If you are a jet setter, wanderluster, or just enjoy occasional getaways, you should consider going meatless while traveling.
You can enjoy all the traveling and sightseeing without any animal products. You may be wondering how this is even possible. Well, let’s explore the benefits of going vegetarian while traveling and how it can make your vacation experience that much better.
The Benefits of Not Eating Meat While Traveling
There are plenty of reasons why travelers might want to consider going vegetarian while they are on vacation. For starters, it can help them save money. Eating out can be expensive, but eating vegetarian dishes is usually cheaper than ordering meat-based entrées. This means you can enjoy more meals at nicer restaurants without breaking the bank.
Another advantage of going meatless while traveling, you don’t have to worry about food poisoning from undercooked or contaminated meat because you won’t be consuming any in the first place. Finally, if you choose to go vegetarian while traveling you will have more energy for sightseeing and activities throughout the day. This is because plant-based foods contain more vitamins and minerals than their animal-based counterparts, so vegetarians tend to have more energy overall.
How to Be a Vegetarian While Traveling
Going vegetarian doesn’t mean that you have to give up all your favorite foods; there are still plenty of delicious options available while dining out. If you are not already on a plant based diet, try swapping out meats like beef or chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh instead. You could also opt for vegan cheese on your sandwich or veggie burgers instead of traditional hamburgers.
Don’t forget about all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available year-round. Plus, many restaurants now offer vegetarian options on their menus so there’s something for everyone no matter what type of cuisine they prefer.
Why You Should Go Meatless While Traveling
For foodies who love to travel, and are not already vegetarian, it may be a bit more difficult to find delicious and satisfying meals without eating meat. With a little bit of creativity and an open mind, however, it is entirely possible to enjoy amazing meals without choosing animal products. Here are the top reasons why you should consider going meatless while traveling.
Health Benefits
Traveling can be hard on your health, especially if you’re on the road for a long time. Eating a plant-based diet can help boost your immune system and provide you with more energy throughout the day. Eating fruits and vegetables packed with healthy vitamins can also reduce inflammation in your body caused by jet lag, long plane rides, or too much sun exposure. Plus, there’s nothing like starting the day off right with a power smoothie!
Cultural Experiences
It’s no secret that many cultures have their own unique take on vegetarian cuisine. From India’s famous curries to Morocco’s divine tagines, exploring different vegetarian dishes will help you discover new flavors and ingredients that you may never have heard of before. Going meatless while traveling is not only great for your taste buds, but it also gives you an opportunity to learn more about other cultures through their food!
Picture it! You take a vegan cooking class while traveling in Vietnam. You can even go on a vegan walking tour in Athens. Haven’t made your mouth water yet? How about a vegan, vegetarian, or even gluten-free meal in Tuscany? The possibilities are endless— tourism caters to meatless travelers.
Do Your Part for The Environment
Eating less meat is one of the most effective ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint as travelers. Meat production requires enormous amounts of land, water, and energy resources which contribute significantly to climate change. Choosing plant-based options instead helps us minimize our environmental impact and make sure that future generations have access to the same destinations that we enjoy today!
The easiest way to go meatless while traveling
Ignite your palate
For those who already love exploring different cuisines while traveling, trying out vegetarian dishes is a great way to broaden your palate while taking care of yourself in the process. Making small changes such as swapping out beef for portobello mushrooms or trading in pork for tofu can help ensure that your trips are not only healthier but also more environmentally friendly and culturally enriching.
Use travel/food-related social media apps
We love Atmosfy for travel-related foodies. When we are planning to visit a new location, we always search for plant-based, vegan food, or the best vegan restaurants. You can use the same app to find the best vegan options at the top restaurants in a certain area. You can also ask locals in an area about restaurants that cater to a vegan travel experience.
There are plenty of ways to search for easy ways for being meatless while traveling if you just put in a bit of time.
Grocery Stores
We haven’t been to many places where we cannot find a grocery store, bodega, or some sort of market. Find them, and take a gander at what vegan meals they have. Even if they do not have prepared vegan foods, they will surely have fresh produce that you can pick from. We have seen vegan grocery stores on several of our travels.
Ask the locals
You’re not the first person to travel meatless. Traveling opens you up to many opportunities, especially for those who are on a vegan diet. Eating vegan is fairly simple as long as you have discussions about it. There are friendly restaurants all over the world that have at least one meatless option. Going meatless while traveling may just bring you closer to the locals.
Bring your own snacks
We don’t travel without a pre-made trail mix. With my (Shannon) tree nut allergy, things can get pretty scary while traveling. The meatless option isn’t as big of a deal as the tree nut allergy. Throw in a language barrier, and things could get fatal. We do our research prior to travel, but always have snacks that pack well. One of our biggest travel tips is to be prepared with a water bottle, and your own snacks. Having dietary restrictions is nothing new to restaurants, but if it makes you nervous, you will be happy you have something to fall back on.
Give it a try— Go Meatless While Traveling
If you love to travel but don’t always love what eating out does to your wallet then consider going vegetarian for your next trip. The benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks—you get to eat delicious food without spending too much money, avoid food poisoning from undercooked meat, and even have more energy throughout the day due to increased vitamin intake from plant-based foods. So go ahead and give it a try—you may just find yourself becoming a full-time vegetarian when you return home.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Never. In fact, we have found that most chefs love to experiment and show off their abilities. Most restaurants have a meatless option. If it’s not obvious, they have a hidden menu that they have prepped for.
Define healthy. Studies show that eating meat has direct negative impacts on your health. If you are not finding vegetables or something meatless, look a little harder. Ask around.
Times have changed. In recent years, you will find many healthy options like salads, Buddha bowls, or even veggie tacos. We have not had any issues going without a meal in an airport, or while traveling.
