Five tips for staying healthy as a vegan traveller

We’re delighted to bring you a guest blog from The Vegan Stay, a platform on which your vegan travel can support animal sanctuaries worldwide!

As a vegan traveller, taking care of your health on the road is essential. After all, you want to feel energised and refreshed throughout your journey, not bogged down by fatigue, dehydration, or hunger.

That’s why it’s crucial to prioritise your physical and mental well-being while travelling, whether you’re exploring new corners of the world or simply visiting family and friends.

Join us as we dive into tips and tricks for staying healthy, happy, and fulfilled as a vegan traveller, no matter where your adventures take you.

1. Fuel your journey: pack healthy snacks

As a vegan traveller, it can be challenging to find healthy and satisfying meal options on the road, especially in places where veganism is not yet widely recognised or understood. That’s where packing snacks come in handy. 

By bringing along a variety of nutritious and delicious snacks, you can ensure that you have access to healthy options wherever your travels may take you. Plus, packing your own snacks can be a great money-saving tactic, as it allows you to avoid pricey airport or convenience store snacks that may not meet your dietary needs or preferences.

So before you embark on your next adventure, take some time to curate a selection of your favourite vegan snacks, from trail mix and fruit to energy bars and savoury treats, to keep you fueled and nourished throughout your journey. Here are some great vegan snack ideas to keep you fueled and energised while on the go: 

• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds 
• Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, apricots 
• Fresh fruit: apples, oranges, bananas 
• Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit 
• Popcorn or air-popped popcorn kernels 
• Whole grain crackers or bread with nut butter or hummus 
• Energy bars made from natural ingredients like dates and nuts 
• Dark chocolate chips or chunks (check for dairy-free) 
• Roasted chickpeas or edamame beans.

2. Research vegan-friendly restaurants and accommodations

Finding restaurants and accommodations that are vegan-friendly can still be a challenge in some destinations, especially if you’re looking for healthier alternatives. That’s why it’s essential to do your research ahead of time, to ensure that you have access to delicious and satisfying meals throughout your journey. 

With the help of online resources like Ethical Globe, HappyCow, Yelp, and local vegan blogs, you can discover a wealth of vegan-friendly restaurants in your destination, from casual cafes to upscale eateries.

When it comes to accommodations, it is also important to find something vegan-friendly. From hotels to guesthouses to resorts, there are now numerous choices that cater specifically to vegans. These accommodations not only offer vegan-friendly meals and snacks but also provide amenities like cruelty-free toiletries, ensuring that vegans can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

You can book your stay at a vegan-friendly accommodation at The Vegan Stay. 

This platform offers a wide range of vegan-friendly accommodations across the globe, from hotels and BnBs to unique and off-the-beaten-path stays. Not only does The Vegan Stay make it easy to find a comfortable and sustainable place to rest your head, but it also has a mission to make a positive impact on the world. By donating over 50% of its profits to animal sanctuaries, The Vegan Stay is not just a place to book a room – it’s a way to support a more ethical and compassionate world towards all living beings.

So whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, make sure to book your stay with The Vegan Stay and join the movement towards a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Additionally, you can also look for local vegan meetup groups in the area you are visiting to find out about vegan-friendly events. 

3. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated as a vegan traveller is vital for maintaining good health and energy levels. It is especially important to stay hydrated when travelling, as the body can become dehydrated more quickly due to changes in climate, altitude, and activity level. 

Here are a few tips to follow:

Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times

Invest in a quality, reusable water bottle and fill it up whenever possible. This will help you avoid buying single-use plastic bottles, which are not only bad for the environment but also contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. 

By carrying a reusable water bottle, you can make a significant positive impact on the environment while also saving money on expensive bottled water. Additionally, many destinations now have water fountains or water refill stations readily available, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated and sustainable while on the go.

Drink plenty of plant-based beverages

Plant-based beverages such as coconut water, almond milk, and oat milk can help keep your body hydrated. Additionally, these drinks are sometimes free from added sugars or other unhealthy ingredients found in many commercial sports drinks or sodas.

Eat hydrating foods

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to get more fluids into your diet without having to drink extra liquids throughout the day. Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, apples, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi fruit are all great sources of natural hydration!

Eating foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale, will help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating during physical activity or exposure to hot climates.

Reduce your caffeine intake

As a vegan traveller, it’s important to be mindful of your caffeine consumption, as it can lead to dehydration when consumed in excess. If you find yourself feeling thirsty while out exploring new places, try swapping out your coffee or soda for herbal teas. Not only are they a hydrating alternative, but they also offer a range of health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing stress.

So, next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, consider sipping on a soothing cup of herbal tea instead.

4. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining good health and feeling energised while travelling. To ensure you are well-rested, it’s important to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Avoid caffeine late in the day and limit your alcohol consumption. Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and dark, with minimal noise or distractions.

Getting enough sleep is essential for staying healthy while travelling as it helps keep your immune system strong and gives your body time to rest and recover from any physical activity or stressors encountered during the day.

Finally, consider taking natural supplements such as melatonin or magnesium if needed.

5. Take supplements

You should always ensure that you are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs during your plant-based adventure. This is substantially harder when we are on the go, so taking supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet. Some of the most important supplements for vegans include vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D.

It is also recommended to take a multivitamin supplement to ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients. Finally, probiotics can be beneficial for gut health and digestion while travelling.

Ready for your next healthy plant-based adventure?

With the right planning and resources, you can maintain your physical and mental well-being while exploring new corners of the world. 

The five tips we have explored – packing healthy snacks, researching vegan-friendly restaurants and accommodations, staying hydrated, keeping active, getting enough sleep, and prioritising self-care—are all great ways to ensure you have a fulfilling and enjoyable journey. 

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, remember to take care of yourself and be mindful of your health needs so that you can have an unforgettable experience that leaves you feeling energised and refreshed.