No, this isn't about becoming a Vacation Vegetable, distant cousin to the Couch Potato. This is about vegetarian-friendly travel destinations. There's nothing more awkward than hearing "Gee, where can we go that's fun with your diet restrictions and all?" Or worse, the exasperated "I can't take you anywhere!" So, where does a vegetarian go for vacation? Well, it depends on what the vacation is for. Relaxation? Honeymoon? Adventure? Like any other vacationer, vegetarians have varied interests.
Where to Look
There were two web sites I found particularly helpful: Vegetarian Vacations and the Vegetarian Travel Guide. Both of these sites made it quite simple to choose by area, activity and even vegetable preference. That is, trips are identified as vegetarian, vegan and raw food vegan. Another option is to visit your local health food store or co-op. Sometimes information is posted or the proprietors may have personal insight into the best places to go. Other reliable sources include vegetarian magazines, like the Vegetarian Times, where there are always advertisements for vegetarian establishments or veggie travel destinations.
Limitless Possibilities
I was amazed to find destinations as diverse as beachcombing in Hawaii to skiing or snowboarding in France. I found destinations in the U.K., Asia, Australia, Canada, and South and Central America. Just in the United States, there are veggie destinations from North to South and from East coast to West coast. California had the most destinations, by far, yet there were a few to be found in places like Iowa, Utah, Tennessee, Montana and Wyoming. There are travel options for the hiker or biker, the skier or sailor, even for simple tourists and sightseers. There are also destinations for the art lover, numerous retreats and spa, as well as trips for the spiritually-minded. Some of the bed-and-breakfasts advertise organic, chemical-free lodging for the vegetarian, Earth-conscious traveler (of course, sustainable travel is a whole other story). Veggie cruises are also available.
Does That Mean No Grand Canyon Trip?
Don't count traditional non-vegetarian vacation spots out for travel options. Some places, like the Adventure River Center in Oregon, offer vegetarian options along with exciting white water or other adventures. You can also find vegetarian-friendly locations on the Vegetarian Vacation web site. Such vacations can be found in the U.S. as well as abroad. Of course, it always helps to call ahead wherever you plan to stay to see what options are available. Imagine my surprise to find Vegies, the only vegan restaurant in western South Dakota, just minutes away from Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands. If your destination includes travel by car or train, Denny's and Burger King have veggie burgers on the menu and Amtrak offers a veggie burger in the dining car.
Veggie Agent, Please
What's a vegetarian vacation without a vegetarian travel agent? Yep! You can link up with a veggie rep that will set you on the right path. This is particularly useful for those traveling on a budget, with little time to research, or in need of other special accommodations. Agencies like Green Earth Travel can do the search for you. Donna Zeigfinger of VegTravel.Com is the owner of Green Earth Travel, LLC, which provides vegetarian travel services, including group packages, fundraisers and eco-travel.
This is by no means an exhaustive review of what's available for the historically diet-challenged traveler. Explore your options. Contact vegetarian resources, join a club or search the web and find the veggie destination that's perfect for your lifestyle and conscience.
Veggie Travel on the Web
The following are identified for your perusal:
www.vegetarian-vacations.com/index.html
www.vegetarianusa.com/vacationmapaz.html
www.greenearthtravel.com
www.jtcwd.com/vegie/links.html
www.veggietrips.com
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