Bringing Expertise, Energy, and Connection to Every Getaway
Our hosts help make every Getaway unforgettable. They’re with you every step of the way, bringing energy, expertise, and their personalities to each day. Beyond leading culinary experiences, they make trying new things fun and show you the world in a fresh way. They bring laughter, encouragement and inspiration while filling each day with memorable moments. This blog shares why our hosts are so important, how we choose them, and introduces the incredible people leading our 2026 trips.
Why Having a Host Can Elevate Your Getaway
Having a skilled host changes everything! You spend a whole week with them, not just a few hours. They help lead the group through the destination, share their knowledge, and bring their big personalities to every moment. They host a cooking demo featuring a regional specialty (or two!) from wherever the Getaway takes place, inspiring you to try new flavours and teaching you how to recreate the delicious creation at home. Our hosts make sure the Getaway flows effortlessly while keeping it fun, personal, and full of discovery. With a host by your side, your Getaway isn’t just a trip, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
How We Choose Our Hosts
Selecting a host is a careful and thoughtful process. We look for creators who are not only experts in plant-based living, and culinary creativity but who also bring energy, curiosity and care. We make sure that our hosts know how to inspire, connect, and make every experience feel effortless and fun.
We choose hosts who can create memorable moments, guide engaging workshops, and spark meaningful conversations. Each one shares the same values as The Getaway Co., fostering a welcoming space where guests feel inspired, supported, and ready to try something new. Our goal is to make every Getaway more than a vacation. We choose our hosts carefully so each Getaway is an experience you’ll never forget.
Meet Our 2026 Hosts
Lauren Toyota
Lauren Toyota is a Toronto-based chef, cookbook author, and the creative force behind the popular vegan platform hot for food. After a decade in television, including roles as a MuchMusic VJ and MTV Canada host, she transitioned to a full-time content creator. Lauren’s approachable and flavorful recipes have earned her recognition as one of Canada’s top vegan influencers. She is the author of two bestselling cookbooks, vegan comfort classics and hot for food all day, both celebrated for their inventive plant-based dishes. Lauren is also a proud mom to a toddler and dog mom to Stevie.
Lauren is the original Getaway Co. host, first traveling with us to Bali in 2019, and is truly a bubble of love and energy, making every Getaway feel lively, inspiring, and full of joy. Join Lauren for Vegan Nights and Northern Lights from January 17th – 24th, 2026. Her back-to-back Getaways to Japan in June 2026 are already sold out, and if you missed out, you can look forward to joining her on many more incredible Getaways in the future!
Follow Lauren on Instagram: @laurentoyota @hotforfood
Erin Ireland
Erin Ireland is the owner of Vancouver’s To Live For Bakery and Cafe, as well as a recipe developer, content creator, and animal rights advocate. A former TEDx speaker, she shares her knowledge and experiences to support other plant-based entrepreneurs globally in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of vegan eating.
Erin is extremely kind and fun, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels included and inspired. She lives with three rescue dogs and her two young kids, who are also vegan. In her free time, Erin loves to trail run, lift weights, and is training for a Hyrox competition. She and her partner Darren love to travel, often choosing destinations based on their vegan friendliness, and The Getaway Co. has reignited her passion for exploring the world!
Join Erin in Croatia for Herbivores in Hrvatska. After the excitement of our Japan Getaways in June, we launched a third Getaway from Septmber 12th – 26th, 2026, Part III : The Golden Root and there are still a few spots left to join Erin on this unforgettable experience.
Follow Erin on Instagram @erinireland @tolivefor.bakery
Richard Makin
Richard Makin is a UK-based vegan cookbook author, recipe developer, and the creator of School Night Vegan. He is known for transforming classic comfort foods into plant-based versions without compromising on flavor. His debut cookbook, Anything You Can Cook, I Can Cook Vegan, offers a wide range of recipes, from hearty breakfasts to indulgent desserts.
Richard lives in Manchester, UK with his husband Peter and his first-born child Ripley, the rescue pup. Richard is hilarious and full of charm, bringing laughter and a playful energy to every Getaway that he hosts.
Experience Vegan On The Aegean with Richard in Athens and Santorini, Greece from October 3rd to 10th, 2026, and enjoy stunning views, vibrant flavors, and unforgettable vegan adventures across the Aegean.
Follow Richard on Instagram: @schoolnightvegan
Zacchary Bird
Zacchary Bird, also known as The Vegan Butcher, The Vegan Baker, and The Vegan Troublemaker, is an Australian chef, recipe developer, and author celebrated for his bold, indulgent, and inventive plant-based creations. He has written three cookbooks: Vegan Junk Food: A Down and Dirty Cookbook, The Vegan Butcher: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Meat, and The Vegan Baker: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Breads, Pastries, Cookies, Slices, and More, with The Vegan Butcher winning PETA Cookbook of the Year.
Zacchary has traveled the world hunting and documenting the best vegan food on the planet. When he’s not doing backbends for social media, he runs plant-based pop-up events and eateries in Australia. On Getaways, he brings his humour, originality, and high-energy.
Be part of Pasta La Vista in Panzano, Tuscany, Italy with Zacchary from May 30th – June 6th, 2026 and immerse yourself in the rolling hills, sun-soaked vineyards, and rich flavors of this unforgettable vegan Tuscan escape.
Follow Zacchary on Instagram: @zaccharybird
Final Thoughts
Our 2026 hosts each bring something special to the table. From culinary creativity to uplifting energy and warm connection, they are the spark that makes every Getaway unique. With Lauren, Erin, Richard, and Zacchary hosting in 2026, you can look forward to incredible plant-based food, inspiring experiences, and the kind of fun that stays with you long after the Getaway ends.
We are so excited to share the upcoming year with this amazing group of hosts and cannot wait for you to experience the magic they create.
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🌏 Explore all of our Upcoming Getaways to discover where 2026 could take you!
