How Vegan and Vegetarian Tourism Can Help Save the Planet

21 January 2025

In recent years, an exciting movement has been taking shape in the world of travel—vegan and vegetarian tourism. You might be thinking, “Wait, what even is that?” Well, let me break it down for you. It's all about traveling with a purpose: exploring new destinations while prioritizing plant-based lifestyles. It’s not just about where to eat; it’s about how your choices as a traveler can leave a lighter footprint on the planet.

Trust me, this isn't just a trend for salad lovers. This could genuinely be part of the solution to some of the planet’s most pressing environmental issues. Why? Because what we eat (and what we don’t eat) matters—a lot. So, let’s dive into how vegan and vegetarian tourism can help save the planet and why you might want to consider jumping on board.

The Environmental Impact of Food Choices

Okay, let’s cut straight to the meat of it (pun totally intended). The way we produce food—especially meat and dairy—is one of the biggest contributors to environmental destruction. From deforestation for cattle grazing to the insane amount of water it takes to produce a single steak, the environmental toll is staggering.

Did you know that agriculture accounts for nearly 14-18% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Livestock farming, in particular, is responsible for methane emissions, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Yikes, right?

Even more jaw-dropping, animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, particularly in places like the Amazon rainforest. Imagine entire ecosystems being cleared just for burgers. And let’s not even start on the water usage—producing one kilogram of beef requires a whopping 15,400 liters of water. Yep, that’s enough to make you think twice about that double cheeseburger.

Now, think about this: when you opt for vegan or vegetarian meals on your travels, you're directly reducing demand for these resource-intensive foods. It may feel like a small step, but when thousands (or even millions) of travelers make the same decision, the impact is enormous.

What Is Vegan and Vegetarian Tourism?

Vegan and vegetarian tourism is exactly what it sounds like: traveling in a way that supports plant-based lifestyles. But it’s not just about finding vegan-friendly restaurants or meatless burgers on the menu. It’s a whole mindset.

It’s visiting destinations where you can explore local plant-based cuisines, vegan-friendly accommodations, and even eco-conscious tours. Think farm-to-table meals made with organic vegetables, overnight stays at serene animal sanctuaries, or cooking classes where you learn to whip up regional vegetarian delicacies.

You’re not just a tourist—you’re an advocate for change. You’re supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability, reducing your carbon footprint, and showing the world that plant-based lifestyles can be adventurous (not boring!).

How Vegan and Vegetarian Tourism Impacts the Planet

Still not convinced? Let’s break it down into the specifics of how this type of mindful travel helps the planet.

1. Lower Carbon Emissions

Every time you skip meat-based dishes during your travels, you’re cutting down on the production and emissions linked to animal agriculture. Imagine the ripple effect if thousands of people made the same choice during their vacations.

For example, if a family of four opts for a vegetarian meal instead of a meat-heavy one, they save an average of 2.5 kg of CO2 emissions per meal. Multiply that by three meals a day and a week-long vacation? That’s a lot of CO2 saved—just from eating differently!

2. Conservation of Natural Resources

Like we mentioned earlier, producing meat and dairy guzzles insane amounts of water. By shifting to plant-based alternatives, less pressure is placed on these dwindling resources. Vegan and vegetarian tourism promotes sustainable agriculture and resource preservation.

Imagine this: instead of staying at a resort serving endless steak dinners, you spend your vacation at a vegan farmstay. Not only are you directly supporting sustainable farming practices, but you’re also enjoying food cultivated with care for the planet.

3. Reduction of Deforestation

This one’s a biggie. Reduced demand for meat means less need for livestock grazing lands. And guess what? That means fewer forests being chopped down. It’s a win-win for wildlife, ecosystems, and (of course) the planet.

When you choose vegan or vegetarian travel options, you’re making a statement: you value forests more than fast food. And honestly? That’s kinda badass.

Vegan and Vegetarian Destination Hotspots

So, where can you go to experience this incredible form of tourism? Glad you asked! Here are some amazing destinations embracing plant-based travel.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is practically the mecca of vegan tourism. The island is bursting with vegan cafes, raw food restaurants, and eco-conscious resorts. Take a yoga retreat, enjoy smoothies by the beach, or feast on tempeh satay.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a haven for plant-based eaters. Food trucks, pop-up shops, and restaurants are spilling over with vegan kebabs, jackfruit burgers, and cruelty-free desserts. Plus, the city is big on sustainable living, so you’ll feel right at home.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Vegetarianism is deeply rooted in Thai Buddhist culture, and Chiang Mai delivers on delicious plant-based eats. From flavorful curries to fresh papaya salads, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

4. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland is basically vegan heaven. With its abundance of vegan bakeries, burger joints, and fine-dining options, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out.

5. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s food scene is innovative, diverse, and super vegan-friendly. Brunch at a vegan cafe, explore local markets, or sample plant-based wines.

How You Can Get Started

Alright, so you’re sold on the idea, but where do you even start? Here are some tips to embrace vegan and vegetarian tourism:

1. Research Destinations: Look for places with a strong vegan or vegetarian food scene. A quick Google search or a peek on Instagram can give you plenty of inspiration.

2. Choose Vegan-Friendly Accommodations: Many hotels and resorts are now catering to plant-based travelers. Look for places that offer vegan meals, eco-friendly initiatives, or even animal sanctuaries on-site.

3. Plan Activities that Align with Your Values: Cooking classes, farm tours, and animal sanctuary visits are great ways to enjoy your trip while staying true to your beliefs.

4. Pack Snacks: Not every destination is going to have vegan options readily available (especially in remote areas). Packing snacks like trail mix or protein bars can be a lifesaver.

5. Support Local Vegan Businesses: Whether it’s a family-run vegan cafe or a sustainable farm-to-table restaurant, your dollar makes a difference.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, vegan and vegetarian tourism is about making conscious choices. It’s about realizing that every meal, every hotel stay, and every activity can either harm or help the planet.

No, you don’t need to swear off meat forever to make a difference. Even small steps—like skipping meat for a day or two during your travels—can add up to a massive positive impact. And hey, who knows? You might find yourself falling in love with those veggie-packed dishes and never looking back.

So, the next time you’re planning a vacation, why not consider vegan or vegetarian tourism? It’s not just good for you—it’s good for the planet. And let’s be real, saving the world while eating delicious food? That’s a win in every book.