Craving an adventure but worried your plant-based diet may prevent you from exploring the world? Don’t fret! In my experience, you really can travel anywhere on a vegan diet and make do. With that said, there certainly are countries with more vegan options than others. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or fresh whole foods straight from the earth, this list has you covered.
Here are 5 countries to explore as a vegan
Hawaii
Despite a lot of traditional Hawaiian food involving the use of fish and meat products, Hawaii really knows their crowd. The tourist scene, outside of resorts, is predominantly young adventurers and more often than not, these backpackers are plant-based! In order to cater to this group of vegan tourists, Hawaii has adapted and offers plenty of fresh, whole plant-based food options. It really is a vegan paradise with a pleather of fresh fruit, acai bowls, avocado toast and plant-based poke bowls. We’ve even heard that Hawaii has some of the best pineapple in the world! If you want to experience a more raw food plant-based diet while adventuring, Hawaii is the place to go.
India
Did you know India is the country with the most vegetarians in the world? Although plenty of traditional Indian cuisine is not fully vegan, the concept of veganism is far from foreign here. It isn’t difficult to modify food options or find plant-based meals in India. Chana Masala is always a good option and as long as you ask what’s in the food, you should be able to find something at almost every restaurant! If you’re interested in learning more about plant-based diets and the benefits on one’s overall health, India is the perfect place to connect with yogis and ayurvedic practitioners who can guide you on your journey to health.
Scotland
Scotland is another country that really caters to their crowd-especially in the highlands. Before my trip here in 2018, I was really worried I would end up starving. To my surprise, the backpacking scene in the highlands was well established and it seemed the Scottish restaurateurs adapted! There were plenty of options from salads to curries to veggie burgers and more! Comfort food was easy here and as a vegan, I would definitely recommend a post-pandemic Scottish adventure.
Canada
Whether you’re looking for a city adventure or some time unplugging in the mountains, Canada is vegan heaven! Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are full of vegan restaurants to die for. The mountainous areas are familiar with vegan travellers as they know they have to cater to us since we often make up a large portion of the hiking crowd.
Mexico
You may think I’m crazy but trust me on this one! Supposedly, Mexico City has been nicknamed the “Dream City” for vegans! From tacos (with beyond meat or beans) to other staples, vegan alternatives are on the rise in this beautiful country. Don’t believe me? Happy Cow has listed 1300 vegan restaurants in Mexico!
