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How to Maintain Your Plant-Based Diet While Traveling

Pack well, plan ahead, and make sure your gut is happy!

airplane
Food & Drink

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Pack well, plan ahead, and make sure your gut is happy!

Whether you’re traveling for work or play, there’s no need to deviate from your vegan diet while on the go. Sure, some destinations and modes of transportation require a little more planning and effort, but between researching your location and packing staple snacks and go-to supplements, you’re en route for a great trip. Check out our suggestions on how to maintain your plant-based diet while traveling.

Choose a Vegan-Friendly Destination

If you can help it, opt for a vegan-friendly location where you can dine with ease. Certain destinations offer more plant-focused meals, requiring little to no meal customization. Destinations like Thailand and the United Kingdom can easily accommodate your vegan lifestyle, but if you’re planning a road trip through the Midwest, that might take a bit more effort. No matter where you’re traveling, be sure to have a plan!

destination

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Plan Ahead

As you know, the vacation isn’t just about the destination, but the journey as a whole. So, don’t skimp on tasty airplane snacks and in-flight meals when available. Typically you can request specialty meals about 30 days prior to your flight. It might not be the best meal of your trip, but it will come in handy for those long flights!

When you arrive at your destination, a little planning can go a long way. Set aside some time to research the local cuisine and identify any common vegan dishes in the area. Peek at nearby restaurant menus and keep a list of vegan-friendly eateries to try out. Keep your fingers crossed for an all-vegan restaurant nearby to effortlessly help maintain your plant-based diet while traveling.

If you’re renting a place with a kitchen, be sure to scope out the local grocery stores and markets. It is helpful to proactively think about some low-effort meals to prepare as well. Dog ear a few digital recipes to consider once you’ve settled in and plan your next trip to the local farmers market with a list in hand. If staying in a hotel is part of your plan, make sure you’re stocked up on vegan goods to enjoy between your restaurant meals.

Pack the Plant-Based Essentials

From snacks to supplements, set yourself up for success by packing a few must-have items. Opt for filling snacks that take up minimal space like snack bars, vegan jerky, trail mix, and individual packets of protein powder. These essentials are perfect for the plane, hotel room, and on-the-go activities alike. Trust us, these items can really help you maintain your plant-based diet while traveling.

While you’re in the packing groove, make sure to stick with your healthy habits even on the go. Don’t forget your water bottle, sunscreen, and supplements like vegan multivitamins, sleep supplements, and gut-friendly probiotics. Traveling can definitely be a trigger for your gut and cause bloating and constipation. While eating well, staying active, and ensuring proper hydration can all be helpful, taking a probiotic may also help alleviate common GI distress while traveling.

Seed

Courtesy of Seed

Don’t Forget a Vegan Probiotic

Keep your gut feeling good all vacation long with Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic. This vegan synbiotic contains high-quality, scientifically validated probiotic strains and a patented, non-fermenting prebiotic to promote digestive health. Designed to ease bloating and support regularity, DS-01 is perfect for travel. Plus, this vegan gut supplement doesn’t require refrigeration and takes up minimal space in your travel bag.

If you’re looking for notes on how to maintain your plant-based diet while traveling, plan ahead, pack the essentials, and give Seed’s DS-01 Daily Synbiotic a try. Your gut will thank you! Check it out at Seed.com.

Anja Grommons

Anja Grommons

she/her

During her studies to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, Anja—a longtime vegetarian—transitioned to a vegan diet. Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the time, she met Maggie and Tammie through VegOut Kalamazoo (one of VegOut’s first focus cities) and began collaborating with the duo. When she’s not writing about new vegan eats, you can find her whipping up veg-centric meals, traveling, and practicing yoga.

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