Travel Tips For Eating Out As a Vegan*
When I first transitioned to a vegan lifestyle I was genuinely worried that eating this way would isolate me. Going out to eat, whether it’s to celebrate an occasion or just to catch up with friends, is so important to me and you too I’m sure. There’s been lots of trial, error and a few miserable dinners along the way but now I don’t let it limit me when opportunity comes. I am just back from an amazing trip to both Monaco and Verbier in Switzerland. We stayed in hotels for most of the time so cooking wasn’t an option but I was determined to stay healthy and eat well throughout.
Below are a few tips I follow that I hope will help you bring your gorgeous vegan self out into the world!
Use Social Media
People can have a very charged relationship with technology and apps. I’ve always viewed them in a positive light. Not only has instagram helped me form a freelance career but it’s also broadened my horizons as a vegan so much. If you go to the search and type in ‘Vegan’ and then click ‘places’ it brings up a whole list of local options to click into. I save places that come up on my feed that I like the look of and it’s a great way to do research beforehand. I also always click into tagged photos so you’re seeing ‘real’ people’s images not just those the brand is putting out. I also share nice places I go to also so keep an eye only stories or follow me if you’re not already >here<
Buffet Style Salad Chains Can Be Lifesaving
The popularity of make your own salad style bars is brilliant. As someone who loves cooking for themselves I tend to miss it after a few days if I am staying in a hotel. I also find I get cravings for specific things my body really needs like tofu and greens. Similar to Sprout & Co. here in Dublin when I was in Monaco I came across Ici Little more than a bit of pointing and hand gestures are all you need to get exactly what you want. It might not be the most exciting meal of your life but it can definitely tide you over.
Get a Vegan Passport (!) and Let Restaurants Know in Advance.
It’s only when I go abroad I notice how good Dublin is for vegan options. I also don’t have a language barrier here. I genuinely don’t feel a place is at fault if they don’t have any options, if I didn’t give them notice. I’m aware that veganism is still a relatively new lifestyle choice and not everywhere will readily provide options with confidence so I make it a priority to let them know my needs.
I know typically meal-times are ideally phone free zones but when you’re a vegan you have to bring it with you to explain, especially if there is a language barrier. I find a lot of places are not clear on the difference between vegan and vegetarian. I’ve also sat through more plates of unsatisfying salad because it’s assumed as a vegan there’s nothing else I eat. It can be frustrating and leave you feeling famished and a bit unenthusiastic about going out but persist. The more people that ask for vegan options and show demand, the more mainstream it will become. The Vegan Society has a very clever app called the Vegan Passport which includes fail-safe pictures, which can be used when words don’t work, the Vegan Passport has all situations covered. This will ensure that you have no problem explaining what you do and don’t eat, no matter where you are in the world. You can learn more about it >here<
Take A Few Home Comforts
I can tend to have eyes bigger than my tummy and get very excited when I see lots of vegan options on a menu or am in a dedicated vegan cafe and can over-indulge. My body usually lets me know this very quickly and I can feel depleted, bloated and exhausted, which is not ideal if you’re travelling and want to be out enjoying yourself. Most hotels have a tea station or can send up hot water free of charge and I find a herbal tea in the evening very soothing. The Pukka Herbs Sachets are easily recyclable and are perfect for slipping into your carry on.
I always bring the Pukka Organic Three Mint Tea Sachets with me. They contain spearmint, peppermint and fieldmint. Fieldmint has the highest essential oil content and Peppermint has been used for centuries to soothe digestion. More recently I discovered the Feel New blend which harnesses the power of the four best herbs for digestion:
Turmeric – the superhero of herbs which has active compounds shown to reduce inflammation and pain and well-documented effects on antioxidant activity and liver support with research consistently showing that turmeric increases activity at every stage of the liver’s detoxing process.
Aniseed – is a carminative for the digestive system and is an effective antispasmodic for colic pain from bloating and indigestion.
Fennel – The aromatic oils in fennel are helpful to reduce gas, bloating and digestive discomfort.
Cardamom – provides relief from symptoms of indigestion and stimulates metabolic and digestive processes whilst also working as an effective decongestant removing mucous from the digestive tract.
Stock Up on Nutrient Dense Options
I always bring nuts with me to keep me going. They don’t require refrigeration and are nutrient dense and super filling. I also always bring Hemp Seeds are complete sources of protein and great to sprinkle on a salad or yogurt to make it a little more satisfying. Hemp seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has benefits for heart health. I don’t typically eat vegan protein bars but they’re also a very convenient option to bring with you.
Asian and Italian Options Can Easily Be Adapted
Most Asian restaurants can easily do an incredible vegan curry very easily even if it’s not on the menu. Italian restaurants can also do great vegan pastas and pizzas as long as you can clearly emphasise the No Cheese messaging. I don’t eat a huge amount of pasta so I also tend to ask for a gluten-free option which I find is lighter on my digestion. Japanese restaurants tend to have a vegan sushi option also. I ask for Tamari which is gluten free and similar to soy sauce.
Maintain An Optimistic Outlook
Sometimes I’ll explain to a waiter that I am vegan and what it means, (no eggs, no dairy, no meat) and ask them to let the chef know and see what he can create. Occasionally this has resulted in the most incredible meals. I always hold out for that. If it’s awful I pour another glass of wine, dip into the bread basket and engage in conversation. Eating out is about connecting with people, catching up and being present. Despite few awful meals I’ve never once looked back or regretted my decision to go vegan and if one meal is awful I remember there’s always going to be another one. Life moves on.
I really hope these tips are useful for you and wish you happy travels!
*Thank you to Pukka Herbs for collaborating with me on this post.
