Living in the UK as a vegan is now super easy and accessible, and the plant-based scene is only just beginning to truly get started. But being plant-based on the road? That’s where things get exciting… or occasionally a little chaotic.
I’ve made amazing discoveries – from hidden gems serving delicious vegan food to awkwardly trying to explain in broken Spanish that I don’t eat cheese, ‘muchas gracias’. Travelling as a vegan brings a fun mixture of highs and lows, and thankfully, is now totally doable – it just sometimes requires a little bit of supermarket magic and a sense of humour.
So, here’s a mix of dream destinations I’d love to eat my way around – plus a few lessons from my travels so far.
Plant-Based Heavens I’m Dreaming Of
MOD Santorini, Greece.
I have been admiring MOD Santorini’s Instagram for a long time now – and would love to go one day. MOD is the first fully vegan and sustainable accommodation in Santorini. Just imagine waking up in a gorgeous boutique room overlooking the caldera, then tucking into a fully vegan breakfast made from organic produce grown on the local volcanic soil. Heaven. Greece is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, and strolling through Fira with a plant-based picnic in hand sounds like a dream to me. When a special occasion arises, it will be the top of my list.
Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon is a city that is having its moment. Tiles, steep winding streets, sunshine, and every corner promising a vegan pastel de nata. Places like AO 26 Vegan Food Project, The Food Temple, and Kong – Food Made With Compassion, feel like launching pads for trying new things, and it’s a city that is truly at the cutting edge of the vegan food scene, which is really exciting to see. Lisbon sounds like the perfect combination of culture and food – and only a short flight away.
Yorkshire Dales, UK.
Sometimes you only need to travel a few hours away to have a great time. And in Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, is the UK’s first vegan hotel, Beck Hall Hotel. Surrounded by rolling hills and limestone landscapes, it is the perfect escape from busy everyday life. Cosying up by the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate sounds dreamy. Also, the chance to experience a quintessentially British afternoon tea, but vegan – is something that must be done.
Copenhagen, Denmark.
Design, bikes, hygge, and hearty vegan meals. A city that makes plant-based eating feel effortless, with cafes like Souls, and Hope Bar. You could spend a whole weekend hopping between cafes, admiring beautiful architecture and riverside views – without having to worry about where you might eat for dinner.
Jamaica (or somewhere tropical like it).
I’ve already had the joy of eating fresh mangoes and crispy fried plantain in Colombia, but I’d love to explore more. One of my favourite parts of travelling is discovering local, traditional dishes that are already plant-based – made from fruits, vegetables, beans and spices grown just down the road. I’m especially drawn to the ‘Ital’ lifestyle of the Rastafarian community, where food is cooked with nourishing ingredients like yams, sweet potatoes, callaloo and plantains. There’s something special about cuisines that are rooted in nature, culture and intention, and immersing myself in food traditions that feel far from Western norms is something I’m craving more of.
Quick-Fire Tips for Vegan Travel
Okay, let’s be real for a second. It is always 100% plain sailing, and unfortunately there isn’t a homemade tofu taco waiting for you around every corner. But with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can eat well, feel good, and still experience the heart of local food culture.
- Learn. Your. Phrases
When I was travelling in South America, phrases such as ‘sin carne, sin leche, sin queso’ would often get me far – and make clear my dietary requirements. If you feel a little unsure about speaking the local language, then don’t be afraid to write them down or practice a couple of times. And of course, Google Translate is always there for you. I found that most people are kind – they’re just curious and trying to understand.
2. Happy Cow = Holy Grail
If you don’t know what Happy Cow is by now, where have you been?! Happy Cow is not only great when travelling, but also in the UK. This app has saved me so many times. I tend to filter by distance, price, and reviews. It is how I found my favourite spot in Cusco, where I had life-changing lasagne.
3. Get To Know Your Local Supermarket
In some places, there just aren’t any good options for eating out – and that’s okay. This is when a good explore of the local supermarket becomes your best friend. Even just figuring out one or two go-to snacks can make all the difference for those moments on the move.
Most places, I’ve found, you can almost always get your hands on pasta and a simple tomato sauce, (of course make sure you check your ingredients first). It’s basic, it’s humble, but it fills you up and keeps you going. Not every meal has to be exciting — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with rice and beans!
4. Stay Somewhere With A Kitchen
This is an absolute game-changer, and probably my number one tip. I love eating out, but when I’ve been on the road a while, sometimes I just want to be able to cook myself something simple and easy. While most hostels come with a shared kitchen, I’d definitely recommend checking out Airbnb. I’ve found some real gems on there – and the beauty is, you get your own space (often with better equipment, too). It means you can cook what you want, when you want, without queuing for a hob or searching for a clean chopping board. Bliss.
5. Relax the Rules, Respect The Culture
And finally, try your best to go with the flow. I completely understand the worry or dread that can set in when you can’t find anything suitable to eat. Sometimes, you might be miles from anywhere and all you can get is something that might contain a bit of milk powder. I want to gently remind you: that’s okay. If you’re doing your best, that is enough. Of course, we all have our boundaries – but flexibility and kindness to yourself go a long way. Travel is about curiosity, joy, and connection – not perfection. The bigger picture is what matters most.
Funniest Vegan Travel Moments
- That time kind guesthouse owners made us a “vegan breakfast” of potato, plantain, and boiled broccoli and cauliflower. It’s fair to say I’ve never had that for breakfast before… and probably never will again.
- Our rainforest guide shouting “Go vegan boy, go! Use that vegan power!” as my boyfriend cranked a sugarcane machine in the middle of the rainforest.
- Post-stomach bug, all I could find (and stomach) was cucumber and a plain baguette. Michelin-star stuff.
- Endless PBJ wraps while hiking. Not exactly a comedy moment, but they haunt me to this day. Functional, yes. Delicious? Debatable.
- The time we packed leftover tomato pasta for a long bus journey – shoved into a sandwich bag, then forgotten about it on a very hot coach. Let’s just say… never again.
Why I’ll Always Travel Plant-Based
Travelling as a vegan definitely comes with its quirks: from surprise breakfasts to sandwich bag disasters. But it’s also where I’ve eaten some of the best food of my life. With a few practical tips, a sense of humour, and an open mind, eating plant-based on the road is not just doable – it’s deeply rewarding and often totally delicious. Whether it’s fresh fruit from a local market, pasta cooked in a tiny hostel kitchen, or a full vegan feast overlooking the sea, there are memories in every bite.
Got a funny vegan travel moment of your own? Or a dream destination I should add to my list? Let me know. I’d love to hear it. 🌍💚🥑
Life of Becky 