Common Mistakes Vegan Travelers Make When Planning a Trip

Vegan-friendliness has come a long way over the last decade. I still remember when it was practically a requirement to dedicate half of your suitcase to food. Conversations with airport security always went something like, “Oh, you must be vegan or gluten-free or something,” as they rifled through 10 bags of ready-made meals. 

Today, much has changed. I generally grab just a few things before heading to the airport, just in case my VGML decides not to show up. I wish I could go back and tell the old me, “Hang on, this will get much easier!”

While vegan scenes around the world have drastically improved (Paris, I’m looking at you!), as a vegan travel advisor, there are still roadblocks that I consistently see people run up against.  While traveling as a vegan takes a bit of extra work, there are ways you can ensure smoother travel and maybe even an adventure of a lifetime! So, let’s jump into the travel mistakes you need to be aware of before your next jet-setting vegan getaway.

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Mistakes Not to Make on Your Next Vegan Vacation

1. Getting Caught up in FOMO

Social media and the internet have done a great job of making us feel like if we don’t make it to certain cities and destinations, then we’re missing out!  It’s so important to keep in mind that while the photos might be pretty (they are probably heavily edited and staged) and it sounds like a utopia, it might not be the best place for YOU! 

When deciding where to go as a vegan traveler, you need to block out the FOMO and think about what you want to get out of this trip. Is it a culinary experience where you eat yourself silly all day long? Do you want to get lost in nature or understand an ancient civilization? All of these focuses will be a different experience; while none are wrong, it’s important to know that one might not offer the food experience you want or vice versa. 

2. Being Forced to Compromise Due to Group Pressure 

This one can be challenging for people considering traveling with friends or family. When the trip discussion starts, it’s vital that you express what’s important to you and decide what you’re willing to compromise on and what you’re not. If the conversation doesn’t go well or you don’t feel your needs are being heard, I encourage you to back out. I know this is so difficult, but remember you probably don’t get a ton of time off and probably don’t have unlimited funds, so make sure you don’t waste it! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard, “Well, they told me that there would be vegan options,” or “I felt like I didn’t have a choice.” 

You absolutely have a choice, and it’s important that you don’t forget it! If you end up in this situation and aren’t ready to travel solo, maybe consider looking for a vegan tour. Not only would that better align with your trip expectations, but it could also give you the opportunity to make new veggie friends!

3. Skipping Pre-Trip Research 

Traveling as a vegan takes much more effort, but it’s always worth it! While it might be easy in some cities to walk down the street and find vegan croissants, that’s not usually the norm — hopefully, one day soon! It’s important that before you go, you do a little research (check out the ‘Trips’ feature on the HappyCow app!) and Google things like vegan burgers in Seattle or where to find vegan afternoon tea in London. Once you find the answers, save them to your Google Maps so that you know where they are in relation to where you’re staying and can map directions (either walking or transit). It’s also really helpful to save them to your map so that when you’re out and about, you can easily see what’s near you. 

4. Not Using HappyCow 

Another great tool for pre-trip research is HappyCow (duh!). The app and website are a treasure trove of veggie info. You can find and save vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants in thousands of cities worldwide, but it doesn’t end there! You can also find veggie-friendly shops, bakeries, vegan hotels and resorts, and more!

5. Forgetting that Vegan Hotels Exist 

There was a time when a vegan-friendly hotel meant you got a banana — thankfully, times have changed a lot! The range and diversity of vegan and vegan-friendly hotels and resorts is amazing. If you want to be pampered while enjoying coconut ceviche in a beachside cabana, there’s a gorgeous vegan-friendly resort for that. Or, if you want to get lost in the beauty of nature in the forest or even on a secluded island, there are vegan B&Bs and hotels you won’t want to miss! 

People often think vegan B&Bs or hotels are all out of their price range; it’s important to remember that your currency may go much farther in certain parts of the world. So, if it’s out of reach in Europe, maybe consider looking in Thailand. Also, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting in the off-season. Lastly, always follow places you’d love to visit on social media or join their newsletters, as sometimes they offer special deals to subscribers!

6. Assuming Vegan Means the Same Thing Everywhere 

While vegan options continue to flourish around the globe, people’s understanding of what veganism actually means might not be on the same wavelength.  If you’re not visiting a vegan or vegetarian restaurant or working with someone (like a guide or tour operator) who might be really familiar with veganism, I recommend telling them exactly what it means. For example, instead of saying, “I’m vegan,” I would say, “I don’t eat meat, seafood, eggs, cheese, dairy products, honey, or any products derived from animals.” This can help cut down on confusion.

Also, be prepared for people who might still have questions. I’ve been in situations where guides have shared, “I had a guest who said they were vegan but sometimes ate dairy when they traveled because it was hard; do you do that?”

7. Not Learning Some Lingo 

You should never go somewhere and assume everyone will speak English. It’s not only poor planning, but it’s also rude. It’s important to be respectful when you visit another destination and, at minimum, learn simple greetings like hello, good morning, etc. This small action might not seem like a big deal to you, but it will impact the person receiving it. 

While greetings are great, it’s also important to take it one step further and learn helpful vegan-focused phrases like:

“I don’t eat meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, cheese, honey, or any products derived from animals.”

“Do you have soy, oat, or almond milk?”

An app that can be really helpful for managing language barriers is Google Translate. You can use it to type in a simple phrase, like, good morning, or to translate text. The app allows you to take a photo of a label or sign, and it will automatically translate it for you. It’s a game changer when you’re in the grocery store. 

8. Only Booking Hotels

Hotels aren’t your only accommodation option; have you ever considered house or pet sitting? This can be a fabulous option for travelers who want to save a little more or would like the ability to use a kitchen. There are a few different companies out there that will connect travelers with homeowners/pet parents, and in exchange for caring for their furry friends, you get to stay in their homes for free. I’ve used Trustedhousesitters before and have had a great experience, but it’s important to remember that if you decide to go this route, you need to be flexible. Your priority must be caring for the pet, which could mean returning sooner than usual or getting up earlier. It can also be a great experience to get to know a city from a more local perspective.

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By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only make your vegan travels smoother but also more enjoyable. With a bit of planning, every trip can be an opportunity to explore the world while staying true to your values!

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