Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, you have to be careful abroad, as animal welfare laws are not as stringent, and there are also ultra-cruel foods like pate de foie gras (force-feeding geese until their livers turn to pate), shark fin soup (where the fins are cut off living sharks, left to die in the ocean) and octopus (often eaten alive). Also read how to be an animal-friendly tourist.
If used, choose vegan butters free from palm oil. Keep recipes away from pets due to toxic ingredients (onion, garlic, mushrooms, jackfruit, vegan meats/cheeses, fresh dough, chocolate, coffee, dried fruits and nutmeg). Also avoid xylitol (just a few dropped crumbs can be lethal).
The Vegan Travel Handbook is a beautifully designed book by Lonely Planet. As well as tips on vegan tours, festivals and food trucks, you’ll find where to explore:
- Cooking classes in India
- Wildlife watching tours in New Zealand & Ethiopia
- Wild camping by Scandinavian lakes
- Vegan wine-tasting in Italy
- Dancing and dining breaks in Seville
- Amazon rainforest trips to see jaguars
- Spotting the ‘big five’ on African safaris
- Mountain trekking in Cambodia
- Supping rum cocktails in the Cayman Islands
- Exploring Australia’s East Coast
- A DIY Doughnut tour on USA’s west coast
VegVisits is the vegan version of Air BNB, where you stay in the homes of other vegans. Book unique accommodation in over 80 countries, or become a host to earn some money (vetting applies). Costs less usually (because vegans tend to support other vegans!) and often the fridge is full with tasty treats on arrival, and details of the best local vegan eateries. Some hosts offer extras like 3-course dishes or yoga classes. Or if you prefer a proper hotel, you can find suitable places at Vegan Welcome and Veggie Hotels.
If you dine out a lot, VegDining Card offers discounts at participating restaurants and Vanilla Bean App lists local eateries worldwide.
The Vegan Passport includes phrases to cover 96% of the world’s population (with an app version and pictures, if you get stuck). The new edition boasts 79 languages including Hausa, Igbo, Xhosa and Zulu!
- Vegan Travel Agent
- The Nomadic Vegan
- Roaming Vegans
- Veggie Visa
- Justin & Lauren
- Veggie Vagabonds
- Vegan On Board
Travelling within England?
Vegan North (image) is a book to celebrate the best of the vegan food scene across northern England, from Sheffield to Liverpool, and Manchester to Newcastle. The recipes and stories of restaurants, cafes, small producers and bars are brought together in this book, with contributions from Sheffield-based pioneers of meat alternatives, passionate producers like Tyne Chease and longstanding shop and cafe Eighth Day on Manchester’s Oxford Road. You’ll also find innovative diners and fast-growing brands.
The book features a foreword by Simon Rimmer and a chapter about his landmark restaurant Greens in Didsbury. The book includes delicious dishes to make at home, and plant-based hotspots to discover. This is a fresh approach to regional vegan cuisine, at its best. Also available at Vegan South.
Vegan London is a beautiful guide for residents or visitors in London, listing 80 of the city’s best vegan and vegan-friendly establishments. You’ll find food and drink for every budget and for any occasion. Enjoy London the ethical way, without missing out on great food from bangers and mash to banh mi. You’ll also find out where to find afternoon tea (Knightsbridge) to falafel (Shoreditch). You’ll even find where to buy vegan street food and ice-cream!
Serena Lee Fazzolari is a food and lifestyle blogger based in East London, who knows where to wine and dine, and even go for a vegan-friendly hair appointment! This is her first book.
Also read An Opinionated Guide to Vegan London. The brilliant places in this guide will tempt even more traditional foodies with their original food pairings and stylish fresh interiors. Instagram blogger Sara Kiyo Popowa has helped create a guide to the best ethical eateries in the city. From burgers to superfood bowls, from cheesemongers to bakeries, this pocket-sized companion is a must, for anyone who cares about the planet, as much as their taste buds.
