staff and local bunnies bouncing through the peaceful grounds. It’s all very removed from tourists, which is such a rarity for the south.

The eatery is the best spot to have a quiet dinner at, and their outdoor seating is so pretty with every table being decorated with locally grown flowers. Their “Verdure ‘Vegan'” pizza is topped with vegan mozzarella, tomato, red onion, olives, bell pepper, garlic, vegan parmesan, cashew nuts and oregano, or you can build your own. We loved enjoying their perfectly made coffee outside, served in glass cups!

It is such a beautiful, cottage-core place, and it’s ideal for those who don’t want to fight crowds.

Black Beach Restaurant

If you’re in Iceland, you need to see Reynisfjara Beach. Its ebony sand and Game of Thrones geometric cliff faces are unique and breathtaking. This place can be swarming with tourists, but again- it’s worth it. If it looks super crowded, leave and see the nearby Dyrholaey sea cliffs (my favorite spot in Iceland), the wild ponies in the sea swept fields all around, or walk around the closest town of Vik for a bit (my favorite town in Iceland). Either way, while you’re there, there is a beautiful eatery right on the beach. Its cool modern architecture is meant to mirror the natural landscape around it, and it’s such a stunning effect. Enjoy their heartwarming vegan turnip soup (made with local turnips) after being soaked in the icy sea spray (though don’t get in the water—it’s the most dangerous beach you’ll ever visit, and the death rates are very high among those who turn their back to the waves or get in). They also have tofu salad, french fries, Indian tofu and rice, tagliatelle, onion rings, and delicious blueberry juice.

Your best bet for a grocery store: Kronan in Vik

As mentioned, cooking is affordable, so if you’re camping I highly recommend renting a mini propane tank for cooking outside.

This grocery store is where we filled up our car with most of the food we needed for the next month. They had so many options! This would be a good place to splurge, as they have vegan sandwiches and meals, but we went for the cheaper options. We got lots of jugs of blueberry juice, wheat bread, cereal, apples, different types of beans, our favorite Icelandic boxed soup (which essentially is veggie broth, a few veggies, and cheerio croutons), salt, rice, tortillas, canned tomatoes, peanut butter, and rice cakes. It kept us going for most of the month.

We made enchiladas, peanut butter sandwiches, soup, chickpeas and rice, and many other dishes with these ingredients. Aim for items like that if you don’t want to spend a lot!

Eastern Iceland

Few tourists make it out of southern Iceland, since they don’t see the other areas as often on Instagram. Because of this, we found the rest of Iceland to be even more delightful. Eastern Iceland is filled with national parks, glacial lagoons, volcanoes, ash fields, more waterfalls, and the only forest in the country (situated beautifully on a lake that supposedly is home to a giant worm monster).

It’s extremely remote and perfect for hiking. Halfway through the eastern region, you’ll need to drive up a very small and steep dirt road, so if you’re renting a car make sure to either get a 4×4 or “gravel insurance,” and be so careful.

Kaffiterían Skaftafelli

This is located in the Skaftafell Visitor Center and is a cafeteria. They have a lot of options for vegans, including amazing apple pie, sandwiches, squash soup, and lots of nordic juices!

Enjoy surreal views of icebergs and volcanoes out the giant glass wall (get a window seat if you can) as you eat the heartwarming food—maybe after a beautiful hike in the Icelandic wilderness there—just watch out for quicksand! There is also a food stand on the premises that has a few snack options. Skaftafell is among the most remote of the regions, so if you don’t eat here just make sure you have food with you because it will be a few hours before you see anything else.

After driving into the most isolated part of Iceland (after you climb the dirt road mentioned), you’ll drive along cliff side roads overlooking the cerulean icy seas. It’s breathtaking, and by the time you enter Vallanes (home of the monster lake and only forest) you’ll be ready for a hearty meal. Móðir Jörð is an organic farm and mostly vegan bistro, and makes everything from what they grow. It’s my absolute favorite eatery in the world, and I think about it almost daily—it’s that good. They are not stingy on the portions either! When we went, we ordered their turnip soup and they put a giant pot of it on our table. We were able to eat as much as we wanted for no extra charge. We feasted on the soup (the best of my life), handmade flatbread crackers, pesto from the garden, and the richest cappuccinos. It was all so beautiful and clearly made with love. Even the water had lovely green plants in it.

This place is just dreamy, so if you eat out only once while in Iceland, come here! It’s very undiscovered (so rather than going to the popular tomato bistro in the south filled with tourists, come here), and it boasts wide open views of the serene mountains and Icelandic trees.

Their greenhouse is fun to walk around, and it’s filled with unique wooden furniture made by a famous Icelandic artist!

They also sell jams, crackers, and other delicious goods.

Seydisfjordur is among the most secluded towns in the country (which is saying a lot), and happens to be where the volcano scene from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was filmed! Drive from Vallanes into the mountains, and drive the curving road down to the sea on the other side. Even in the summer, there will be ice on the waterfalls along the road so keep your eye out for those! The town itself is a little, whimsical, rainbow town (there is literally a rainbow road) at the edge of the water.

Aldan is the restaurant of Hotel Öldunn—a stunning, victorian hotel along the rainbow road. Its roses and intricate decor make this feel like something straight out of Anne of Green Gables . It’s stunning. Their oat milk cappuccinos are the best we had in the country (those were our go-to’s), but they also serve Nordic dishes like oven-baked pumpkin and bread with bean spread.

Your best bet for a grocery store:  Bonus or Netto in Vallanes

These are on the same hill as each other, and have plenty of options. Since this region is very isolated, take advantage of that and stock up on anything you’re missing. This is where we picked up more blueberry juice, bread, white beans, and vegan butter popcorn.

There are also a few gas stations in these area, so we went there to grab free coffee (they have a deal with most car rental places that you’ll be using), grapefruit soda, and Icelandic sour candy.

In Iceland gas stations often have full blown markets inside with fresh produce and vegan cheeses galore! They’re all super clean and have plenty of options, so keep that in mind (they’re often cheaper than grocery stores too).

  Northern Iceland

Driving from eastern Iceland to the north feels like you entire a new planet. The trees and lakes give way to a Mars-like landscape filled with mist and red and the smell of sulfur. This is where Iceland gets its energy from, and it’s also where the most powerful waterfall in Iceland exists (in the middle of nowhere, but such a spiritual experience worth having).

Once you reach the very top of the country, that gives way to weathered arctic towns, whales, stormy waters, fjords, and lots of great food!

Blaa Kannan Cafe

This historic blue eatery is located in Akureyri , the northern-most town in Iceland (though for Iceland standards, it’s a city), and is where the “beyond the wall” area from Game of Thrones was filmed! Lake Myvatn, the lake the city sits on, happens to be home to the Yule Lads of Icelandic folklore!

While you’re visiting, you need to stop in Blaa Kannan for some vegan banana cake, more oat milk cappuccinos, and Icelandic hard candy! We were the only Americans they had had in a while, so they gave us a lot of free samples of traditional (and accidentally vegan) dishes! They’re so kind and the food is absolutely heartwarming.

Akureyri Backpackers

This is by far the most original place I have ever eaten at. Part hostel, part laundromat, part bar, part tour desk, this eclectic spot also serves amazingly hearty vegan food! Meet fellow travelers and watch soccer matches on the TV’s as you enjoy your food seated in old 1970s pilot chairs.

We loved their veggie burger (without the honey sauce), the vegan Thai burger (the curry sauce is so flavorful), potato wedges, cider, and Icelandic beer!

They also serve other international dishes like veggie tacos (get without sour cream), Greek salad (without dairy), and mojitos!

Also in Akureyuri, this place is great because it has a lunch buffet filled with vegan options! We cooked mostly when we were in the north, so we didn’t end up trying this spot but we heard incredible things! They have flavorful and colorful food creations like mushroom sandwiches, open face rainbow sandwiches, and numerous juices!

Your best bet for a grocery store: Netto in Husavik

Yes, that Husavik (from Eurovision )! This is a beautiful little whale watching town, and it’s the best place to do it from if you plan on it during your trip. It also has a really good grocery store while you’re there. They have a huge selection of juices (including apple raspberry and carrot blackberry), vegan deli meat, Violife vegan cheese (every type!), and lots of bread and produce!

There are plenty of options in Akureyri, but they aren’t quite as cheap.

Western Iceland

Land of Game of Thrones filming locations, famous mountains, fjords, puffins, and grassy sea cliffs—this region is a bit more frequented than eastern Iceland but still very remote. You’ll want at least a few days to explore this place, and if you’re able, try to make it to the West Fjords (the one area we were unable to get to).

This is the best region for hikers, skiers, and people who love sheep (seriously there are even more here than there are in southern Iceland- except they’re wild and run along with cars). There are also same great places to eat and scenic picnic spots!

This modern cafe is situated in the harbor town of Stykkisholmur (where the Greenland scenes were filmed in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ). It’s the perfect town for morning walks and puffin sightings, and if you’re going to get souvenirs, get them here.

There are lots of little local makers who sell lava bracelets, paintings, and Icelandic goods along the harbor.

After, come to Cafe Nu to warm up! The baristas really know their stuff, and the inside is filled with local art and armchairs! We loved to sit at the outdoor tables and enjoy the sun, as we enjoyed our oat milk cappuccinos and ridiculously pretty tea (served in glass, no less).

They also serve vegan apple cake, various pies, and savory vegan pastries!

This is located beside Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsness Peninsula. It’s technically a grocery store, but they carry great vegan picnic food so it’s worth looking at it as more than a market and gas stop.

Grab vegan cheese and bread (or if you have the funds, they have lots of spreads and fresh veggies to add to your sandwich), Icelandic candy, Lingonberry jam, crackers, and fruit soda!

This was honestly one of my favorite spots to eat, not going to lie. We grabbed our ingredients and made a picnic on the hill overlooking the famous mountain. Sheep walked by us constantly, the sea breeze felt magical, and the food was incredible. Food is best eaten outside, so in a place as scenic as this volcanic peninsula, it would be a shame to spend it inside one of the few restaurants in the area. Do yourself a favor and either cook outdoors or have picnic food! We did that the entire time we were in the area.

There are so many places to eat vegan in Iceland (the tiny airport alone is filled with really fresh options), and everything is local and flavorful. People don’t usually think of Iceland being a vegan food destination, but you should, because it definitely is. It’s one of the many reasons Iceland became my favorite country in the world while we explored the wild there in 2019.

Photo: Emily Iris Degn

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Why Go Vegan

Vegan in the Galapagos Islands

A couple of years ago, my family decided to take a family trip to the Galapagos Islands. As a general warning, this trip is far out of my own budget range, and wasn’t budget-friendly at all. There are cheaper ways of seeing the Galapagos, including smaller boat companies or individual day trips out of the bigger islands. It wasn’t the fancy boat that caught my attention though – it was the friendliness of the staff and locals, and the amazing and unique creatures and nature around us, from blue-footed boobies to penguins, tortoises, and the differences in all of the islands. And of course, a highlight was seeing the famous finches that have grown up separately in different environments and adapted, causing Darwin to prove evolution (don’t even talk to me about the cruelties he conducted while doing this, though. UGH).

Prior to booking this National Geographic (Nat Geo) cruise, we emailed their booking company to confirm that they would be able to provide vegan meals throughout this 9-day trip. We also called them a couple of times before we departed, just to make sure they wouldn’t forget.

If this blog reads like a diary entry, it’s because it basically is one. Most of it is taken straight from my travel journal, in which I wrote daily during the trip.

Day 1 and 2

National Geographic Endeavour

Our first view of the National Geographic Endeavour was from the docks by the airport, where we got to hang out with sea lions while waiting for the Zodiac boats to come get us and our luggage. The National Geographic Endeavour is impressive. It’s got a library, a gym, a few hammocks, a top deck to hang out on, a dining hall, and a common room/bar. I was dreaming about spending loads of time at the library but ended up being too busy with seeing the islands and napping. Swimming and hiking all day can really take it out of you!

North Seymour Islet

Our first stop was on the first day, where we went to the North Seymour Islet and saw iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, lizards, and frigates. The birds were nesting and mating, and we saw the mating dance of the boobies, and the giant red pouches that frigate males puff up when attracting a partner. It was truly amazing how unafraid all of the animals were of humans. Limited human contact means no natural fear of humans killing the animals off.

Blue-footed boobies’ mating dance

Male Frigate bird’s mating display

Back on the boat, we enjoyed a dinner of stuffed pepper with lime, cumin, and tomatoes, served with rice and lentils and pie for dessert. The chef was absolutely amazing at accommodating our request for vegan food, although here it is absolutely necessary to notify them in advance, as they get all of the food for the week in town before taking off on the cruise. We were treated to something different, delicious, and local every day, and we never ever got bored – especially of the delicious fresh fruits! The rest of the evening was spent socializing, and we got to meet everyone on the boat, including most of the staff.

Bartolomé Island

The next morning we went to Bartolomé Island before breakfast, and walked 399 steps to the top. Bartolomé is an island of volcanic ash, so barely anything grows there, but we got to see some juvenile hawks from really up close. They landed less than a meter away from some of us. All of the hikes were very easy for me, but some of the less fit (not that I’m fit by any standard) and older people were having some trouble with some of them, so keep that in mind if you plan on going. All of the hikes were taken at a very slow pace, so they should be doable for anyone who doesn’t have physical disabilities that hinder walking, and alternatives were provided for those who do, or who didn’t feel like partaking any given day. Back on the boat, we were served fruits (seriously though, the pineapple is heavenly), fried potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, and guava juice and a soy banana shake for breakfast.

Galápagos Hawk on Bartolomé Island

Rábida Island

Later on we went snorkeling by Rábida Island, which was absolutely amazing. A sea lion played with me, going around me in circles and swimming around me. It made me feel incredibly slow and clumsy in the water comparatively, but sea lions are now one of my favorite animals. They are so playful. They’re like dogs, only in the water. A penguin jumped in the water and swam with us, and I tried and failed to follow them. They are like torpedoes in the water. I even saw a shark a few times. Don’t worry, the naturalists are professionals and would not take you to areas where it is dangerous, so we knew that the sharks were harmless. We also saw lots of different kinds of starfish.

Me with a playful sea lion on Rábida Island

Lunch consisted of vegan ceviche with beans and toasted corn and popcorn, veggie rice, asparagus, and different salads – avocado, carrot, and what I believe was potato. Exhausted from the morning’s activities, it was time for a nap again, before going snorkeling again. While snorkeling, I saw a turtle, a swimming iguana (and plenty of them sunbathing), and 4-5 sharks.

Boat activities

We had daily recap sessions and educational sessions on the history, nature, and geography, as well as briefings on the next day’s activities. I started to get to know the crew a little bit by this time, too. All of the crew were comfortable joking around and were so nice. I spent a lot of time in the common room, where Octavio, the bartender worked, so he would bring me free alcohol-free drinks and started to teach me a little bit of Spanish.

Dinner was Pasta Puttanesca, steamed veggies, and fruits for desert. Exhausted from the full day, we headed to bed to prepare for the next day.

The day started with a breakfast of fruits and a soy meat-tomato stew, which I thought was an interesting choice for breakfast, but still good. We then headed to the deck, as we were crossing the Equator. Because it’s not a visible line (especially as we were in the middle of the ocean), the staff set up a line to limbo under to celebrate crossing the Equator, which was very cute. I did not partake, but I did enjoy watching everyone have such a fun time from such a simple thing.

Punta Vicente Roca

Galápagos Penguins on Punta Vicente Roca

Pelicans and Sea Iguanas

Sea Turtles by Punta Vicente Roca

Whale skeleton on Punta Espinoza

Punta Espinoza

We then sailed to Punta Espinoza, which was actually my favorite landing point on the trip. It was a land of contrasts, as most of the ground was black from rippled lava rock, with some white sand and green plants giving it color. There’s a whale skeleton on the hike, and there were a lot of crabs and sea lions. There were so many iguanas, and they all blended to the volcanic rock so well, that you had to actually be careful as to where to walk, so you didn’t accidentally step on one. We also witnessed one of the sadder parts of nature: one of the sea lion cubs had lost their mother, and was trying to feed from another mother with her cub, but the mother rejected the orphan cub, choosing to prioritize her own cub. The orphan cub likely died not long after. Not one of the happier things we witnessed during our travels, but a part of life, unfortunately.

I was feeling quite sick by this point, from some bacteria that I contracted, so I skipped dinner and went to take a nap. The chef was very worried, and had my brother bring me some soup, which was very considerate of him. I’m inclined to blame the jellyfish for the bacteria, mostly because I’m still bitter from being stung so much!

Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island

Galápagos sea lions on Punta Espinoza

Cacti on Punta Espinoza

Mother and child sea lions

Hundreds of sea iguanas live (and sometime walk on top of each other) on Punta Espinoza

Beautifully colored crabs were also in abundance

Day 5 – Isabela Island

I was still feeling ill the next morning. We had a breakfast of fruits and soy meat, and then went hiking. I decided to take the short hike option on the Western coast of Isabela (0,8km) instead of the long hike (3km). During most of our trip, there was a short hike and long hike option, as well as a boat ride option for those who didn’t want to go snorkelling. Hating that I had to take the short hike, but still relieved as I was feeling lightheaded, we set off and ended up seeing 8 giant tortoises. The day included swimming at the beach, which was plenty of fun, and was followed by a lunch of salad, quinoa with veggies, gazpacho, and soy meat.  The rest of the group went snorkelling, but I had fallen asleep and slept right through it. The rest did me good, though, as I started to feel better again. I made it for the climbing hike up Tagus Cove, which was pretty but very windy, and unfortunately I was paying too much attention to holding on to my hat to take any pictures.

Galápagos Tortoises by Urbina Bay on Isabela Island

Tiny agile lizards shown here on lava, but are often found trying to catch flies on seals

Nesting pelicans on Isabela Island

We headed back on the boat for one of my favorite meals, which was Asian noodles with veggies, so delicious. After dinner, I grabbed some playing cards and joined another guest, Anna, my brother, and two of the naturalists, Enrique and Paul, as well as the bartender Octavio, in the common room. Enrique taught us an Ecuadorian game, 40, whose rules I cannot remember for the life of me anymore, but really enjoyed at the time. I was quickly falling in love with the crew and everyone on the boat.

Day 6 – Santiago Island

Playa espumilla.

This morning we woke up early in Santiago to go take a walk on Playa Espumilla. It was gorgeous! So lush and green. It was raining, but I didn’t mind at all. There were scientists there to observe the birds and mosquitoes, and they had left a goat for the hawks for bait. It is really interesting to see how unafraid the hawks are when food is close by. (I’m so uncomfortable with the feeding of one animal to study another that we’re just going to skip over that.) We mostly saw birds on this walk, but it was still pretty amazing. After breakfast we went snorkelling at Buccaneer’s cave, which you may have guessed from the name, was a one-time pirate haunt. No significant wildlife sightings aside from a sea lion and lots of jellyfish, but it was still fun (and a lot of exercise!). Darwin also landed here for the longest time while he was in the Galapagos, 9 days out of 19 on land (he was in the Galapagos for 5 weeks total, most of it on his ship).

Hawks are the top predator on the Galápagos Islands.

Flowers on Playa Espumilla, Santiago Island

Close up of a pelican drying its wings on Espumilla Beach

Rain drizzle on cactus on Santiago Island can be so pretty

Puerto Egas

Later we went to Puerto Egas, Santiago, which was amazing , made of more volcanic rock, and tide pools. Back on the boat, we had a BBQ on the deck with plenty of vegan food for us, and dancing after. I have to say, I’ve never been great at dancing, and seeing the crew dance made me feel pretty incompetent. But it is still important to try new things, especially while traveling, so try I did! Badly, but I did have lots of fun.

Puerto Egas, Santiago Island

Galápagos Land Iguana on Santiago Island

The Nat Geo guides were extremely knowledgeable and super friendly

Day 7 – Santa Cruz

The day started well, with fruits and lentil soup for breakfast. I eat breakfast so rarely at home that by this time I was used to soup for breakfast. Afterwards, we went to the Darwin center in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. I would not recommend this place, and definitely don’t give them your money. It was basically a zoo. The baby turtles were very cute though. The town of Santa Cruz felt like a tourist trap, so we didn’t spend any time there. We took a bus to a coffee and sugar cane plantation, learned some things about the processing, and got to taste the alcohol they made from it.

Fire to process the sugar cane

Coffee beans fresh from the plantation

Then we went and ate at a restaurant, and went to El Chato Natural Reserve where they had some of the giant turtles. We also went into a lava tunnel, which was pretty cool.

Land tortoise at El Chato

Lava tunnel at El Chato

The town of Puerto Ayora is the home to the largest human population in the Gal á pagos Islands, and it was weird seeing so many people after having been on a boat with some 70-odd people for the last week.

This was our last full day in the Galapagos. We started off with a hike to Punta Pitt to see some red-footed boobies, which (secretly) I have to admit I like less than the blue-footed ones.

Leon Dormido

We went snorkelling by a giant rock/island called Leon Dormido after, which is known for being shark-infested. We saw 7-10-ish sharks, a few sea lions, some turtles, and way too many jellyfish. I got stung quite a lot. It’s funny though, I am so much more afraid of swimming near so many people than I ever would be of the sharks. When I was in the middle of our group, I was almost hyperventilating. I was completely calm near the sharks though; they just seem like interesting creatures. My sense of fear is messed up. Because everyone kept crowding at the same place and accidentally kicking someone in the face, I kept swimming away from the group to get some space. Though I’m a good swimmer, the naturalists do have to keep an eye out on the guests, so they had to keep calling me back from getting too far away from everyone else.

León Dormido, Galápagos

We got back on board to view the sunset while circumnavigating the rock, which was beautiful. This was the last moment with everyone together, so all of the crew and guests enjoyed some champagne together. My last moments on the boat, I was thinking of how much I was going to miss everyone and how amazing my experiences had been.

Last night on board Nat Geo Endeavour at León Dormido, Galápagos

My feelings from the last morning on board are actually best summarized by what I wrote that day:

“This morning we finished packing and hung around for a while before going to the airport. I’ve been melancholy all morning. I went out on the deck and just sat a couple of times. This has truly been the trip of a lifetime, and I was not able to predict that. And now I definitely want to spend more time in South America. So much to the point that I’m considering doing that year abroad during my masters somewhere in S. America. Broadening my horizons and all that. So I am off to Florida tomorrow to adventure, but I am finding it hard to shake this trip off. It has left a permanent mark on me for sure. I am coming back”.

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Hello Michelle,

We really enjoyed reading your account of your Galapagos trip. As fellow vegans, traveling can be a challenge, especially when at the mercy of someone else preparing the food.

What time of year did you go? Do you have any insight as to when the islands are less visited? We aren’t fond of crowds either! Thanks so much!

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The sad, stale state of in-flight vegetarian meals

Who ordered the limp cucumber sandwich.

Last month, a traveler posted a photo to Reddit of his girlfriend’s vegetarian meal for a 12-hour flight. It wasn’t pretty.

The sandwich featured two grim cucumber slices and wan tomatoes. On the top half of the dry roll, faint oval imprints of the filling resembled cupping therapy marks. If the flight attendants had tried to revive the meal, they failed.

As a vegan, I could relate. For travelers who don’t eat animal products, the special meal delivered to our seat is often a mystery: What will the ingredients be? How was it prepared? Will it be halfway palatable?

We know the usual suspects all too well, tomato-soupy ratatouille, salty rice the color of pale sunshine or an anemic salad. We squirrel away extra packets of Biscoff not because we are members of the cookie’s fan club; we’re just trying to survive the flight.

The pitiful cuke is the latest publicly shared slight to vegetarian and vegan travelers seeking sustenance on airplanes. In 2023, a Japan Airlines passenger received a solitary banana with chopsticks for his vegan business-class breakfast. In March, Donna Zeigfinger, founder of Green Earth Travel , ordered a quinoa plate on a United flight. The travel adviser’s plant-based meal came with a side of chicken strips.

“They’re not quite getting it,” said Zeigfinger, a longtime vegan. “They’re still not understanding.”

On a 12 hour flight and this was my gf’s veggie sandwich around 8hrs in. by u/pestopopcorn in mildlyinfuriating

Airlines are constantly investing in meal service , especially in the higher ticket categories. American Airlines recently unveiled its reimagined menu, which included such meat-free dishes as truffle ricotta ravioli and vegetable and garbanzo bean tagine with couscous. Yet, veg travelers are discovering a disconnect between what’s on the menu and what lands with a thud — or whimper — on their tray table.

“One word — disgusting,” said Nikki Dewan, a Vegetarian Society member who participated in a recent Facebook survey about airplane food . “Airlines don’t make an effort to bring good, delicious and wholesome food for the airline customers.”

In a Gallup poll conducted in July, 4 percent of Americans said they were vegetarians. So, why aren’t airlines doing better? And can they please cheer up that sad cucumber with a little dressing?

Missing meals force airlines to improvise

In general, a catering company or in-house culinary team plans the in-flight menus and prepares thousands of meals and snacks in an industrial kitchen on the airport grounds. The airlines assume that all of the passengers will eat the standard meals unless they are otherwise informed.

No different from a restaurant or wedding reception, it is the diner’s responsibility to inform the host (in this case, the airline) of dietary restrictions or meal preferences. Most carriers require passengers to submit their meal choices at least 24 to 48 hours before departure, so the chefs can fill the special orders. If you wait until you’re on the plane to share your requirements, you could end up with an improvised meal conjured in the galley.

“I was always amazed by the time it takes to put together a special meal, which is actually not that easy,” said Daniel Klein, executive chef for research and development at LSG Group, one of the world’s largest airline catering firms. “That’s why I can sometimes see why you might just get a banana, because it’s a last-minute request.”

However, reserving a meal is no guarantee that you will receive it. The flight attendant might not deliver the dish to its rightful owner because of a technical glitch, human error or passenger interference.

“It’s not just the quality of the food or the availability. It’s actually the service,” said Deirdra Barr, director of communications for the U.K.-based Vegetarian Society. “So many people’s vegetarian or vegan meals go missing or someone else gets them, and that means they’re left with nothing.”

Grace Philips, a Vegetarian Society member, knew exactly what happened to her veg meal on a recent flight: Another passenger didn’t “fancy the meat option” and asked for the vegetarian option instead. When the flight attendant reached her seat, all of the veg meals were gone. “I was hungry,” she shared on the group’s Facebook page.

In these instances, the flight attendants will often assemble an improvised plate of food for the neglected passenger. They will forage in the galley or pinch items from their own mini-coolers.

On a flight from New York to Scotland, Elyse Mercedes King said a flight attendant donated her two apples. Vanessa Winsor once survived a long-haul trip with three segments of a satsuma mandarin, six grapes and a bread roll.

When Zeigfinger flew United from Washington Dulles to Berlin, her preordered vegan meal never materialized. The flight attendant tried to correct the injustice with a slapdash meal, plus 700 frequent-flier points.

“The flight attendant was really angry,” Zeigfinger said. “She acknowledged that this was a serious thing.”

The best and worst airlines for vegetarians and vegans

In the 1990s, many travelers who identified as carnivores on the ground became temporary vegetarians when flying. The meatless meal seemed like the tastier and less enigmatic option.

“People who weren’t vegetarian were ordering the vegetarian meal because it was so much better than the chicken or beef they would serve on the plane,” said James Doran, director of business development, tourism and hospitality practice at SIS International Research.

As airlines chase after loyalty members and elite travelers, they are paying more attention to overall meal service, including the previously maligned proteins. Some carriers have teamed up with celebrity chefs, such as Delta’s partnerships with Michelle Bernstein, Michael Chiarello and Linton Hopkins. Air France works with Michelin-starred French chefs and award-winning pastry chefs.

Charles Platkin, founder and executive director of the Center for Food as Medicine , described vegan and vegetarian meals as an “afterthought” in this profit-driven market. Even so, the major airlines are still providing special meals, including several that go beyond the traditional veg diet. The subcategories include Asian vegetarian, vegetarian lacto-ovo, fruit platter and Jain , a vegetarian diet that eschews root vegetables.

Travelers note that airlines that cater to populations inclined toward vegetarianism, for cultural or religious reasons, often excel in this department. Doran fondly recalled a vegetarian Malay meal on Malaysian Airlines and an Indian-style vegetarian dish on Emirates. However, this rule doesn’t always apply.

“Very surprisingly Air India is terrible on the occasions I’ve flown with them,” Teresa Dawkes shared on the Vegetarian Society’s Facebook page. “Pretty inedible and they didn’t have any gin.”

Ashley Isaacs Ganz, the vegetarian founder of the luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure , said she wishes carriers based in countries with strong vegetarian traditions would better showcase their culinary heritage. For example, she suggested Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways incorporate Japanese temple cuisine into their menus.

“I always want to have the Japanese meal, but the different components of the meal are, for the most part, not vegetarian,” she said. “I would love for them to take it to the next level.”

In a Vegetarian Society Facebook post about airplane food, more airlines were panned than praised. Patricia Thompson called Irish carrier Aer Lingus “woeful” for serving dry veggie pasta for dinner and canapés with chicken bits that the flight attendants offered to pick off.

Not just pasta and salad anymore

To be fair, some airlines have been refining their palates.

Since 2009, Swiss has partnered with Hiltl , which claims to be the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant (it was founded in Zurich in 1898). The airline celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a three-course meal that included spicy beetroot tabbouleh, penne with vegetarian bolognaise or massaman curry for the main course, and a vegan mango mousse for dessert.

In November, Australian carrier Qantas launched new vegan menu items in all of its classes. Economy passengers can dine on lemon herb pearl couscous with roasted carrots, baby beans and toasted almonds. Higher classes can sample such dishes as pumpkin and ginger soup with sourdough croutons; stir-fried shiitake mushrooms with tofu, chrysanthemum greens and jasmine rice; or plant-based orecchiette with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower cream and pangrattato.

For its latest vegan and vegetarian menus, Air New Zealand introduced such dishes as cannellini bean smash with pan-fried tofu spinach and jackfruit with coconut red curry and black mustard seed steamed rice.

Klein recently developed a Western-themed vegan menu for Korean Air. For first class, he created a trio of amuse-bouches, including an onion puree flavored with passion fruit; smashed Yukon potatoes with fresh truffles and a chestnut puree; and a risotto with roasted vegetables.

He said the biggest challenge in crafting innovative in-flight meals is not the altitude, which dulls the taste buds, but the cost of some products. He said alternative meats are too expensive to include on menus.

“They are still very pricey,” he said. “We’re not there yet, so we go with regular items, but we try to be creative.”

Platkin is not clamoring for fake proteins on flights. He advocates for clean, healthy ingredients, and said the airlines already rely too heavily on processed foods and easy carbs.

When asked to review new menu options on American Airlines, he said the dishes look tasty, but he was concerned about the heavy use of cheese and the fake meat.

As for the meal plan for international economy passengers, his critique was short and to the point: “It is all pasta.”

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

A vegan restaurant is switching to serving meat, saying plant-based eating isn't enough to save the planet

• Sage Vegan Bistro in Los Angeles is transitioning to serve meat, dairy, and eggs.
• The chef said she thought a vegan diet was best for the environment but had since changed her mind.
• The restaurant is instead supporting regenerative farming practices — a move condemned by PETA.

The chef of a Los Angeles vegan restaurant has announced that her restaurant is rebranding and transitioning to serving meat, dairy, and eggs.

The chef, Mollie Engelhart, said that she thought a vegan diet was best when she started Sage Vegan Bistro but that she'd now changed her mind.

Renamed the Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery, the restaurant is instead set to focus on supporting regenerative farming practices , as Engelhart said in an Instagram video.

"That means that we will be shifting from an all-plant-based menu to a high-quality protein from only the highest-quality, most-integrity regenerative farms," she said.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery (@thekindsage)

The restaurant, which opened in Echo Park in 2011 before launching branches in Culver City and Pasadena, has cultivated a legion of plant-loving customers.

But the Los Angeles Times reported that the revamped menu would soon feature ingredients such as beef, bison, fried eggs, and other non-vegan products, starting at the end of next month.

"To some, this may seem shocking or upsetting, but if you look at the last seven years of my life, and as I moved into regenerative farming to serve the highest-quality food to my customers, I started to learn so much about soil and nature," Engelhart said in the Instagram post.

She told the LA Times, "I think that the next step forward is regenerative agriculture, and for that to move forward, it needs to be in the zeitgeist, it needs to be in our everyday conversations."

"This is my way to contribute to that, to give people options," she added.

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Regenerative farming aims to address the climate crisis by restoring degraded soils and sequestering carbon, though opinions on its environmental impact vary.

A 2022 academic review by William H. Schlesinger, a former president of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, found that practices associated with regenerative farming weren't likely to lead to a "large net sequestration of organic carbon in soils."

Schlesinger also noted that some practices even resulted in their own carbon-dioxide emissions to the atmosphere.

Engelhart told the LA Times that she was being "vulnerable" in announcing the move and that she had braced herself for the "vitriol" to come.

That pushback came quickly.

PETA , the animal-rights charity, accused the restaurant in an Instagram post of "serving greenwashed and humane-washed meat, dairy, and eggs" and described the shift as a betrayal to animals.

"On Earth Day, no less!" the post added.

Jayde Nicole, a vegan restaurateur, described the shift as "horrifying" in a comment on Instagram, while Hannah Weseloh, a vegan influencer, likened the announcement to "mourning a death."

Engelhart defended her choice and said she timed the announcement for Earth Day because "we're doing this shift for humanity and the earth."

She also told the LA Times that financial considerations influenced her decision, with the newspaper reporting that the restaurants had not been profitable since 2020.

"My restaurants have been really struggling, like so many restaurants post-pandemic," Engelhart said.

The LA Times reported that several formerly all-vegan restaurants in LA had shifted to incorporating meat in recent years, citing financial factors, with many others closing their doors entirely.

Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Watch: Can lab-grown steak fix the broken beef industry?

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Video shows Tornado in southeast Nebraska Friday afternoon as severe weather hits area

A tornado was spotted on the ground in southeast Nebraska where several warnings have been placed for the western portions of the Omaha metro area.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado north of Waverly, Nebraska that was moving to the northeast shortly after 3 p.m. local time Friday. Officials urged those in the area to seek shelter immediately.

A massive tornado intercept was seen north of Lincoln, also in Lancaster County, footage posted on X (formerly Twitter) by SevereStudios weather videographer Nick Gorman shows.

See more videos of damage: Photos, videos show destruction left behind by Midwest tornadoes in Nebraska, Iowa

Tornado warnings were set Friday afternoon for an area near Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska State Patrol said.

Nebraska weather map

Tornadoes reported in kansas, wyoming, colorado.

At least three other tornadoes have been reported since Thursday including one near Bird City, Kansas, one in Yoder, Wyoming and another near Akron, Colorado, according to the National Weather Service.

Other storms are expected to develop on the eastern side of the Plains on Friday, bringing more possible tornadoes and hail. The threat of more severe weather is possible by Saturday with storms causing frequent lightning, severe wind gusts over the middle Mississippi Valley and central and southern Plains.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation due to the severe weather.

"I encourage all Kansans to have an emergency kit and a family plan in preparation for a tornado," Gov. Kelly said. "Stay updated on local weather conditions by listening to a NOAA weather radio or local TV and radio stations. Once a warning is activated, it is important to take cover."

US weather watches and warnings

National weather radar.