The most humiliating morning of my life was when I missed seeing the Liberty Bell. All because of the decision I made the night before. I have since learned how to be a plant-based eater and travel like a BOSS!
I was the group leader on a study tour. Instead of remaining true to seeking out a plant-based meal, I made the choice to veer off the plant-based trail. I ate a buttery shrimp pasta dinner, a favorite in the old days when I still ate the Standard American Diet. My body revolted the next morning just as we were heading to see the Liberty Bell and all that Philadelphia has to offer. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty (the Liberty Bell yes, my time in the restroom-not so much!)
Since that fateful day, I learned how to travel and stay true to the plant-based lifestyle that my body thrives on. How do I travel and stay true?
Here’s 7 ways how:
1. Plan Ahead
Among the best things that you can do is plan ahead. Meaning bring snacks and check out the location where you’re heading to see if there are any plant-based options available.
This depends on where you’re heading and your mode of travel. If traveling by car it’s easy to plan out your route and your meals along the way. It’s simple to pack a cooler with fresh fruits, sandwiches and snacks.
Our family typically traverses from California to the east coast each summer. We love to do so by car. We’ve learned (dare I say have perfected?) the art of long distance auto travel as plant-based eaters. We’ve figured out that we can pack food supplies to last the 5 days that it takes us, and replenish along the way.
Another tip is to take advantage of fast food joints that offer plant-based food. We’ve found that Wendy’s is our “go to” fast food lunch spot on our extended road trip. That’s because they offer baked potatoes and a garden salad. We’ve learned to order the potato plain and be very clear with the server that we’re fine with just the potato sans the cheese and sour cream.
We also order the garden salad and skip the croutons. We bring our own balsamic dressing but use their raspberry vinaigrette in a pinch. Not only do we get a good meal at lunchtime, but it’s economical cause the spud runs something like a $1.25.
2. Be Flexible
It goes without saying that a good attitude makes travel go more smoothly. This holds true when traveling as a plant-based eater. If your mindset says that you’ll never be able to stay plant-based while on the road then you’ll probably see all of the potential roadblocks to eating healthy. You may want to choose to look for ways to stay plant-based in what seems like challenging locations.
Just like scouting out the likes of Wendy’s restaurants, you may also want to check some of the following: Chipotle where you can have a burrito or make their Sofrita plant-based. Taco Bell– order the 7 layer burrito and eliminate the non plant-based items like the cheese. The good news about Taco Bell is that they don’t include lard in their beans which eliminates the oils. Believe it or not Burger King also offers a veggie burger. Admittedly the B.K. veggie burger is loaded with oil and is still junk food but it’s technically plant-based and can do in a pinch. Just be sure not to order the mayo with it. Remember the key is to stay flexible and stay as plant-based as possible during your journey.
Use technology to help you. Yelp is an excellent tool and if you haven’t already downloaded the Happy Cow app you’ll want to do so. That’s because this little gem will provide you with vegan/plant-based restaurant locations and reviews from all over the world. This helps you to stay the course when you’re traveling. You can use it to plan ahead and you can also use it when you need to be flexible and find a spot on the fly.
3.Hotel Food 
There’re lots of ways to be a plant-based eater when it comes to hotel food. When it comes to the breakfast buffet it’s typically pretty easy to be a WFPB eater. That’s because of the likes of oatmeal, fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes.
Be a plant-based “detective” when scouting out the breakfast bar. Most hotels will offer a variety of foods suitable to the plant-based lifestyle. Look for oatmeal or bring your own and use their supplies. Many hotels include hash browns or breakfast potatoes, just be aware of the oil factor with these and decide if they’re for you.
While on the road, our family makes sure to stay at locations that include breakfast buffets because we know that we can always find plant-based food to kick off our day. Some hotels also will provide plant-based milks making it even better!
We’ve also made it a habit while on our annual summer road trip to stay at hotels that offer a “happy hour/dinner buffet.” We find that we can make a plant-based meal off of the offerings. Most locations will provide steamed or roasted veggies or a salad bar. Lot’s will include pasta and soups. We find that we can adapt to the setting and by eliminating the meat and dairy options that tend to be offered, we do just fine on the road.
It’s also helpful not to have to head out to a restaurant after being on the road for the bulk of the day. We fuel up at the happy hour, hop into the pool and hot tub, then hit the hay to recharge for the next full day of travel.
4.Restaurants
Like finding fast food spots while you travel, the same holds true for sit down restaurants. Utilize technology with Yelp or Happy Cow and key into the types of restaurants that you prefer. Plant-Based eaters can typically find suitable plant-based dishes at various ethnic restaurants. Some types include Mexican,Thai, Ethiopian, and even Italian restaurants.
Given the volume of travel and several locations that we find ourselves in during our three to four week summer journey we’ve learned how to eat at any type of restaurant. We know that we can always get a salad and stock up on side dishes if there isn’t a main course item that is either plant-based or adapted to so.
Make it a point to speak with your server when they ask the if there’s any questions. We’ve found that it’s easiest to tell our server that we’re vegans as most people have an understanding of what it means to be vegan. We ask if they have anything that is vegan (this is also the time that we provide on the spot education if they don’t know what vegans eat) or what could be made into a plant-based dish. We’ve found that most servers are happy to speak to the chef about making adaptations including not using oil. Many chefs enjoy what can be seen as a challenge. The reality is that it’s getting easier to travel as a plant-based eater because more and more people are switching to this lifestyle.
5.Pizza
Believe it or not, pizza is what we find we can depend on at most restaurants. We spend time in the upper Midwest where plant-based meals are not only basically unheard of, but often will raise eyebrows or even laughed at. We’ve learned that if we approach our server with a request for a veggie pizza and to hold the cheese that we can get a meal that works for us and a skeptical server gets a kick out of seeing something that they didn’t think possible!
6.Air Travel
Road trips are one way to travel and stay plant-based, but many fear that it’s impossible to travel by air. Not so!
When flying to or from your destination, the same advice holds true about planning ahead. Often you can think ahead and pack a meal (think sandwich,salad or snack) in your carry on bag and enjoy it as you jet to your destination.
Admittedly this is a bit more complicated when you aren’t in a position to plan ahead because you’re not at home when you set out to fly. Many airports are providing more plant-based options. It’s possible to use some of the fast food restaurants mentioned above to purchase a plant-based option.
7.Food Courts
Look to food courts in the airport (or anywhere) for plant-based options. Asian restaurants offer rice and veggies that are perfect for the plant-based traveler. It’s possible to utilize many of the nuggets of knowledge offered above when finding yourself in a food court. Look for ethnic food, side dishes and/or pizza. There’s plant-based options available, you may just need to look for them!
Secrets Unveiled
The secret to being a plant-based eater and traveling like a BOSS is routed in planning ahead (when possible), being flexible and looking for options to make plant-based eating happen. It’s not only possible, but over time, it becomes second nature.
If your body is anything like mine, when you stick with plant-based eating while traveling, your body will thank you for it. You’ll also be able to enjoy the likes of the Liberty Bell or any other attraction without a personal food- based disaster.
Happy Travels!
P.S. If you’re new to the plant-based lifestyle and are looking for a place to learn and gain some support and encouragement, join our free private Facebook group called Judy’s Newbies. Learn to take charge of your health and stay the course with the whole food plant-based lifestyle. Join Judy’s Newbies today!.