As the world becomes more connected and the global travel industry grows, more people are asking how they can travel sustainably. Specifically, sustainable tourists are looking for ways to impact their travel destinations in positive rather than negative ways.
Enter veganism. While many travelers focus on carbon emissions and eco-friendly luggage, managing your diet is an effective way to travel sustainably. Around the world, animal husbandry is leading to deforestation and water pollution. Vegans avoid animal products and eat a plant-based diet instead.
Choosing to become vegan can open up a whole new world of sustainable nutrition while reducing your impact on the planet. Although it can be challenging to travel as a vegan, there are many cities where maintaining a plant-based diet is easy. Here are five tourism destinations that make veganism a no-brainer.
1. Paris, France
Yes, you read that right – Paris has some of the best options for vegans in France. Some of the best places for vegans to eat in Paris include grocery stores and outdoor markets. You can ask cafes to veganize their meal options, and there are several high-quality vegan restaurants sprinkled across the city.
Although vegan options abound in Paris, many cafes don’t think of butter as a dairy product. Most pastries are made with butter and many other foods are cooked in it, so make sure to double-check that your meals are butter-free and dairy-free before digging in.
2. Los Angeles, United States
This is one of the best cities in America to visit if you’re vegan. The city has many restaurants that cater specifically to plant-based diets, offering delicious recipes and colorful meals that attract even dedicated meat-eaters.
Options include vegan bakeries, breweries, vegan burgers, and restaurants with an astonishing array of trendy and traditional plant-based dishes. Many places in L.A. also offer options to meet the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives. Whether you want breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a sweet treat, vegans visiting L.A. have many places to turn for an ethical and sustainable meal.
3. Huanchaco, Peru
Huanchaco is a beach town located on the northern half of Peru’s coastline. Many people visit this area to learn to surf and enjoy time at the beach. Huanchaco is a great town for vegans to visit in Peru, as many of its restaurants and bars offer vegan and vegetarian options.
Peru is known for ceviche, a traditional dish made with cured raw fish. However, there are also many plant-based options for travelers who want to visit this country while eating a more sustainable diet. One of Peru’s staple crops is avocado, and you’ll find this delicious fruit in almost every meal.
4. Bali, Cambodia
Because of its natural beauty, Bali is on many people’s bucket lists. Roaring waterfalls, sunny beaches, rugged mountains, and serene fields all glow under the country’s warm sun. Thankfully, this travel destination offers many plant-based options for vegans, making sustainable travel easy.
The country grows many delicious tropical fruits, and visitors can find both vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Bali. Even those who prefer raw diets with fresh, uncooked foods can find options to satisfy their taste buds – including raw desserts.
5. Adelaide, South Australia
Despite its penchant for seafood, Australia is also an excellent place for vegans to visit. Australian culture is incredibly environmentally conscious, and many Aussies have embraced veganism as a way to improve worldwide food security. According to a 2020 study, Adelaide was the highest-ranking Australian city for vegans.
Located in South Australia, Adelaide is well known for its beautiful natural setting and lively city scene. In addition to offering delicious vegan options, it’s a prime location for food in general – local produce and wine can be found in the city’s many markets and restaurants.
More Than Just French Fries
Because many countries don’t offer meals free of animal products, some vegans joke that they survive on french fries while traveling. The struggle to meet nutritional needs while away from home can be incredibly stressful, but thankfully it’s not something you have to experience.
As more people turn to veganism, the options for plant-based food are expanding. While planning your next trip, you can use guides like this one to ensure there are vegan options waiting for you when you reach your destination.
Whenever possible, do your best to eat local produce that’s native to the region you’re visiting. Although sticking to a vegan diet can be challenging, it’s one way you can travel more sustainably and positively impact the earth.
Author Bio:
Jane is the editor-in-chief and founder of Environment.co. She is passionate about helping people understand the importance of sustainability and actionable steps to live a greener lifestyle.
Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy specializing in measuring and mitigating the carbon footprints of clients in the tourism industry. Knowing how to lower the environmental impact from food consumption is commonly one of the biggest challenges that our clients face.
Luckily, we have the know-how to provide you with sustainable solutions, for example by integrating vegan meals into custom menus, to elevate your guest experience.
Curious about how sustainability could enhance your tourism offerings? Set up a call.
Although it can be challenging to travel as a vegan, there are many cities
where maintaining a plant-based diet is easy. Here are five tourism
destinations that make veganism a no-brainer.Read MoreSustainable LivingBlog – Sea Going Green