Photo of a tourist, at a local flea market, using a cell phone while buying vegetables and fruits
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While it's true that some destinations and cultures make eating plant-based easier than others, traveling as a vegetarian or vegan is possible in all cultures around the world if you know how to approach it.
Being vegetarian or vegan and being an adventurous eater while traveling are not mutually exclusive, quite the contrary. You can be a vegetarian and still be both a foodie and a traveler. “Being vegetarian is often the gateway to a more adventurous and satisfying travel experience, because you might have the opportunity to try things that aren't even on the menu,” says Shel Horowitz, founder of Going Beyond Sustainability and vegetarian for over fifty years. years. “I have visited around 50 countries since becoming vegetarian and many of my best travel memories involve food.”
Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or planning your first trip abroad as a vegetarian or vegan, here are some proven tips to make your trip easier as a seasoned vegetarian traveler:
Plan for language barriers
“Travel with a note in the local language that explains your dietary restrictions,” suggests Horowitz. “All you have to do is show it to your server. Ideally, get a native speaker to (translate) it, but if you can't, just run it through a translation program.
Be open to off-menu offerings
“I've had wonderful experiences in flexible but meat-centric cultures like Turkey, Italy, and western China,” adds Horowitz. “We explain that we are vegetarians and they come up with something interesting.”
Prepare in advance for different flavors
If you're traveling somewhere where the food is spicier than you're used to, Horowitz suggests making your meals at home gradually spicier for a few weeks before you leave.
BYO supplements
If you're used to a balanced diet with lots of raw fruits and vegetables but aren't sure if that will be accessible abroad, Horowitz suggests bringing a small container (he uses a strained pill or vitamin bottle). dishwasher). flax flour. “If you're used to a diet high in raw foods but eating them is unsafe and you also eat a lot of white rice, sprinkling a little on your food will help you avoid constipation,” he explains.
Be smart about raw produce
“If you are in a place where bottled water is recommended, avoid raw vegetables and fruits eaten without peeling them,” adds Horowitz.
Consider it a learning experience
Traveling abroad will always mean new and exciting culinary experiences – and you should treat it as a learning experience, just as you would a day trip or visit to the museum. “Enjoy discovering new foods and new ways to prepare familiar foods,” says Horowitz.
Bring home your favorite discoveries
The best part about trying all these new flavors and dishes? Find your new favorite dish! If you like what you're eating, Horowitz suggests buying prepackaged products rather than bulk powders or spices, which will make going through customs much easier when you return home.
