Vegan on vacation: How do I eat vegan while traveling?

Created on: October 6, 2026
Last edited on: October 6, 2026

Eating vegan on vacation is usually easier than you think. Whether you are planning a city trip, a beach holiday, or a longer journey: eating vegan while traveling doesn't have to be complicated. Here you will find practical tips to stay true to your values and eat delicious food while on the go.


1. Find and save vegan restaurants in advance

Search for vegan restaurants and cafés at your destination before you travel. You can use Google or other search engines to search for "vegan food" plus your destination. Especially on city trips, there is often a wide selection, and you can also enjoy traditional dishes in a vegan version.

It is best to save several options near your accommodation and planned excursions. This way, you have a go-to spot when hunger strikes.
Extra tip: Download your saved places or a small restaurant list for offline use. This helps if you don't have internet access while on the move.


2. Eating vegan in mixed restaurants

Non-vegan restaurants can also offer vegan options. It is worth taking a look at the menu and the relevant labels in advance. Many restaurants nowadays publish their menus online.


What should I order if nothing is labeled as vegan on the menu?

Depending on the destination and the specific situation, vegans may end up in a restaurant where nothing is explicitly labeled. Vegan options that are often available anyway include:

  • Pasta with tomato sauce
  • Boiled potatoes or vegetables
  • Rice and legumes
  • Vegetable curries
  • Pizza pane 
  • Fries with ketchup

These are not always complete meals for every day, of course, but they serve as an interim solution to get a meal free from animal slavery. Sometimes a dish can also be easily adapted – for example, pizza without cheese, or vegetables with oil instead of butter. The dishes mentioned can be a vegan option – but be sure to ask about the ingredients and preparation.

A helpful phrasing for this is: "I eat vegan, so no meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, or honey. Which dish can you prepare accordingly?". You can use a translation app to translate this into the respective local language.


3. Simple dishes make vacation easier

It doesn't always have to be fancy! Bread, vegetables, legumes, rice, or pasta with tomato sauce can be practical foundations for a vegan diet on vacation. For example, on our last trip to Rome, we had pasta all’arrabbiata with peas added, and that was super delicious too. 

 

4. Discover supermarkets and use the accomodation's kitchen

Traveling as a vegan can be really exciting! Turn your supermarket visit into a discovery tour: What plant-based products and local specialties are there? Maybe you'll find new plant-based yogurts, vegan spreads, or delicious snacks. Vegan protein bars are also frequently available and can be a handy backup for in-between meals.

If your accommodation has a kitchen, you can prepare breakfast like porridge or a simple meal like BROFU (bread + tofu) yourself. This creates flexibility and can take the pressure off your travel budget.


Vegan hotel breakfast

If you are staying in a hotel: You can find vegan food at hotel breakfasts, too. Bread, rolls, fruit, vegetables, muesli, oatmeal, plant milk, and spreads can be a good foundation. If you're unsure, it's worth asking the hotel staff. If you need special products, you can also bring them yourself.


5. Pack vegan snacks for the road

Especially when you have a limited selection at airports, train stations, or pull-ins, it is worth packing a vegan snack for longer journeys. Suitable items include crackers, nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, fruit, or sandwiches. That way, you aren't dependent on finding a suitable meal immediately while on the go.


Summary: Vegan diet on vacation

Being vegan on vacation works better if you save restaurants beforehand and keep simple meals in mind. Use supermarkets to explore, an available kitchen for more flexibility, and snacks as a reserve. This leaves more time to enjoy your trip - and vegan food will naturally become a part of it.

→ You can find more tips for a vegan diet in everyday life and while traveling in our vegan nutrition guides.

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