The rise of vegan travel, also called vegan food tourism, is intrinsically linked to a broader shift towards conscious living. Vegan travel allows individuals to explore the world while immersing themselves in different cultures and cuisines.
Welcome To Best Vegan Travel Destinations Of 2024
Welcome to the best vegan travel destinations of 2024! In recent years, vegan travel has evolved and for good reason. As more people embrace plant-based living, the demand for vegan-friendly travel experiences has skyrocketed.
Exploring a destination through its vegan culinary offerings often means engaging with local markets, meeting passionate chefs, and discovering the roots of traditional plant-based dishes. It’s an avenue for travellers to connect with the essence of a culture, breaking bread (or tofu) with locals and understanding the story behind each dish.
From the joy of discovering new flavours to the fulfilment of making ethical choices, embarking on a vegan travel adventure enriches the overall experience, leaving a positive impact on the traveller and the destinations they explore. Join us on a journey through some of the top destinations for vegan tourism in 2024 and be inspired to book a spot on one of our upcoming Getaways!
Here are our Top 10 Best Vegan Travel Destinations, in no particular order.
Berlin Germany: The Vegan Haven
Germany’s capital, Berlin, has emerged as a cultural hub and a paradise for vegans. The city boasts many vegan restaurants, cafes, and food markets. Dive into the vibrant street food scene at the famous Markthalle Neun, where plant-based delights are a must-try!
A popular dish is the vegan-friendly alternative to the döner kebab. Many places in Berlin now use seitan or other plant-based proteins to replace the traditional meat döner.
Another must-try dish is brezeln, a traditional German pretzel made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and occasionally some malt for flavour. Berlin’s vegan scene continually evolves, so you will discover new and exciting options by exploring different neighbourhoods.
Chiang Mai Thailand: Vegan Bliss in the Land of Smiles
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Chiang Mai, Thailand, stands out as a vegan paradise amid the bustling markets and ancient temples. Known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Chiang Mai has become a hotspot for vegan travellers.
Explore the vibrant Night Bazaar, where stalls offer a delightful array of vegan Thai street food. From green vegetable curry to mango sticky rice, Chiang Mai’s vegan options celebrate the essence of Thai cuisine without compromising on taste.
If you need another reason to visit Thailand as a vegan, check out the annual 9-day Vegetarian Festival Tesagan Gin Je, also known as the Jey Festival. The event occurs in the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in September or October, bringing the best vegetarian food scene to Thailand.
Barcelona Spain: Vegan Tapas Extravaganza
Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona has embraced the vegan movement with open arms. The city’s culinary scene blends tradition and innovation, making it a haven for vegan tapas enthusiasts.
Picture yourself wandering through the charming streets of El Born, stumbling upon cosy tapas bars that offer an array of plant-based delights. Barcelona’s vegan tapas scene is an explosion of flavours that will leave you craving more.
Vegan-friendly side dishes include grilled artichokes, marinated olives, charred eggplant, or wild asparagus paired with crunchy bread drizzled in olive oil. Be sure to try patatas bravas, crispy fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and vegan aioli.
Ho Chi Minh Vietnam: A Vegan Feast for the Senses
Vietnam, renowned for its bustling street markets and aromatic cuisine, is one of the best places to travel as a vegan. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, is a treasure trove for plant-based foodies seeking a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
Many local dishes are vegan-friendly – for example, Pho chay, a noodle soup that replaces the meat broth with aromatic herbs and vegetables. The cuisine is fresh, healthy and packed with herbs and spices. Travel to the north and find several vegetarian and vegan cafes in the popular tourist city of Hanoi.
If you want to explore the local coffee culture but feel like you are missing out, look for a menu serving Coconut coffee, an addictive vegan alternative to the famous egg coffee made instead with coconut milk.
London United Kingdom: Vegan Restaurants Galore
London, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, has elevated its vegan game to royal status. The city boasts an impressive array of vegan fine dining establishments, street food markets, and everything in between.
The multicultural nature of London is reflected in its diverse vegan offerings. Imagine savouring a vegan full English breakfast in Shoreditch or indulging in plant-based afternoon tea in Notting Hill.
Here, you can find some of the best vegan chefs in the region; with over 400 vegan establishments around the city, you will be spoilt for choice.
Athens Greece: Vegan Odyssey in the Cradle of Civilization
While Athens may be renowned for its ancient ruins and historical significance, it has also become a haven for vegan travellers seeking a plant-based odyssey. Many traditional Greek dishes can be adapted to suit a vegan diet. For example, moussaka, dolmades, and spanakopita can be prepared without animal products.
Greek desserts, known for their sweetness and unique flavours, are also available in vegan versions. Vegan baklava, loukoumades and various vegan pastries can be found in Athens.
Travel out to Santorini and be surprised at the available vegan options. Look for local dishes that feature vegetable stews or grilled vegetables, often seasoned with herbs and olive oil.
Check out our Vegan Travel Guide To Greece for more information.
Bali Indonesia: Vegan Nirvana In Tropical Paradise
Bali’s lush landscapes and spiritual vibes make it a magnet for travellers seeking a tranquil escape. Indonesian cuisine is rich in plant-based ingredients, making it relatively easy for vegans to find satisfying and flavorful dishes.
Indonesian cuisine uses aromatic herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, ginger, galangal, and tamarind. Combining sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours is a hallmark of many Indonesian dishes.
If there is one dish that you must try in Bali, it’s nasi campur or mixed rice. This popular dish is known for its vibrant combination of rice served with an assortment of small portions of various dishes, creating a delicious ensemble on a single plate. It is best to try many different flavours and traditional ingredients, including tempeh.
Lisbon Portugal: Vegan Bliss by the Sea
Portugal, renowned for its maritime history and stunning coastal landscapes, has embraced the vegan wave sweeping across the globe. Portugal offers increasing vegetarian and vegan restaurants, particularly in major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
While traditional Portuguese dishes often include seafood and meat, many plant-based alternatives and vegan adaptations exist to explore. This region is renowned for its Port wine; many are naturally vegan. Port wine is special in Portuguese culture and is celebrated for its unique taste.
If you can, try a traditional soup called Açorda. This vegan-friendly dish is made with bread, garlic, olive oil and various vegetables. Lastly, indulge in Pastéis de Nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart.
Dubrovnik Croatia: Vegan Bliss Amidst Medieval Splendor
Croatia, known for its stunning coastline and historic cities, has a growing scene for plant-based foodies. In the coastal regions, where seafood is traditionally prominent, vegan travellers can indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted with fresh, local produce. You’ll have better luck finding vegan options in major cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Coastal regions are known for their seafood. However, you can still find vegan-friendly options like pasta, grilled vegetables, and salads. Some traditional Croatian dishes are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted. For example, try blitva, which is Swiss chard or collard greens sautéed with garlic and olive oil, or manestra, a hearty bean soup. In northern Croatia, cooked buckwheat often replaces rice as a delicious and healthy alternative.
In cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik, many restaurants and cafes cater to the growing demand, offering creative vegan adaptations of traditional Croatian dishes. From vegan pasta and risotto to grilled vegetables and stews, it is possible to travel to this region and enjoy the culinary delights.
Marrakesh Morocco: Vegan Oasis in the Desert
Moroccan cuisine uniquely combines Arab, Berber, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavours. Family is at the heart of Moroccan cooking, and people gather at meal times to share plates of food with the community. While it might be more challenging to find vegan options in Morocco than other destinations, with some research and communication, you can enjoy a variety of delicious plant-based dishes during your visit.
Larger cities, such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, tend to have a growing vegan scene and a better understanding of the available menu options. The tagine is one of the most famous traditional dishes of Moroccan cuisine. This slow-cooked stew is typically made with meat, but vegan tagines are made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, chickpeas and tomatoes.
Finally, you have to try the refreshing Moroccan mint tea. Frequently enjoyed in social settings, family gatherings, and special occasions, this ceremonial tea is poured over fresh mint leaves and sweetened with sugar.
Check out our Vegan Travel Guide To Morcco for more information.
As we conclude this journey, we invite you to turn those dreams into reality with a getaway that exceeds all expectations. Prepare for a fully immersive escape with The Getaway Co, your passport to a world of plant-based wonders.
With a commitment to providing exceptional vegan travel experiences, The Getaway Co ensures that every aspect of your journey aligns with your ethical values and culinary desires.
So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan traveller or someone venturing into the world of plant-based journeys for the first time, let us be your trusted companion in crafting the perfect vegan holiday in 2024. Check out our incredible upcoming vegan holidays before they sell out!
