Taking a road trip is often hard enough as it is, let alone trying to find vegan options that you can eat along the way. Between planning where you are going to stay and where you want to go (like an epic trip to America’s theme parks), you also have to think about how you are going to find options that work with your diet. For me, this has been a struggle anytime I choose to hit the road and I want to eat what I know works for me.
However, there are some ways you can make it easier on yourself. Here are some tips I’ve found while roadtripping that have been helpful as a vegan.
1. Know where you’re stopping
While it might take some of the spontaneity out of your journey, doing a bit of research before you head out can help you find locations where vegan-friendly food is an option. Take time and Google restaurants that serve vegan food beforehand so you know that you can grab a meal at some point along your journey. This can also help you to feel more in control of you trip and less like you are leaving your diet up to chance.
2. Hit the grocery store
One of the best ways to avoid looking for restaurants that serve vegan food is to head to the nearest grocery store and buy food that you already are familiar with. If you are trying to use favorite brands, the grocery store is usually the best place to know where your food is coming from. The good news? You can usually find one that carries vegan options in any town along your route.
3. Ask around
There are some amazing online communities (like this one!) who might have some suggestions for you when you want to find some restaurant spots. Asking around can not only help you find them, but it can also provide you with good places to eat too. Going online isn’t the only way you can get some excellent recommendations—even just asking some locals in the town you are passing through can get you some good answers.
4. Use an app
What did we do before technology? New apps and programs can now make it easy to find places where you can eat on the road. Happy Cow is one of many that points out on a map and uses a GPS where you can sit down and get a good meal. You can also see reviews of different places that work for you. Google can work just as well, but having recommendations at your fingertips can help you make the right decisions.
5. Check out local farms
If you can’t always get the products you want at the grocery store or at a new restaurant you are trying, some local farms have great alternatives that are not only vegan, but fresh too. Many farms give tours and offer travelers a chance to sample products and to buy them if you take a liking to what they have to offer. Not only do you get a chance to see how your food is grown, but it often delicious and just harvested.
Traveling as a vegan can be a challenge—especially in areas that aren’t vegan friendly. However, it’s totally doable if you have some strategies at hand!
You can find more from Alex’s travels at the following:
Website: thewayfaringvoyager.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thewayfaringvoyager
Instagram: http://instagram.com/genyvoyager
Twitter: http://twitter.com/genyvoyager
Always have an emergency stash of energy bars in the trunk (or glove compartment)!