Maintaining a vegetarian diet while traveling can have its challenges. Not all destinations are vegetarian and there is nothing healthy about eating bread and potatoes.
These 10 useful travel tips for vegetarians will help you stay happy and healthy abroad!
1. Snack for vegetarians
Snack right and snack properly as you will be tempted by sweets and unhealthy treats at some point in your travels.
While it is totally acceptable and encouraged to indulge in small portions of local sweets, the sugar rush can also cause an energy crash.
Packing dried fruits and nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) in your backpack will give you longer-lasting energy and protein so you can spend all day exploring.
2. Plan ahead
Plan ahead and look for food market locations near your accommodation in the destinations you are traveling to. It's always good to have fresh fruits and vegetables mapped out in case you find yourself filling up on bread and unhealthy foods.
It's always good to have a backup plan in case your dining options are limited.
3. Nutritious Recipes
Have some recipes for nutrient-packed meals in the back of your mind.
Even simple meals like quinoa dishes or soups, where you can stock up on vegetables in a tasty way, are great for staying healthy.
These types of meals are easy to prepare if you have a kitchen available, and can be a nice break for dining out.
4. Cultural Cuisine
Discover its cultural cuisine. International restaurants serving Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food will usually always have some healthy vegetarian options.
For example, when I was in Cusco, Peru, I was feeling bloated from too much corn and bread, and I managed to find a delicious vegetarian Indian restaurant very close to the city center.
5. One meal a day
Budget well and save money while eating healthy by eating a meal of your own every day.
It will take the stress out of having to worry about finding vegetarian food on the go. Stock up at a local market on fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and make yourself a breakfast or packed lunch that's perfect for your dietary needs.
6. Raw vegetables
Eat raw vegetables to maximize the amount of nutrition you get from them. Heating food destroys natural nutrients and enzymes that we need in our diets for healthy digestion.
The fiber you get from raw vegetables helps with regularity and keeps you from feeling bloated.
7. Learn key phrases in the local language
Learn some local slang so you can ask basic dining questions when traveling to countries where you don't speak the language.
That way you know how to say "I'm a vegetarian" or "No meat please". You'll likely get extra kudos for trying to say it in their language.
8. Explaining your diet
Keep in mind that vegetarianism can be a bizarre concept in some cultures. Along the way, you may find that some people think that "meatless" still includes chicken.
To avoid confusion, it's usually best to state that you don't eat meat or chicken rather than simply saying "no meat".
9. Local Markets
Never pass by local markets or street food stalls as you will unexpectedly find great vegetarian food in places you least expect!
Chances are the food is fresh and local. From street vendors, I found BBQ corn in Croatia, fresh fruit smoothies in Bolivia, and big, sweet blackberries in Vienna, to name a few!
10. Accompaniments
Start looking at the side dishes that go with meals in a whole new way. Most meat dishes in restaurants come with delicious salads and roasted vegetables.
If you're traveling with a carnivore friend, make halves a meal and order large portions of the sides. This saves money, encourages sharing, and prevents food waste if one of you gets full.
Food and nutrition can be a huge part of the travel experience. There may even be a point where, in order to immerse yourself in the local culture, you want to sample a bit of a meat dish.
I encourage all travelers to try the local cuisine they're traveling to out of respect (and curiosity) as long as it doesn't cause any health issues – such as an allergic reaction.
I've experienced crocodile, camel and even a witch larva in my travels. I liked? Do not. My diet will still mostly consist of fruits, grains and vegetables. Yes.
I learned what food works for my body and what I like and don't like. But as long as it's local, sustainable, and doesn't kill me, I'm always happy to try a new dining experience.
Your diet is a personal choice at the end of the day, so do what works best for you and what will be most rewarding throughout your travels!
Eat wisely, eat well and make the most of every travel experience!
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