Vegetarian? Use our 9 tips to eat right no matter where in the world your travels take you:
• Parlez-vous vegetarian? Before visiting foreign countries, learn key food vocabulary. Be prepared to say whether you eat pork, chicken, fish, eggs, milk or cheese.
• Scrutinize before you sail. Cruise ships generally have vegetarian menus, but vegans may have rougher sailing. Research before you book.
• Cook for yourself. If you’re staying a number of days, choose a hotel room with a kitchenette.
• Not so veg-friendly skies. Many airlines have eliminated vegetarian meals from domestic flights. Include nonperishable snacks in your carry-on.
• Healthy detours. During road trips, travel with a cooler and seek out health food stores where you can stock up.
• Make special orders. If vegetarian restaurants are elusive, choose a place where you can speak to the chef about your dish.
• Pack right. Choose vegan luggage–hemp duffels, backpacks and courier bags or recycled rubber totes–check www.VeganEssentials.com.
• Hire an expert. Find a travel agent who specializes in vegetarian travel, such as Donna Zeigfinger, owner of Green Earth Travel: www.VegTravel.com.
• Do your homework. Check www.VegDining.com or www.VRG.org for international restaurant listings.
Helpful books include Tofu Tollbooth by Elizabeth Zipern (Ceres, 1998); The Vegetarian Traveler by Jed and Susan Civic (Larson, 1997); and Vegetarian Restaurants and Natural Food Stores by John Howley (Torchlight, 2002).
