Vegan Travel

The shift towards plant-based products is becoming increasingly prominent nowadays - even vacation planning is now being done vegan by many. How catering, down bedding, and cosmetic products will no longer pose issues for vegans while traveling is explained in this article.

It is no longer impossible to vacation as a vegan with a clear conscience. Not only are many restaurants expanding their offerings of vegan dishes, but an increasing number of hotels have recognized and reacted to the market gap in animal product-free travel that existed just a few years ago. While the selection used to be limited to self-catering vacation rentals, today you can decide how you want to vacation. More and more often, you can book fantastic hotel packages with the best vegan nutrition. You can also let your imagination run wild when it comes to choosing your vacation destination.

If you want to ensure that nothing goes wrong, good research in advance is unfortunately a must. Inform yourself primarily about typical and common dishes in the host country - perhaps there's even something vegan among them or something that can be prepared with plant-based nutrients. You can find many useful tips from vegan travel bloggers who recommend restaurants or provide country-specific advice. Nowadays, there are even some travel guides specifically for vegans available for purchase. Some destinations, of course, require much more extensive research than others, as availability is still not equal worldwide. Generally, it's much easier in big cities. Particularly vegan-friendly cities include Berlin, New York, Warsaw, London, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv, and Toronto. Asia is often reported positively, especially Bali, Thailand, and Taiwan, as well as India, where vegetable-based cooking is typically prevalent. Eastern Europe, on the other hand, is considered more meat-heavy.

Many airlines have also adapted to the times and offer vegan menus on long-haul flights upon request. These include British Airways, Condor, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss, TUI Fly, and United Airlines. But be careful: the plant-based alternatives are usually special options and often need to be booked in advance for an additional fee. Moreover, they are generally only available on long-haul flights or in business class. It is best to inform yourself directly with your airline. For travelers within the U.S., it might be good to know that Amtrak also offers vegan options in their onboard bistro.

Many restaurants now offer vegan dishes. And if they don't, perhaps a traditional dish on the menu can be veganized, for example, by ordering a vegetable pizza without cheese. As a general rule: just ask and communicate your specific wishes to the establishment, and I promise you that in most cases they will be happy to accommodate! Don't fear any negative reactions - the times when vegans were looked down upon are over. However, if that seems too complicated and you prefer a broader selection, I recommend the website happycow.net. There you'll find vegan restaurant tips in your vicinity and around the world. Although not all establishments on the site are completely vegan, you're guaranteed delicious food in any case!

For those who find ordinary vacations too boring or are looking for a very special travel experience, one of these extraordinary trips might be appealing.

Now let's get to the essential part: The right accommodation is crucial for a successful stay. If you are self-catering, there is nothing to hinder a vegan diet on vacation. Camping, Airbnb, vacation rentals, or houses are excellent options for a stress-free and unforgettable holiday. If you're traveling by car, consider whether it makes sense to bring essential basic groceries from home to possibly avoid exhausting or expensive supermarket trips while on vacation. However, if you're determined to fully relax on holiday and have no desire to cook, you can certainly choose a hotel. It's crucial to pay special attention to catering during the selection process. Often, hotels with buffets are a good solution, as there is likely to be something vegan available. Most hotels are also happy to accommodate special requests from their guests.

If you want a completely hassle-free and easy experience without much planning in advance, don't miss checking out the fantastic hotels I've found for you. All are either completely vegan or offer guaranteed great service for vegans. I've also made sure there's something for everyone's taste. Of course, I can recommend all accommodations to non-vegans as well.

Fancy a vacation on the wonderful North Sea? Want to breathe in healthy sea air and simply relax for a few days? Then the organic hotel Haus AnNatur on the North Sea island Juist is the ideal destination for all vegans. It's particularly recommended if you want to focus on a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle during your vacation. Here you will be treated to a delicious whole-food cuisine, prepared exclusively with organic products. Dietary restrictions are gladly accommodated. Additionally, you'll find a wide wellness offering of holistic natural cosmetics, Ayurvedic massages, and special theme weeks, like Qi-Gong or Back Fit. The furnishings have also been designed with biological materials in mind. The perfect place for a completely relaxing vacation! An overnight stay in a double room including half board starts from $80.

If you love spending a few relaxing days by the sea and on the beach, while enjoying both fine sandy beaches and green forests, then Haus Linden in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern by the Baltic Sea is the perfect place for you. A total of 30 cozily furnished rooms invite you to relax. Besides the unique variety of nature on site, the kitchen also impresses hotel guests with its delicious dishes. The chefs place a high value on wholesome nutrition and also prioritize the well-being of their visitors. They create vegetarian and vegan dishes from fresh ingredients, so you can dine here with peace of mind. Single rooms start at $80 per night.

The Green Haven is Hamburg's first entirely plant-based accommodation and a perfect spot for your next visit to the Hanseatic city. The food offerings are limited to breakfast, but it is that much better! This way, you also have the chance to indulge in Hamburg's vast selection of vegan restaurants and cafés during the day. The staff at Green Haven is happy to give you tips on this matter. They also support sustainable projects and even opened their own unpackaged store. In addition to single rooms starting at $43 and double rooms starting at $53.50 per night, there are also creative accommodation options for groups - you can even stay in a construction trailer! Super cool and charming, just as fits Hamburg!

Berlin consistently ranks high in surveys on vegan-friendliness. I particularly recommend the design hotel Almodóvar. In the Bistro Bardot, a delicious vegetarian and vegan menu from organic cuisine awaits hotel guests. The wellness, sauna, and spa offerings are also impressive. As a lovely detail, each of the over 60 modern rooms is equipped with a yoga mat, so you can start your day with a sun salutation. An overnight stay in a double room starts at $83. A breakfast buffet with a rich vegan selection can be added for an extra fee.

A real hidden gem in the Harz region is the Selketaler Waldgasthof. Here, both the catering and the room furnishings are guaranteed to be vegan and natural. A special highlight is the in-house bakery, where the chef personally creates delicious baked goods, cakes, and pastries. You can choose from two vacation apartments and various room sizes, starting at $50 per night. Perfect for foodies and nature lovers!

The Bio-Berghotel Ifenblick is optimal for active vacationers who enjoy skiing, hiking, or biking, and also offers an excellent wellness program. But it can convince not only with its breathtaking location in the Allgäu but also with its so-called 'pleasure board'. As the name suggests, hotel guests can indulge from morning to evening. A comprehensive organic breakfast buffet, a lunch snack, and a dinner buffet are included in the price - and all of it in excellent organic quality with a large proportion of vegan options. The hotel even offers a vegan cooking course. You'll sleep in a double room starting at about $80 per night.

The Bavarian capital is definitely a great destination where a vegan lifestyle can easily be combined with a city trip. A good example is the Parkhotel Prinz Myshkin, a true insider tip for Munich, welcoming guests in 30 modernly designed rooms in a quiet location with special style and ambiance. The associated restaurant 'garden' has an excellent international reputation. Here, visitors can expect delicious vegetarian and vegan creations, starting right at breakfast. For two people, the price is about $112 per night.

Another great hotel for vegans is the family-run Hotel Nicolay 1881. In addition to comfortably furnished rooms and a wellness area inviting for relaxing moments, the restaurant 'Die Weinstube - enjoy sustainably' offers excellent pure plant-based meals. In addition, there is the vegan fast food restaurant 'Sonnenuhr', so you can choose from a really extraordinarily broad offering for every taste. Perhaps a vegan burger at 'Sonnenuhr' for lunch and then the 3-course surprise menu at the wine tavern for dinner? With the wonderful location along the Moselle and prices starting at $40 per night for a double room including breakfast buffet, you have found your vacation destination at a great price-performance ratio!

The Bio-Landhotel Gänz is a true wellness oasis, located in nature and run by the Gänz family. Here, not only breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as coffee and cake are completely plant-based, but the furnishings of the rooms are also free of animal products. As the name suggests, strict organic principles are followed to ensure guests have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Even the wines produced on the in-house vineyard are, of course, organic and vegan. You can get double rooms starting at $46 per person per night including breakfast buffet. So what are you waiting for?!

For your next city trip to Cologne, I recommend the Excelsior Hotel Ernst. This privately owned luxury hotel is not exclusively vegan, but it offers plenty of options at breakfast. In the associated restaurant 'taku', there's not only a plant-free option but an entire menu dedicated to you. The East Asian cuisine from chef Mirko Gaul even holds a Michelin star, making it a slightly more upscale address for those who like to indulge in a bit of luxury. With prices starting at $180 per night in a double room, this hotel is in the higher price range.

Whether it's a relaxing weekend or an exciting long-distance trip, my worldwide hotel selection surely has something great for you.

Pension De I Bravi offers a large vegan breakfast buffet, predominantly organic meals, and allergy-friendly rooms. Only a few minutes away from Milan by car, it's a great choice for a trip to Italy's popular metropolis. You can stay and have breakfast in one of the six lovingly designed double rooms starting at $79 per night. Also, dogs are very welcome here.

Lilla Sverigebyn (translated: Little Swedish Village) is a vegan and ecological vacation paradise for families in the heart of Småland. Depending on your wish and budget, you can choose from various accommodations, such as rooms, cabins, houses, and camping. In the morning, you'll be treated to a vitality breakfast made from fresh plant-based foods, and homemade delicacies are also served for lunch and dinner. There's also a garden café with an ice cream factory. Both young and old will fall in love with Sweden's endless recreational activities and magical nature. The price per room starts at $96.

As Italy's first entirely plant-based hotel, La Vimea Biotiquehotel combines luxury with organic standards. In addition to sustainability, hospitality is a major focus in South Tyrol, ensuring every guest feels at home. Staying true to the motto 'Nature is our Spa,' you're encouraged to explore the surroundings, whether through hiking or biking, or find your inner balance through yoga. In the mornings and evenings, you'll be spoiled with natural, vegan dishes from the creative kitchen. For a double room, you'll pay from $80.

The Hotel Swiss in Switzerland, more specifically in Kreuzlingen, is very close to the Lake Constance. Here, all animal products are avoided, and the sourcing of ingredients comes from organic production. The restaurant offers healthy cuisine at a gourmet level. The hotel has 18 rooms, which you can book including breakfast starting at $134 per night.

Mallorca's first entirely plant-based guesthouse, the Villa Vegana, impresses with its family atmosphere and vegan cuisine of the highest class. The menu is inspired by famous classics from around the world, from Asia to Africa and South America to Europe. The Villa Vegana even recently published its own cookbook, which speaks volumes. They offer four equally luxurious and cozy double rooms with a private terrace and small garden, starting at $140 per night.

The Stanford Inn by the Sea is the only entirely vegan resort in the country and offers a beautiful view over the organic gardens and the Pacific Ocean. Both restaurants serve an extraordinary breakfast in the morning and exquisite menus in the evening. During leisure time, you can go canoeing or kayaking, or rent a mountain bike. Nutritional, sports, and cooking courses are also highly popular, offering a wide variety on-site. Or you can relax in the in-house spa. As you can see, the possibilities are endless! A room starts at $210 including breakfast.

Whether you want to relax by the pool or explore Mexico's attractions and beaches, with the Hotel Marionetas, you have a vegan spot for your Mexican vacation. The restaurant offers healthy and delicious food. For a double room, prices start at $60 per night.

Not only does the breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Atitlán in the highlands of Guatemala make the Lake Villa something special. A wholesome plant-based breakfast and dinner made from fresh, regional products are included in the price. The owners organize private boat tours, authentic fire ceremonies with Mayan priests, and volcano hikes to immerse their guests in the local culture and nature, and they are happy to cater to individual requests. Room prices start at about $95.

The Fivelements Puri Ahimsa is a health resort based on Balinese traditions. Treatments inspired by the Balinese way of life that focus on harmony between people and the environment are offered. The restaurant particularly emphasizes a healing cuisine primarily made of vital raw foods. A room starts at $270.

The owners of Bed & Broccoli have transformed a lovingly restored barn in Australia into the first entirely vegan bed & breakfast. A double room costs between $100 and $120, including breakfast. The proceeds go to taking care of farm animals that have been rescued from slaughter. That alone makes a visit worthwhile!

We hope we were able to alleviate your fears and doubts about vegan travel with our tips and tricks and inspire you with my hotel recommendations so that nothing stands in the way of your next vacation! If one of the destinations particularly appeals to you, then take a look at our booking platform. Here, you can book your vegan vacation for a small budget. By the way: Even on cruises, your vegan diet is not a problem. The selection of restaurants is so abundant that you will find everything your heart desires! So, what are you waiting for?