According to Google Trends, interest in veganism is on the rise, which proves the search for “veganism” online has more than doubled in the past six years. Despite the increased popularity of veganism, navigating through small towns or traveling (we’re talking to you, airports!) can prove to be challenging for those of us who live a plant-based life. Luckily, there are many resources available online to help you adhere to your lifestyle and diet goals. Here, we have compiled a list of vegan travel destinations and tips to help as you continue to make your summer plans.

Prepare Your Food on the Go

Earlier this month, The Today Show reported on long-haul Mississippi truck driver Bobby Anderson, who lost 65 pounds by cooking his own vegetarian and vegan meals while on the road. Though more preparation is required when you’re not relying on a drive thru for your next meal, Anderson proves the health benefits are worth the extra effort. Consider making your vegan meals in advance and putting them in storage containers for easy transportation. Want to make fresher meals on the go? We suggest investing in a portable stove like a Jetboil or MSR Whisperlite for long road trips and using one pot vegan meal recipes, like these from blogger Vegangela. Relax by spending your lunch break at a picnic area at a park or rest stop where you can cook your own meals.

Visiting a Small Town as a Vegan? Never Fear!

So you live in New York City, but your in-laws live in rural Kentucky. While you may think vegan options are limited, a recent post by cruise presenter, The Vegan Woman, shows otherwise. Tips from this post include knowing vegan items carried at various grocery stores, getting creative in the kitchen, asking restaurants about ways to accommodates vegans, and being upbeat about the hurdles you may face. If you’re not sure about independently owned restaurants in your small town destination, check out PETA’s suggestions for vegan meals at chain restaurants like Applebee’s, Chili’s and more restaurants common to large and small towns.

Choose a Trip that Nourishes Your Vegan Lifestyle

Instead of working around obstacles to travel as a vegan, why not travel somewhere that caters specifically to vegans! We encourage you to check out our next holistic vegan cruise happening February 26 – March 5, 2016. If you’ve traveled with us before, you know the cruise is a perfect travel option for those of us who prioritize our health and fitness on a daily basis, with cooking classes, fitness classes and educational seminars taught by leading experts.

Can’t wait until February? We suggest attending the Global Roots Conference in the Dominican Republic from October 15 – 22, 2015. This one week health retreat focuses on the benefits of adhering to a whole foods, plant-based diet and features cooking classes, exercise classes and excursions. You may recognize some familiar faces, like Global Roots Conference Executive Director Dr. Leanne Campbell, daughter of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, as well as Dr. T. Colin Campbell himself who will also be speaking at the conference.

If you are interested in combining your love of travel with your love of a holistic, vegan lifestyle, contact us today to inquire about our next cruise!