Travelling on a plant-based diet can be super-easy – if you can plan it right. While some countries and cities are already a vegan heaven, discovering new cuisines is always a great way to dive into a new culture, no matter where you are in the world. That’s why we’ve put together our top seven tips to help you explore the world as a vegan – without any stress! We’ve also included a list of seven amazing vegan-friendly hotels and resorts where you can feast on delicious plant-based food from dawn til dusk. I can’t think of a better way to ensure a satisfying holiday!
Choose a vegan-friendly destination
Although it is not always easy to choose a destination based on the availability of plant-based restaurants, including some vegan-friendly places on your shortlist will increase your chances of having a stress-free vacation, without having to worry about finding interesting restaurants and cafes while navigating a new city.
Stay in a place with a kitchen
This tip is especially relevant for those travelling on a smaller budget! Having access to a kitchen will help you to plan your meals better, while preparing snacks and sandwiches for the day will save you money, allowing you to spend a bit more on tours and other activities.
Do some research beforehand
Researching restaurants and local dishes beforehand can be a fun way to get excited about your trip and ensure that you have plenty of delicious options. You can also try choosing options based on how close they are to where you’re staying or to other locations that you plan on visiting during your trip. Try searching on social media or YouTube for popular spots. Tip: Use the tag “#vegan” plus the name of your destination city on Instagram or TikTok.
Take snacks with you
Having some energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits will keep you going in remote or rural areas where options are limited. Packing snacks can also be helpful if you find yourself stuck in an airport with limited options!
Learn the language basics
Learning a few basic phrases can be a lifesaver. It will not only help you to navigate the city and order food with ease, but will also allow you to politely ask if a dish is fully plant-based or if it can be adapted.
Book a vegan tour
If you want to take a deep dive into local cuisines and flavours, booking a fully vegan tour is a great option! More and more travel companies are offering plant-based tours, making it easier than ever to explore the local food landscape. Plus, you get to connect with other people through the pleasure of good food!
7 plant-based accommodations to make your stay easier
Want to make your holiday even more stress-free? Why not book a fully plant-based hotel or resort, so you can feast on delicious and nutritious animal-free food all day long!
Açaí Plant-Based Hotel (Rhodes, Greece)
Located on an island next to Turkey, this sustainable and fully plant-based hotel has everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Açaí’s restaurant offers fresh, delicious traditional Greek recipes with a contemporary twist. You can opt for a breakfast-only package or have both breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Açaí’s sustainable approach extends beyond their kitchens and menu offerings – the hotel runs on solar energy, the furniture in the rooms is made from sustainable materials, and waste is kept to a minimum. The hotel is close to both the old town and the beach, making it a perfect place if you don’t want to travel too far. Plus, they offer yoga and cooking classes if you’re in the mood for a little activity!
Casa Mauna (Oaxaca, Mexico)
This beautiful boutique hotel is situated on top of a hillside, with a stunning view of the beach. Casa Mauna’s poolside fully plant-based restaurant offers a slow food experience with both traditional Mexican and international dishes on offer. Breakfast is included in the room price with an optional three-course dinner available in the evenings, along with a plentiful supply of cocktails.
Villa Vegana (Majorca, Spain)
Located in a region with protected natural scenery and a gorgeous view of the Tramuntana mountains, Villa Vegana was one of the first fully plant-based hotels in Europe. Its architecture combines the traditional Majorcan style with the comfort of a 4-star hotel, while its daily plant-based menus include a selection of international cuisine. The hotel offers activities such as yoga and cycling tours – or you can just relax and lie by the pool!
Kapuhala (Koh Samui, Thailand)
If you’re looking for relaxation and wellness, the vegan eco resort Kapuhala is just the place! Located in a secluded area in the hills of Chaweng Noi, it boasts eco-conscious villas and sea-view farmhouses. The main building houses the rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy a fully plant-based meal with a magnificent view of the hills and the beach. The property also has an on-site fitness centre and a 25-metre pool.
Beck Hall (Malham, England)
The first fully plant-based Hotel from England, Beck Hall, is located in Malham in Yorkshire. The property was built in 1705 and was converted into a hostel for hikers in the 1930s, with its rooms maintaining their original old-world charm. Surrounded by hills, this is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, with activities such as cycling, hiking, and climbing on the roster. All food is made with quality ingredients from local suppliers, while guests can choose to include breakfast, half-board, or full-board for their stay.
La Vimea (Naturns, Italy)
Nestled in Italy’s Val Venosta valley, La Vimea is the country’s first fully vegan hotel. La Vimea and its restaurant embrace sustainability, and the results are delicious – from the organic and locally sourced restaurant ingredients to the buffet filled with buttery pastries, scrambled tofu, and fresh sandwiches. The perfect place for a romantic getaway or a relaxing trip, La Vimea offers everything from yoga and wellness activities to more active pursuits such as cycling and rock climbing.
Soul Rebel Rio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
If you’re looking for a fully plant-based experience in sunny Rio de Janeiro, then Soul Rebel Rio is the hotel for you! This vegan retreat is located in the hills of Santa Tereza. Surrounded by nature and overlooking Guanabara Bay and the peaks of Tijuca Forest, there are various activities on offer for foodies, including Brazilian cooking classes and fermentation workshops. Guests can also relax by the pool and indulge in a delicious Yoga brunch with Açaí, tapioca, and other Brazilian delights.
For more plant-based travel recommendations, check out our guides to Krakow, Toronto, Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Shanghai, Rio, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, London, Madrid, New York, Cape Town, Chiang Mai, and Amsterdam.
Let us know if you have more tips! E-mail us at [email protected]
