Vacationing Vegan

The sun is up and summer is here! Who doesn't want to take a break from their daily lives and check out someplace new; away from the stress and aggravation of the daily grind? Everyone needs some rest and relaxation from time to time, but while a trip out of town can be a wonderful thing, it can also strike fear and frustration into the minds of all vegan-kind. Moving out of familiar territory can be a daunting endeavor. Here are some tips to ease the stress of taking veganism on the road.

1. Research Research Research: When planning your getaway, start making your list of potential destinations by researching which countries or cities are well known for being veg-friendly. Baseball fan? Why not check out some of the parks listed here as the top veg-friendly parks in the country. Always wanted to see Europe? The Vegan Society has already compiled all the data you need in order to tour the UK vegan-style.

2. Stock up on snacks: Before you depart, pack yourself a care package. Assume that there will be situations in which you may find yourself in a pinch and in need of a snack to tide you over to a proper meal. Nuts, Luna bars, Cliff bars, trail mix and fruit are all excellent snack items to stow away in your bag.

3. Visit a message board: Check out the veggie message boards and talk to some vegans in the area you intend to visit. Ask the right questions and get the right answers. Where are the vegan hot-spots? Are there any local animal sanctuaries I can check out? Are there any eating spots I should avoid? What can I expect if I come and visit your city? Are there any animal rights events happening that I can participate in?

4. Learn some keywords: If you are traveling into foreign territory, be prepared for a language barrier. Get yourself familiar with the key phrases that you will need to know in order to successfully navigate a foreign menu, such as 'I don't eat meat' and 'I don't eat dairy'. You'll be glad you did.

5. Enjoy the local tastings: Have a flexible and adventurous palette and visit a local farmers market. Try some of the local produce and learn about how it's grown and why it is indigenous to that part of the country. Knowledge is power!

Lastly, the most important thing you can remember to do when traveling is to be a good vegan ambassador and have fun!