Are you on vacation soon? We are very happy about that and we hope you can enjoy a few relaxing days! But sometimes it's not that easy if you have certain eating habits. Different country, different culture – even when it comes to food. For example, if you are vegan or vegetarian, it may not be so easy to get the right food in some countries. We have put together a few tips to make your vegan holiday easier.
Tip #1: Vegan apps
In the digital age, it's easier than ever to find restaurants, accommodations or things to do in the area. For vegan travel, for example, there is the “HappyCow” app, in which you can specify your holiday destination and search for all suitable restaurants in the immediate area. Other users who have already had this goal fill the app with new restaurants - so that entries can already be found for almost all destinations in the world.
Tip #2: Warn the hotel in advance
Very few people like surprises - not even chefs who have to feed many hungry holidaymakers. If you announce during the meal whether the menu is also available in vegan form, there will probably be fewer happy faces. We therefore recommend letting the hotel know in advance that you are vegan or vegetarian. This way, neither side will be disappointed.
Tip #3: Countries
Before you start your well-deserved vacation, you should think about the country you are traveling to. Not just for cultural reasons, but also for the food habits of the respective country. In some countries the vegan food culture is already very well developed, often even better than here. The following countries are particularly vegan-friendly:
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Great Britain:
Around 7% of the population here is vegan; nowhere else is the vegan population growing as quickly as here. -
Israel:
Israel's food culture alone is often plant-based (hummus, falafel) and around 5% of the population is vegan. -
Thailand:
The food culture means that many rice, pasta and vegetable dishes are offered, so it's easy to get vegan food. But be careful: eggs or fish sauce are hidden in some dishes. -
Romania:
Although Eastern Europe is known for its meat-heavy cuisine, Romania has so-called fasting dishes that consist of plant products. These fasting foods are marked “de post” or “mâncare da post”. -
Italy:
Italian cuisine is extremely popular among Germans. Here you will find many vegan delicacies (e.g. antipasti, pasta Napoli) -
UNITED STATES:
Vegan culture is particularly well developed in large cities in America. Cities like Los Angeles, Malibu, Palm Springs, etc. sometimes have hundreds of vegan restaurants.
Tip #4: Take precautions
Anyone who is very strict about their diet should be prepared for the fact that they may not be getting what they need. A basic supply of food should therefore not be missing on the trip. These include things like: plant milk (can usually be stored unrefrigerated and have a long best-before date), spreads, pasta, sauce, agave syrup, falafel mix.
Our Easy To Mixes are also ideal. They do not require refrigeration, have a long shelf life and are easy to transport without taking up much space. So you always have one or two vegan delicacies in stock. Try it!
Tip #5: Ask
If there is no vegan dish on the menu, it's best to ask. Most restaurants can make some dishes vegan by simply omitting or swapping ingredients. Many are also very helpful, after all, you are their customer and want to spend money. Give it a try.
Tip #6: Cook yourself with regional ingredients
If you are in another country with a different climate, completely different regional things grow there. This is the perfect opportunity to cook exotically and try out new things. Just go to your local supermarket and discover the seasonal and cultural differences. This is not only fun, but also easy on your wallet.
GREENFORCE wishes you a nice holiday and lots of fun enjoying and discovering new cultures. 💚