Vegan Travel Essentials

Essentials for Your Next Trip

As conscious travelers, we know vegan travel essentials can make all the difference. There are just too many streets to explore, photos to take, and teas to be steeped to waste time searching for the nearest purveyor of cruelty-free… stuff.

How many times have you been on a plane and the only vegan snacks that they offer are peanuts? (Allergic to peanuts? Hello anxiety…)

Relax because we’ve got your back. We compiled a list of travel essentials, whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train. Some are partners, others are just brands we love. Either way, we highly recommend you take time to pack your vegan travel essentials accordingly. Maybe also pack some extras. We all know there’s at least one person—vegan or omni—who never comes prepared.

Travel Essential 1: Vegan Snacks

You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can only have two things with you, what would they be? We’ve all thought about that question and—unless you’re Katniss—one of your answers is vegan snacks. Or a knife to cut down fruits and vegetables, but that’s not allowed on public transportation so let’s stick with this.

As a traveling vegan, food (especially snacks) can be difficult to find. Our first tip is pack snacks, a lot of them. So many snacks. Here are a few of our faves:

  • Nuts and protein bars are easy to pack.
  • Homemade trail mix is great because you’ll get a little bit of everything (see our vegan trail mix recipes for some inspiration).
  • Plant-based cookies are great because they satisfy the sweet tooth and are convenient to stuff in your bag. We like the cookies of Eatin’ Vegan.

Travel Essential 2: Reusable, Eco-friendly Water Bottles

Save the environment and your wallet by taking a reusable water bottle. We like the bottles that clip onto a bag or backpack for seamless travel. EarthLust has sustainable practices and uses recycled stainless steel. The artwork on the bottles is rad too! Klean Kanteen uses eco-friendly materials and strives to fight climate change. Their bottles are sleek, minimal, and fit on your bag or in a backpack pocket. Fill up after you get through airport security or when you’re hitting the pavement for a walking city adventure.

Travel Essential 3: Vegan, Non-t0xic, Cruelty-free Toiletries

That’s a mouthful, but it’s worth it for your body and our furry friends. We like travel size products because it saves space and we can keep it close by in our carry on. It also eliminates the hassle of trying to buy vegan products at your destination. Don’t forget toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and gum. Throw them in a little bag and you’re set to go. If you do end up needing to buy products on your trip, see our guide to vegan travel toiletries in the United States and overseas. Also, extra credit for traveling with essential oils. (they are essential– get it?)

Travel Essential 4: Research

We’re all for going where the moment takes you, but having a plan outlined is a great start. Websites like The Electric Soul and social media are great resources for finding vegan and plant-based restaurants, coffee shops, and activities. Be sure to check out our list of the best vegan cities for fun, cruelty-free travel. We also publish Vegan City Guides for convenience and ease while on the road. Bookmark your guides and take notes on your phone so you quickly refer to them and adjust as needed. We also recommend talking to locals. Ask them where they go and what they like to do. That will get you to the heart and soul of the city.  Like what we did there?

Pass on the peanuts, pack those vegan travel toiletries, fill up that water bottle, and don’t miss our complete guide to vegan travel resources. Don’t forget to #theelectricsoul and tag The_Electric_Soul for a chance to be featured on our Instagram and website. Happy adventures!

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