Vegan on the Road: How to Make your Life Easier
Travelling is both fun and challenging and some would even say exhausting. They are right in a way. You may have time zones to adapt to, there is usually at least some lack of sleep, occasional busy schedules and other issues that you have to deal with while on the road. If you’re a vegan, you should probably add the problem of finding the right food to the list. However, things are not that complicated, especially if you prepare well. You can still stay happy and healthy on the road, but only if you follow these tips for vegan travelers.
Bring your own food
Some food can still be brought in your carry-on and you should take this advantage. If you pack and contain your food before your flight properly, you could have the same snack you’d have at home. Some airlines also offer vegan dishes on their flights, so check that out too if you’re flying to your destination. If you’re traveling by car or train, you don’t have to worry at all. Just fill your Tupperware with leafy greens, sunflower seeds, grains, and veggies and enjoy the trip.
Planning is the key
Most places nowadays have restaurants that offer vegan dishes, either as part of their offer or they are true vegan restaurants. Make sure you do a bit of research before traveling and find the nearest establishments offering vegan dishes. There are so many great local vegan dishes all over the world that you shouldn’t have problems finding something to eat if you need to dine out.
Stay hydrated
Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash
Although this piece of advice applies to all people, it’s always good to be reminded to drink enough water, especially when travelling. Don’t rely on purchasing bottled water, since you’ll just contribute to more plastic waste. Instead, you should definitely buy a water bottle, which you can take through security and fill it up at a water fountain once you’ve been cleared. Just make sure that the tap water at your destination is potable.
Snacks
Photo by Perfect Snacks on Unsplash
There might be times when you’ll be very busy and won’t have enough time to prepare a full meal and there won’t be a vegan establishment anywhere near you. So, pack your vegan snacks while on the road in order to maintain energy on long days. Ideally, you can rely on nuts, fruit, veggies and nut butter, since they are the most convenient to pack and consumer later.
Blender
If possible, take your blender with you. It will come in handy if you’re staying in a room without a kitchen, fridge or microwave. Just grab some fresh products from a local market or shop and make a smoothie. That should keep you going for a few hours. It won’t be of much use if you’re going hiking or camping in the woods, though. That’s why we’ve been wanting to try this one.
Be flexible
It may be impossible for you sometimes to have a square meal and you have to be ready for some compromise while on the road. That means you’ll occasionally have to resort to salads as your mail meal. On the positive side, you’ll be sure that you’re eating fresh and delicious food.
Stock up on food
You should always stock up on foods that can last a few days without refrigeration, such as nuts, seed, raisins and some fresh fruit, like apples and oranges. This food is best consumed in the morning or snacked on throughout the day. Make sure you replenish your stocks regularly with fresh products so that you never run out of food.
Learn bits of local language
It’s always good to know some words in the language of the country you’re visiting and all vegans should make effort to learn at least a few words that will help them find the right food. If can’t memorise the words for your favourite food, make a list and keep it in your phone. That way you can always check what’s offered in a menu (if they don’t have an English version) or ask for a particular product in a store.
As you can see, it’s not that difficult to be a vegan on the road. It does require some preparation and planning, but it’s basically simple to stay on the right path. Not only will you remain healthy and energised enough, but you might even discover some local vegan delicacy, which you’ll love to prepare once you return home.
