It’s time for a road trip! But if you’re vegan, it can be difficult to find food along the
way. Here are a few emergency eating tips for traveling vegans.
The open road is calling! But as a vegan, finding places to eat along the way can be a challenge, especially in rural areas and small towns. Fortunately, you do have
options, even if they aren’t always immediately apparent. Here are several
emergency eating tips for traveling vegans.
Plan Ahead
Sometime between getting the car ready and loading up your luggage, plan your
road trip and plot your course by noting all the vegan restaurants at your destination and along the way. Be aware that just because a place says there’s a salad bar doesn’t mean you don’t risk having your veggies served with eggs, mayonnaise, bacon, or the like. If you prefer to be surprised, download a vegan app like HappyCow or VegMan that can point you to the nearest vegan-friendly eateries and grocery stores.
Pack Back-Up Food
Obviously, the best way to ensure your food is healthy and cruelty-free is to prepare it yourself. Naturally, part of the fun of road tripping is trying new foods and places to eat, but on the off-chance that you’ve got miles to go before you eat (vegan), have some food ready to go. Snacking is fine, and believe it or not, you can find vegan options at gas stations and convenience stores (bean dip, Chex mix, hummus, and other snacks all get the thumbs up). But wouldn’t you rather have food that’s both filling and nutritionally fulfilling? Pack sandwiches, wraps, chilled rice or quinoa salads, and other small but filling dishes in a cooler to pull out and nosh on along the way. Limited space? A stack of tortillas and a big jar of peanut butter can keep you going until you find the right place to dine.
Fast Food Can Be Your Friend
It’s best to avoid fast food, especially on road trips with long periods of sitting and
driving, where empty calories can build up and have no place to go. Still, most of the big national and international chains recognize the vegan market and have equipped their menus to accommodate you. These days, most French fries are prepared in vegetable oil. Veggie burgers are often on the menu, and if they aren’t, you can often order sandwiches without the meat or mayo. Also, it’s almost impossible to find a restaurant without a salad option these days. Overall, ask to see the vegan menus, and most fast-food joints can oblige.
Look for Communities That Favor Veganism
When considering emergency eating tips for traveling vegans, know that most cities and even many smaller towns host large communities of immigrants from countries with cuisines that favor veganism. Look for neighborhoods with large populations of Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and other people from cultures and religions known for avoiding meat and animal products, and you’ll surely find restaurants that can serve up succulent and savory vegan meals. New to town? Community centers and places of worship are good places to ask about local dining options, and to make new friends!
