Before you go, visit Happy Cow (see "Resources" below) and compile a list of vegan restaurants in your destination.Don't forget to order a vegan meal from the airline a few weeks in advance. As a back-up, you might want to pack your own sandwich or snacks. Airlines are notorious for "running out" of vegan meals and for offering vegan meals that are inedible, or not really vegan, at best.
Create a thread on your favorite vegan forum and ask if any fellow vegans have ventured to your desired vacation destination. Other vegans can offer valuable words of wisdom, and more importantly, tasty restaurant recommendations. The Post Punk Kitchen and Vegan Freaks are good starting points.Learn how to say basic vegan phrases in the necessary language. When visiting a Spanish-speaking country, for example, "Sin Queso y Sin Crema" may become your mantra. "I'm allergic to..." is another useful phrase to learn. (Of course, it's better to explain the ethics behind your diet, but this is not always possible in a foreign country, when you don't speak the language.)
Vegan or not, many people prefer not to check baggage. To fit all your toiletries into those pesky quart Ziplock bags, don't waste money on costly trial sizes (The majority of which, are not vegan anyway). Instead, decant products, like toothpaste, gel and moisturizer, into recycled 3-ounce or less containers.
Since you went to all that trouble toting your vegan toiletries halfway across the world, you may as well tell the hotel management why you aren't using their provided, non-vegan shampoo and shower gel.Size does matter. And in this case, smaller is better. Amass mini toothbrushes, mini vegan make-up brushes, mini-mirrors and any other miniature items that you will need. You'll have more room in your suitcase to bring some souvenirs.
Don't forget your vitamins. Store them in a Ziplock bag.Be mindful of the environment. Reuse hotel towels, when possible. Ask the maid not to change the sheets daily (Who does that in real life, anyway?) Take only digital photos. Recycle. Use vegan, biodegradable sunscreen, especially if you're at a sea- or lake-side destination.When you come back, post about your trip on your blog or Facebook account, so other vegans can benefit from your experience.
