The vegan tourist seeks more than simply following a diet while traveling—they reject, as much as possible, anything that involves animal exploitation. This means that in addition to avoiding meat, milk, eggs, and honey, they also steer clear of any textile, cosmetic, or other products derived from animals or tested on them. Moreover, they do not participate in activities that exploit animals, such as bullfighting, cockfighting, circuses, aquariums, and zoos, among many others.

Because of this, most vegans have faced various challenges while traveling, such as the lack of understanding of the term “vegan,” non-vegan ingredients in meals, vegan-friendly restaurants and menus being limited mostly to large cities, attractions and transportation that use animals, and a shortage of suitable hotel options. It is important to clarify that veganism differs from vegetarianism in that the former is a philosophy of life centered on animal respect, while the latter refers to a plant-based diet, which includes subtypes that may allow eggs, milk, and/or honey, and even occasional consumption of fish or meat.

Global warming, deforestation, water pollution and waste, biodiversity loss, zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, and the exploitation and death of billions of animals each year across various industries have highlighted the urgent need to reconsider our relationship with the planet. Vegan tourism, therefore, emerges not only to meet the growing demand of the global vegan population but also as a catalyst for awareness processes that help rethink our connection with nature and humanity’s impact on the planet.

Engaging in vegan tourism generates positive impacts on the environment, health, education, animals, and the economy. By excluding animal-based foods from its activities, vegan tourism helps reduce the carbon footprint, global warming, deforestation, and water pollution and waste. To illustrate, the production of just one kilogram of meat requires more than 15,000 liters of water, not to mention the pollution it generates, the soil degradation, and the loss of natural habitats caused by the livestock industry.

Some tour operators focus on showcasing the culinary diversity of destinations, but most, regardless of the type of tourism they promote, engage in a form of activism by offering activities such as vegan cooking workshops, sustainable farming practices, the use of local or Indigenous ingredients and crafts, environmental awareness on wildlife and flora, tree planting, visits to animal sanctuaries, and volunteer work at animal rescue and rehabilitation centers. Additionally, many of them donate to schools, libraries, environmental programs, and women's empowerment initiatives. They also train hotels and restaurants to better meet the needs of vegan tourists.

As for the hotel industry, the first fully vegan hotel was established in the United Kingdom in 2018, followed by the creation of the world’s first vegan suite in 2019, also in the UK. Today, vegan-designated accommodations exist on every continent, especially in North America and Europe, and several hotel chains have introduced vegan rooms. There are vegan lodging options ranging from luxury and mid-range hotels to rustic properties with their own gardens, Airbnbs, and even animal sanctuaries that provide overnight stays. These establishments are characterized by furniture and interior design made from plant-based materials such as bamboo, pineapple leather, and recycled materials. Naturally, they offer plant-based food and beverages, bedding, hygiene and spa products free from animal-derived ingredients, and emphasize optimal resource use.

Regarding restaurants, the inclusion of plant-based menus has grown exponentially among renowned brands and is steadily expanding into the outskirts of most cities.

The most significant opportunities in vegan tourism include the fact that veganism is a growing trend—it is responsible, sustainable, and has vast potential. Its target market is not limited to vegans or vegetarians; it also includes progressive travelers who are curious about the movement for various reasons, be they trendy, environmental, ethical, or otherwise.

Although vegan tourism offerings may still be nearly nonexistent in some places, it is no longer a utopia—it is a reality. Yes, it is possible to travel as a vegan and find options even in Antarctica!

Among the main challenges are the general lack of knowledge about this type of tourism and veganism itself, especially the rejection of anything different—of those who make choices that break with tradition and may be seen as a challenge to the deeply rooted cultural norms around consuming and using animals for human benefit.

However, cultural identity should not be sacrificed for making an ethical decision. Traditions evolve; food is part of our culture, but it changes and adapts as our worldview changes. Many traditional dishes can be veganized without erasing their history. Culture is not limited to what we eat—it encompasses who we are and the choices we make. In any case, plants have always played a role in most of our meals.

We should be compassionate toward animals; they only want to be loved. Veganism may be trending, but it’s one of the few movements that genuinely empathizes with the planet—and that is why it endures. Vegan tourism offers authentic experiences, promoting self-care, environmental responsibility, and animal welfare. Rather than trying to convert people as if it were a religion, it aims to raise awareness through transformative travel and invites tourists to become agents of change who make a big difference through small actions.

Author: Carolina Hoyos

Professional Tour Guide