Folium: Vegan Travel Tips via VegNews

Posted by LEAF Architect on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Folium: Vegan Travel Tips via VegNews
Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project

Folium: Vegan Travel Tips via VegNews

Traveling is an adventure for everyone. Between jet lag and dragging luggage, a travel experience can be daunting. The best way to prepare for these challenges is to research before you leave. This is especially true for vegan travelers. As a vegan or vegetarian eater, you not only have to plan a vacation or business trip, but you are faced with the task of locating veg-friendly eateries. A little preparation before you depart can assure you have places to eat, or ensure you can find a nearby grocery store for snacks to sustain your travel adventure.

If you’re going to a country where another language is spoken, learning a few words and phrases can go a long way. The word ‘vegan’ is not universally understood, so learning to communicate the actual definition is essential. Learning how to explain the overall concept of veganism (as opposed to listing individual animal products) can spare you the bother of stumbling over words every time you have to ask what’s in something.

The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom publishes a Vegan Passport, containing words and phrases in dozens of languages. If you’re going to a part of the world where the Passport doesn’t help, find someone who knows the language and can help you learn some essential words and phrases before you depart.

Taking the time to learn how to describe simple dishes, such as a green salad with an oil and vinegar dressing, grilled vegetables and eggless pasta dishes (not cooked with butter, cheese, or cream) might prove invaluable, as these are examples of simple meals that can be obtained almost anywhere.

Most of all, it’s essential to always be patient–especially in parts of the world where strict veganism is not well understood. Give yourself time to explain exactly what you do not eat (meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products of any kind, honey, etc). The best advice: call ahead to restaurants and make arrangements before you arrive. This could save you from trying to speak unfamiliar words in a foreign language when you’re already hungry.

Christine Gill
LEAF Contributor