The best Vegan boots for intrepid travellers (USA)

Veganism is more than a diet, is a lifestyle, where we try to avoid all forms of animal exploitation, including contributing to the destruction of ecosystems.
So covers all the choices we make daily, in order to contribute for a greener planet and a more compassionate world.
Shoes are one of those items that are sometimes difficult to find.
You want your shoes to be good for your feet and back, comfortable, good quality and durable, adding to that they should also be stylish, breathable, vegan and the price should be fair.
Vegan shoes

Because I’ve received so many messages about what kind of boots I use and which ones I recommend that are both vegan and suitable for travel, I will leave here my honest opinion, so you don’t need to go through the experience of trial and error.

When travelling you need reliable travel shoes to get you through the day without any pain or blisters.

Vegan travelling boots

Lems Shoes sell my favourite boots to travel, although not all range is vegan they have options.

I find LEMS shoes really really comfortable is like you’re not wearing anything at all. A feeling that I can only find with this brand. The Lems boots are incredibly lightweight I would say they are light as a feather 🙂

Before I started to use these boots I honestly didn’t realize how squished my toes were in my other boots. The only problem is that they are not waterproof, but it’s easy to waterproof them before you go somewhere where is likely to be raining or snowing.

At LEMs shoes, they focus on promoting healthy foot development, better balance, increased mobility in the feet, legs, and back.

They fit the natural shape of the foot, unlike other footwear products that squeeze the toes together. They are perfect for travel, especially if you are a ‘light’ traveller like me.

When travelling, for a month or two a small bag is all I carry with me, I’m quite a minimalist. The fewer things you have to worry about, the more you can focus on the important stuff.

I travelled through many places with these boots with absolutely no problems. I do highly recommend them. They are great for winter weather, they are stylish and comfortable.

These boots make the perfect travel companion, they are lightweight, ultra-minimalist, featuring a wide toebox, compact, zero-drop design, and vegan-friendly (not all range)

What vegan eco-friendly shoes do you use when travelling? please feel free to leave a comment so we can all share our experiences 🙂 

*although I’m talking about a specific product I’m not being paid to write this article neither will get any compensation if you make a purchase*

Travel Water Filters – say NO to disposable plastic

We all heard before that water is life, and it’s right, no one can survive without it.

When travelling to some countries you will probably not have access to clean drinkable water out of a tap. And is quite an irresponsible option to contribute to the environmental disaster that plastic is (where we include plastic bottles).

Drinking water from unsafe places is also not a solution, because you can die from drinking contaminated water.

One of the things that used to bother me quite a lot was the amount of waste I used to produce while travelling, compared with what I do when I’m home, that is near to nothing. Although I was able to make conscientious choices its seemed that I couldn’t avoid the plastic bottles in some countries.

When I travel to places with clean potable tap water, I would use my reusable water bottle and cup, but what to do when you are travelling through countries like Mozambique, Cambodia, Ethiopia or India?

The solution is actually quite simple, carry a refillable bottle with a water filter, and top it up from the tap. It’s safe and there is no need to buy disposable water bottles.

Water purifiers can give you the best of both worlds: clean, safe water on demand, without destroying the environment in the process. because let’s face it, the environmental impact of plastic bottles is hard to ignore when you see them washing up on the beach around you.

Travel water filters are the end to bottled water

There are many travel water filters on the market to choose from. I have been travelling with a Filter Water Bottle from WaterWell, that filters up to 3000 disposable plastic drinking bottles ? how amazing is that, right?!

The Travel Filter Water Bottle from WaterWell is Reusable, Cost-Effective and Built to Last, able to filter up to 1000 litres of water, the equivalent of 3000 disposable plastic drinking bottles. Help the planet, save money and reduce plastic all at once.

Despite the more than obvious reasons, I also love this water bottle because of its really light, it’s compatible with any fresh water source, and there is no aftertaste. The WaterWell bottle is also made from durable BPA free tritan plastic.

So far I drank from taps, rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes and remained healthy throughout, it really is a game changer.

WaterWell filters remove 99.9% of waterborne parasites and harmful bacteria in drinking water, to 0.1 microns, but does not remove viruses.

In my opinion, the filter water bottle is perfect for backpackers, travellers, hikers, campers, who often don’t have access to clean drinking water.

If you still need a bit of convincing…

? Annual consumption of plastic bottles is set to top half a trillion by 2021 (the Guardian)

Some reasons not to buy water in plastic bottles:

It’s expensive, an ecological disaster, a pure waste of resources… do you know that it takes roughly three times the volume of water to manufacture one bottle of water than it does to fill it, not to talk about the huge amount of oil used in the production and transportation.

Plastic bottles don’t biodegrade, they photo-degrade, breaking down into smaller pieces that are contaminating our planet, including oceans, coastlines and other environments.

We all should make the change because it’s possible, because is a better solution at all levels and because we care… ??

*although I’m talking about a specific product I’m not being paid to write this article neither will get any compensation if you make a purchase*

Long-Haul Flight essentials for vegan travellers

The worst thing about travelling is spending long hours at airports and even worst are the hours sitting in a small chair inside an aeroplane. If I could just teletransport me, that would be just ideal. But while there is no such thing as teleportation (yet) we need to suck it up and use what is available, a small price to pay for what you get in return. The excitement of discovering new places.

I think no one really enjoys a long-haul flight, what’s there to like, right? but we can try to make them more bearable and comfortable.

So the big question here is what should we do and what should we take with us to survive a long haul flight and to be more environmentally friendly

Where to seat

Personally, I like to seat in the mid row in an aisle seat so I can have as many pee breaks and walks I need without disturbing other people.

Meal options
Reusable Food And Drink Utensils

I always take reusable cutlery, a cup and a water bottle (with or without a filter depending to where I’m travelling to) with me that I use in the aeroplane avoiding single-use plastic but also during my travels. I always refuse, plastic cutlery, cups and straws, and I refill my water bottle when possible instead of buying bottled water.

All of this is just fundamental for me not only for the flight but for all the time I’m travelling.

For cutlery I like the ones made of bamboo, for a bottle I use the ones you can roll up, they are light and can easily fit into the pocket on my backpack when empty. You also have great ones with a water filter on.

I also have a pocket-sized reusable cup, that is resizeable for three drinking sizes, and even better than that is eco-friendly built to last and readily recyclable.

The Pokito cup is easy to clean and is made from recyclable materials and are BPA free.

Even if they offer paper cups, keep in mind that most of them can’t be recycled, because they contain plastic, so 99% of cups go into a landfill. If that is not enough to scare you out, 7,000,000 single-use cups are thrown away in the UK alone every single day. Stacked up, they would be more than 7 x taller than Mount Everest

Pokito is a great brand for different reasons and its why I don’t mind making some free publicity. As consumers, we need to boycott brands that are environmental disasters and support the good projects out there.  The Pokito cups are environmentally sustainable after just 15 uses.

To get comfortable  

I travel very light so despite never been able to sleep in an aeroplane I never really though on buying one of those U-shaped pillows, they are really big, and I would have the space to pack them in my small bag. So they always seemed such a waste of space.

My mind changed when I came across the Trtl Travel Pillow, they really looked great but still, I wasn’t convinced that they would be a must have for my travels. So the idea stayed on the back of my mind for a while.

On my last trip to Indonesia, a faced uncountable flying hours, plus long journeys hooping between islands in a country that spreads across a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and Australia. It was so so tiring.. I was really jealous of all those people that can sleep anywhere because I’m so bad at it… when my eyes close, my mouth opens instantly and my head drops down, and I wake up. Every journey is a real struggle for me to find a comfortable position.

So when I returned I thought well maybe I should give the Trtl Pillow a go and see if works for me. So I had it ready for my next trip to Marrocos.

During my trip I felt that the pillow added virtually no weight to my luggage, it was surprisingly supportive and can be worn in different ways, even to the front leaving your head straight up.

True to be told my Trtl Pillow is my new travel essential, because is lightweight (200 grams), super comfortable, folds up tiny and allows me to take naps in transports for the first time.

This pillow looks like a scarf and because most planes are Arctic cold, it comes really handy, it is cosy, soft, and keeps you warm. Plus the hypoallergenic fleece can be washed.

Clothes

I like to pack a few extra pieces of clothing so I can be comfortable and survive to the aeroplane air-conditioning.

I always have a pair of comfy socks and a blanket if the company doesn’t provide one. Although I’ve read articles about the benefits of compression socks I’vent tried to use them.

Ear plugs, and headphones

Earplugs can really help you sleep, and headphones are a must to keep you entertained when you are awake.

Vegan snacks 

Regardless of the food on the plane, and always pack lots of snacks to keep me busy. I always do my own like a mix of different protein bars and energy bites, I also take fruit, nuts, on some occasions I also took roasted chickpeas, sliced Cucumbers and Carrots and Hummus, yummy 🙂

To keep me busy

I have a book to read, a notebook to write some thoughts, a travel guide, and my phone. I also pack some moisturising to avoid the sensation of getting to dry.

Well and if you are really serious about getting a flight somewhere, passport, plane ticket, and money are a must of course ?

These are just some ideas but whatever you do, try to be as green as possible…

Do you travel with the same things? What do you take with you that makes your time on the aeroplane more bearable? Any other objects/tricks you could recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

*although I’m talking about a specific product I’m not being paid to write this article neither will get any compensation if you make a purchase*

The best Vegan Shoe Brand for intrepid travellers (UK)

Veganism is not only about food, is a lifestyle present in all the choices I make in my daily life. Is not only about not eating chicken and then buying clothes or shoes made of animal skin.

Leather, suede, wool, silk, mohair, cashmere, real fur and exotic skins like crocodile skin, obviously are all no-gos. However, it’s not only the leather or wool you need to look at when buying shoes, as some large retailers still use animal-derived glue in their products.

For me travel is not about the all-inclusive resort or organized tours, is about being present at the moment, taking part in the culture as much as possible and lose myself into the unknown. I travel independently, without a plan, because I like to decide at the moment and be able to catch all the small opportunities life throws at me.

I travel light, and I know that this style is surely not for everyone. It all ends in the difference between wanting things to needing things. So how many pair of shoes do you really need?

Vegan Shoes

Shoes are probably the one item I normally don’t look at the cost too much because it’s so important that you have something good for your feet, the alignment of the spine, that alleviates strain on the lower back and allow you to walk in a healthier way.
When you travel you’re on your feet from dawn to dusk so comfort, quality and durability is everything.

I’ve been asked wich vegan brands are the best for travelling and to be honest there are a number of great shoe brands that are both comfortable, stylish and vegan.

Will’s vegan Store

Wills vegan store is a UK brand but they ship worldwide.

Will’s Vegan Shoes

Will’s Vegan Store is brand dear to my heart because not also makes 100% vegan footwear but they are also ethically made and environmentally sustainable, so they really tick all the boxes.

Their shoes are all made in Portugal and Italy, so as you know I’m Portuguese and I can tell you that we are really good at making shoes, we are not just a sunny country with great beaches and good wine 🙂

When you order shoes from Will’s Vegan Store they arrive in sustainable, eco-friendly, and recyclable packaging.

In addition, they use a carbon-neutral supply chain, and their operations are carbon neutral. They also invests in renewable energy projects like wind power, hydropower, geothermal, solar power, and biomass.

Who doesn’t want to take part in such an amazing project…

What vegan eco-friendly shoes do you use when travelling? 

*although I’m talking about a specific product I’m not being paid to write this article neither will get any compensation if you make a purchase*

Gem-Infused Water

Gems are my new fascination, I’ve been reading and researching about it and has been so interesting, since knowledge does not occupy place I’m always up to learn new things ?

The first time I went to a crystal shop, I was overwhelmed. You have so much to take in, and even the smallest of the gemstones is suppose to help you with dozens of things. I was finding it quite hard to take it all in.

Not long ago I came across Gem-Infused Water that is the same as fruit infused water, but instead of fruit you have crystal soaking in it.

This was completely new for me but apparently, it’s an ancient practice from thousands of years ago. And is quite common practice in more holistic health circles.

When the water is in contact with specific gemstones is supposed to create an elixir that supports revitalization and clarification of the mind and body.

Apparently, you can do your own gem-infused water at home or you can buy reusable water bottles with the gems inside.

But be aware that if you buy a crystal-infused water bottle or you do one yourself its important to make sure the stones you choose are safe to put in water, are real and good quality.
Gemstone-infused Water bottles

Nowadays there are many Gem-Infused Water bottles on the market to chose from. This water bottles have already stones secured inside of them making it really accessible and easy for someone that doesn’t know much about gemstones and its potential.

They only thing you need to do is choose the gemstones, fill your bottle with water and leave it in for approximately ten minutes before drinking, to give the time for the gemstone to transfer its energetic properties to the water.

The gemstones and crystals can alter the pH level of water to make it more alkaline.

Love and care for the earth

The environmental crisis is worst than probably most people imagine. And avoiding plastic bottles won’t fix it. But definitely will help. Every little thing helps at this point.

We face a huge global environmental crisis, with landfills, oceans, rivers and landscapes clogging up on single-use plastic. We individually need to do our best and force the industry to change, and drop the excessive use of plastic.

Regarding plastic bottles, the solution is easy, swap it for a glass water bottle, that can be re-used forever, or until you break it by accident.

I’ve been using the be water bottle with 2 sets os gemstones that I swap when I want. Because there is no need to have several bottles right, one is exactly what you need.

be water bottles

All the gemstones are genuine and ethically sourced from sites all over the world. The bottles are reusable, non-toxic and made of eco-friendly glass.

Be Water has lots of different combinations of gemstones, to choose from. So you only need to choose a combination that best fits your mood or goal, place it in your bottle and fill it with water.

Different stone combinations help enhance your water with specific energetic benefits suited your lifestyle.

I’m not sure if this is true, or even if there are any scientific studies about that, but people that drink gem-infused water advocate that the water absorbs the energetic vibrations of the crystals. They also say that there is an improvement in water quality, neutralization of harmful substances, improvement of the pH-value and oxygen content.

I don’t know if is just in my head but I think that the water actually does taste subtly different and there is a slight change in the texture as well.

BeWater inserts

I have the magic water, that is a combo of Red Jasper, Sodalite, Tiger’s Eye, Green and Yellow Aventurine.  These stones have been associated with improvements in everything from digestion and metabolism to glowing skin and healthy sleep. But more than anything it’s just a delight for the eye, it’s really beautiful.

The other is vitality a combination of Magnesite, Red Jasper and Rock Crystal that are associated with circulation, healthy digestion, metabolism and detoxification.

travel light packing.JPG

I’m ready to go 🙂

*although I’m talking about a specific product I’m not being paid to write this article neither will get any compensation if you make a purchase*

Travelling light – Convertible Travel Clothes

The big question here is how to travel light and avoid fast fashion?

The fashion industry is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gases that are overheating the planet. Not to talk about the endless piling up in landfill sites, water and air pollution.

It’s our job as consumers to demand the reduction of pollution, longer life for garments and a ban on dumping clothes in the landfill. But harder than that is to change our mindset, become comfortable with simplicity and separate the “want” from the “need” in our life.

Packing Like a Pro and Traveling Light

As an independent traveller, that travels for long periods and moves around quite a lot, the worst thing is to have heavy luggage and bags to carry around. So I had to learn really early how to minimise costs and how to efficiently pack.

To keep in mind when packing:

  • Have a good, comfortable and light bag.
  • Invest in quality gear.
  • Pack the must-haves (everything you absolutely need).
  • Multi-purpose everything.
  • Pack 1 week’s worth of clothing, focussing in versatility.

Travelling has taught me a lot about minimalism but is not enough being a pro at packing we definitely should buy less, better quality, shop locally, buy second hand, fix and restyle our clothes.

One of the best things I came across lately was convertible travel clothing, I can’t say that there are lots of options to choose from but definitely there are some nice projects out there. I personally tried the Travel Dress from Kameleon rose.

Convertible travel clothing

This dress is just 1 piece of clothing that you can make into 20 different outfits just by changing the way you dress it. I know its such a good idea…

You can use it as a dress, skirt, pants or even as a blouse.. can you believe it… I didn’t so I had to try myself all 20 outfits. I didn’t like them all, but if find 5 that really fits you, well its already a big win.

But if that wasn’t good enough is made from quick drying, non-creasing, breathable fabric that packs up small (really small) for travel.

I find it quite versatile so it goes always with me, and to tell the truth, you really don’t need that much else 🙂  The dress comes with an attached elastic band so you can roll it and snap the band around it.

The fabric they use is ultra soft, made of sustainable polyester material, ethically produced in Madagascar and Mauritius.

Do you travel light?  What are your best packing tips?  If you think this travel dress would be a good fit for your packing list you can get a discount with me! Go to the Kameleon Rose website and save 10% by using the code cookthebeans10 when you check out.

5 amazing places to see animals in the wild

As a vegan traveller, animals are really important to me, and I love to see them happy and thriving in their natural habitats. Wherever you go, there are so many amazing animals to see; some of which are unique to certain parts of the world, and some that might sadly be extinct before too long.

The time to see them is now, but the question is, where to go? It all depends on which animals you want to see specifically. Here are five amazing places to see animals in the wild, to help you narrow down the search.

Botswana

Botswana is one of the best places in Africa to go for a safari, as there are plenty of parks and reserves to explore. For example in the south, at the Central Kalahari you might spot some black-maned lions, wild dogs or cheetahs, or potentially herds of zebras and antelopes. Over at Chobe National Park, you will see elephants and buffalo, but hippo and crocodiles are more likely to be at Okavango Delta. Depending on where in Botswana you head to, you will see a host of different animals.

Canada

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Canada, not least of all the wildlife. Although it might not be the first thing that people think about when planning a trip to Canada, there are over 200 species of mammals as well as 460 bird species, so there are plenty to see!

Keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, as around two-thirds of the world’s polar bears live in Canada. If you time it right and get really lucky, you might even spot them walking with their cubs! You might also see Canada lynx, moose, beluga whales, and beavers while exploring one of the friendliest places in the world.

Great Barrier Reef

This underwater haven is home to the largest coral reef and an incredible amount of animals and creatures, such as fish, coral, turtles and if you’re lucky (or perhaps unlucky) even sharks! Explore this wonder of the world by scuba diving, taking a helicopter tour to see the view from above, or head on a relaxed whale watching tour. Make sure you have your camera on you – preferably a waterproof one if you want to take a dive – to capture this amazing world.

Galapagos Islands

Where better to see rare animals than the very island that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. You will spot giant tortoises, penguins, and seals, as well as animals that you won’t find anywhere else, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and red-lipped batfish.

This is certainly somewhere you are going to need a camera, as some animals need to be seen to be believed. You’ll likely see species that will never be found anywhere else – what an incredible story to tell friends and family when you get back!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best places for animal conservation, with an incredible 27% of the country serving as nature conservation areas. These jungles are home to so many different animals from sloths and monkeys, to crocodiles, lizards, and frogs. Take a trip to Tortuguero between September and October to see the tiny baby turtles hatch and make their way from the sand to the ocean. There’s a reason that Costa Rica is known as one of the happiest countries to live in!

When it comes to deciding where to go, it helps to have a look at which animals you might be able to see, at which times, and how likely you are to see them. For example, an organized tour like a safari might make it more likely for you to spot the most amount of different species as the experts will know the best way to find them.

It’s also important to check out the ethics of where you’re going, too – some attractions treat the animals poorly and aren’t worth giving your money to. Look for somewhere that puts money back into conservation and protecting the animals, so that they can be there to be seen by generations to come.

What animals would you most like to see in real life? Let me know in the comments!

photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha

Relatos e dicas de uma esfomeada Vegana em viagem

(click here to read the?english version )

Mais do que responder às mesmas perguntas vezes sem conta de familiares e amigos sobre o meu défice de proteínas e ferro, que as plantas também têm sentimentos, e se não tenho pena das alfaces, pretendo partilhar aqui contigo os desafios e os privilégios que os viajantes veganos, frequentemente, encontram em viagem.  

É indiscutível que é muito mais fácil ser vegana no conforto da minha casa e na minha cidade onde já conheço todos os mercados, supermercados e lojas, do que em viagem. Principalmente quando aterro num local onde nunca estive e com tempo limitado. Mas isso, por norma, até acaba por trazer excitação e é sempre uma oportunidade para descobrir novos sabores! O “desconhecido” faz parte do encanto e da experiência dos viajantes.

Contudo, em cima desse desconhecimento que se tem quando se viaja para um novo destino, acrescenta-se o facto de que muito poucos são os países que são conhecidos por terem muitas e boas opções veganas. Talvez nos venha logo à cabeça a Índia, mas provavelmente ficamos por aí.

Dito isto, tenho de acrescentar que viajo bastante e nunca passei fome. Viajar sendo vegana não só é possível como também muito interessante!

Conhecimento é poder

Certos países são mais amigos dos vegetarianos/veganos do que outros. Por isso, é sensato fazer uma pesquisa sobre a culinária local antes de partir.

Saber quais são os pratos e ingredientes típicos do país, é bastante importante para além de culturalmente enriquecedor. Em todo o lado há comidas que são naturalmente veganas, ou quase veganas. Tendo esse conhecimento em mãos, vamos saber que pratos pedir e quais os ingredientes que podemos acrescentar, retirar ou substituir.

A verdade é que a Internet e os guias de viagem tornam esta tarefa fácil e rápida.

Planear com antecedência

Quando viajamos de carro, autocarro ou comboio, o ideal é levar farnel para a viagem. Se a viagem for de avião, é importante pedir a refeição quando se compra o bilhete. Até hoje todas as companhias aéreas com quem voei ofereciam refeições veganas nos voos de longa duração sem custo adicional. 

É importante ainda referir que as refeições especiais são sempre servidas primeiro! Mesmo assim, como sou uma pessoa um pouco para o esfomeada, levo sempre comigo montes de lanches como frutos secos, chocolate, barrinhas, sandes, fruta fresca e bolinhas proteicas.

Quando a viagem é para países desenvolvidos, não pode ser mais fácil. A aplicação do HappyCow é espectacular! Basta dizer onde estamos e quantos quilómetros estamos disponíveis para andar e dá-nos uma lista dos restaurantes veganos/vegetarianos por perto. Depois, é só seguir o Google Maps. 

Aqui percebemos o quão sortudos somos por podermos fazer opções éticas até sobre o que comemos, sem grandes problemas.

Contudo, esta não é a realidade em todo o lado. Muitos lugares são bastante complicados, como é o caso de Cuba, um safari no Quénia, a Argentina ou nos desertos da Mongólia. Mas mesmo que à primeira vista pareça que é uma tarefa impossível encontrar algo vegano, é sempre possível.

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Vantagens 

Para quem viaja de mochila às costas, passando ao lado das estâncias, onde os cuidados de higiene são em princípio um pouco semelhantes aos que estamos habituados, existem sempre situações onde as opções são parcas e pouco apetecíveis.

Quando se viaja para países em vias de desenvolvimento e se saí da rota turística em busca de locais mais remotos, as opções onde comer podem ser muito escassas. E é um risco enorme comer uma carne que esteja abandonada às moscas na berma da estrada debaixo do sol ou um marisco num barracão sem electricidade. Parece-me sempre mais encorajador optar por vegetais cozinhados e frutas que podem ser descascadas.

Por outro lado, acabo por ir a sítios que de outra forma nunca iria, pois aquele restaurante turístico localizado na praça central não é opção. Assim, acabo por ser obrigada a falar com pessoas locais, e a explorar bem a culinária de cada país.

Conhecer novas pessoas enriquece qualquer viagem. Muitas já foram as vezes que locais me deram boleia para aquele que consideravam ser o melhor restaurante da sua terra a servir comida vegana ou caminharam comigo até ao local.

Se viajasse de outra forma e não fosse vegana nunca teria descoberto tantos sítios típicos longe das rotas turísticas. Teria perdido imensas oportunidades que me permitiram viver e experienciar cada local de forma mais autêntica.

Na grande maioria das grandes cidade é geralmente muito fácil encontrar comida vegana. Em Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco, em Londres, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Bengaluru, Chennai, Singapura, Hong Kong, Berlim, e Taipei. Estes são alguns exemplos onde é extremamente fácil tropeçar num bom prato vegano.

O que não dispenso

Independentemente do país que visito, viajo sempre com uma pequena mala de cabine. Por isso, nunca posso levar um canivete ou uma faca comigo, mas é logo uma das primeiras compras que faço. É fundamental ter algo cortante para descascar e cortar frutas e vegetais, e uma colher para comer algumas frutas, como mamão, papaia, kiwi, maracujá… Eu tenho um kit da  To-Go Ware Utensil Set, que contem uma faca, garfo, colher e pauzinhos chineses tudo feito de bamboo, são espectaculares, duradouros, leves e muito práticos.  

Ter uma pequena mochila para quando se anda a passear é essencial. Carregar alguns lanches, não só é uma forma de poupar dinheiro e tempo, mas também de nos mantermos alimentados e saudáveis ao longo de toda a viagem. E claro que não dispenso  a minha garrafa da Vapur, é reutilizável evito as garrafas de plástico e quando está vazia dá para enrolar e não ocupa espaço nenhum, é mesmo excelente para viagens.

Shampoo em barra é outro item essencial. É leve, ocupa pouco espaço, não conta como liquido nos aeroportos e dura muitíssimo tempo.

Para lavar os dentes, levo uma escova e pasta mas também um pauzinhos de miswak. Apesar de não ser nada fã do sabor faço o ‘sacrifício’ quando estou em viagem. Eles são espectaculares, não precisam de água ou pasta dos dentes por isso dá para lavar os dentes em qualquer lado.

Já disse adeus aos pensos higiénicos e tampões à muitos anos, e quando estou em viagem não há excepções. O copo menstrual é muito prático, e leve,  e pode-se ter o copo colocado até a um máximo de 12 horas, por isso a questão da limpeza não é grande problema, pois pode ser sempre feita ao fim do dia quando estamos de volta ao alojamento. 

Ir aos mercados

A ida a mercados não é só um excelente meio de imersão cultural, mas é também um óptimo local para comprar e abastecer com fruta fresca, sandes, vegetais, manteigas de frutos secos, doces, frutos secos…

Aprender a comunicar os básicos

Da experiência que tenho existem sempre opções, umas melhores outras piores, nos restaurantes típicos das localidades. Em alguns países saber falar inglês chega, mas noutros, torna-se imperioso conhecer algumas palavras-chave na língua nativa. É importante memorizá-las ou tê-las escritas num papel para explicar o que queremos.

Regra geral os restaurantes satisfazem os nossos pedidos facilmente. “Quem tem boca vai a Roma”! É importante contudo ser paciente e cortês, pois nem toda a gente sabe o que significa vegano ou vegetariano.

Já perdi a conta dos pratos que vieram com camarões e frango… Por isso, é preciso ser específico e paciente.

Uma vez no Borneo, expliquei bem o que queria. A senhora, muito atenciosa e simpática, disse: “sim, sim sei perfeitamente o que quer, esteja descansada…”. Quando o prato chega, digo: “mas isto tem carne…”. Ao que ela responde, confusa: “isso não é carne.., é frango!” Aqui aprendi mais uma lição: é preciso ser muito específico. Sem carne, sem frango, sem porco, vaca, sem peixe ou marisco, nem camarões!

Outra opção é fazer o passaporte vegano, que contêm palavras e frases em cerca de 80 línguas diferentes. Este livrinho pode ser comprado na página The Vegan Society ou noutros sítios web.

Onde Dormir

Uma boa opção são os albergues/hostels e airbnb que permitem a utilização da cozinha. Ou ficar com locais veganos em couchsurfing. Outra opção, é procurar alojamento 100% vegano. Eles existem, mas são por norma um pouco mais caros.

Segue blogs de viagens veganos

Esta é uma das melhores formas de encontrar informação. É dada por pessoas que estiveram no local para onde vais e, como tu, têm uma dieta vegetal.

Espero que este artigo te deixe um pouco mais relaxado/a se em breve fores embarcar na tua primeira aventura vegana. A realidade é que nada é impossível, muito longe disso. Tudo o que é preciso é um simples processo de preparação, seguir as dicas que aqui dei e as de outros viajantes que já estiveram no país para onde vais.

Resumindo, na prática, verduras, frutas, cereais e leguminosas estão em todo o lado com mais ou menos abundância, diversidade ou acessibilidade. 

Boas viagens e bom apetite ??? deixa um comentário se tiveres alguma, questão ou se quiseres partilhar algo comentário ou dica.

photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha 

?english version?

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Experiences and tips from a hungry Vegan traveler

More than answering the same questions over and over again from family and friends about my protein and iron deficiency, that plants also have feelings, and if I ‘don’t feel sorry for the lettuce’, I want to share here with you, the challenges and privileges of being a vegan traveler.

It is undeniable that it is much easier to be vegan in the comfort of my home and in my city where I already know all the markets, supermarkets, and shops, than on the road. Especially when I land in a place where I’ve never been before. Although this can bring excitement and an opportunity to discover new flavors! The “unknown” is part of the experience of traveling.

On top of the lack of knowledge of a new destination, few countries are known for having abundant vegan options. Probably only India will come to mind…

That said, I must add that I travel a lot and I never starved. Being a vegan traveler is not only possible but also very interesting!

Knowledge is power

Some countries are more vegetarian/vegan-friendly than others. So it is wise to do some research on the local cuisine before you leave.

Knowing what are the typical dishes and the common ingredients of the country, is quite important as well as culturally enriching. Everywhere in the world, there are foods that are naturally vegan, or almost vegan. With this knowledge in hand, you will know what dishes to order and what ingredients you can add, remove or replace.

The truth is that the Internet and travel guides make this task easy and fast.

Plan ahead

When traveling by car, bus or train, it’s always better to take a packed lunch for the trip. If the trip is by plane, it’s important to order the meal when you buy the ticket. To date, all the airlines I have flown with offered vegan meals on long-haul flights at no additional cost (plus special meals are always served first ? )! Even so, since I’m a person that gets hungry easily and very often, I always carry lots of snacks like nuts, chocolate, bars, sandwiches, fresh fruit and protein balls.

When traveling to developed countries, it can’t be easier. The application HappyCow is awesome! You just need to write where you are and how many miles/ kilometers you can walk and the application gives a list of vegan and vegetarian restaurants close by. Then just follow Google Maps.

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Unfortunately, this is not the reality everywhere. Many places are quite complicated, as is the case of Cuba, a safari in Kenya, Argentina or in the deserts of Mongolia. But even if it seems at first that it is going to be an impossible mission, you’re wrong, it is always possible.

Benefits of traveling as a vegan

For backpackers, and travelers that don’t go to the major resorts, where hygiene is probably somewhat similar to what we are accustomed to, there are always situations where the options are sparse and unappetizing.

When traveling to developing countries and getting off the touristic path in search of more remote and authentic places, the options scarce. True to be told that is a huge risk to eat meat or shellfish that is left to the flies on the roadside under the sun or from a shack without electricity. It seems to me that is always more encouraging to choose cooked vegetables and fruits that can be peeled. 

On the other hand, I end up going to places that otherwise would never go, because that tourist restaurant located in the central square is not an option for me. I end up meeting lots of local people because I need to ask for informations and to explore well the cuisine of each country. 

Meeting new people enriches any trip. Many have been the times that local people gave me a ride to what they considered to be the best restaurant in their city/village/town serving vegan food or walked with me to the place.