Meatless Monday Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eating On-The-Go

This holiday season, having options is the best defense against unknown dining circumstances. When your choices are limited to bacon-wrapped scallops, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Swedish meatballs, and those loveable mini hot dogs — you’ll be wishing you had a spoonful of almond butter or some plant-based snacks tucked away in your back pocket.

But with a little bit of planning and foresight, you can maintain your Meatless Monday routine in any setting. Whether you’re on the road, in the air, trapped at your in-law’s house, or just hungry, our Meatless Monday travel guide can help you navigate any potential dining debacle.

Photo Source: ATW80

Here are our 8 Meatless Monday travel tips for plant-based eating on-the-go:

There’s an App for That

Happy Cow and Vanilla Bean are two great apps that can help you find meatless meals all around the world. Use these apps to locate nearby restaurants and grocery stores with plant-based options, with referrals by other plant-based travelers, just like you.

Just Add Water

Water is life, especially when you’re a road-weary traveler looking for something to eat. A bottle of water will quench your thirst, but it can also be combined with protein powder for a more complete meal.

Prepare Pre-Boarding

Getting on a plane? Don’t have anxiety over the lack of meatless airline food. Bring some light snacks or protein-packed foods that are easy to carry like trail mix, hummus, or single-serve nut butters. You can also bring a dehydrated soup, oatmeal, or rice and ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water for mixing. And for your in-flight meal, many airlines offer a meatless option, just make sure to preorder it beforehand.

Know Your Restaurant Options

When you’re on the highway heading to your next holiday destination, you will get hungry. That means, if you forget to pack a lunch, you’ll likely be dining at the next rest stop. This isn’t the worst thing in the world. We’ve compiled a list of meatless and plant-based options available at the most popular national fast-food and quick-service restaurant chains. Check out our list of 14 chains offering Meatless Monday options.

Pack More Snacks Than You Need

Sustenance, sustenance, sustenance. When the hunger pangs hit, you need to have something in your bag, purse, coat pocket, or glove compartment. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, veggies, or even healthy crunchies like chips or puffs will allow you to make it to your next meal without being overcome with “hanger”.

Eat Breakfast!

Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? When you’re traveling a hearty helping of oatmeal, fresh fruit, granola, or cereal can set you up for eating success later in the day. Meatless breakfast options are plentiful, but if you need some inspiration, we’ve got them here!

Explore New Cuisines

Don’t just stick to the standard roadside fare (although we do love a good diner). When you’re traveling, whether to a different country or your cousins house, consider sitting down to an unfamiliar cuisine. Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean and other Southeast Asian countries specialize in a variety of plant-based and vegetarian dishes. Whip out your smart phone and start looking up menus.

Find a Supermarket Nearby

If you’ve got an extended stay at a hotel, it’s wise (and cost effective) to visit a nearby supermarket at least once. You can stock up on plant-based snacks and ready-to-eat meals. Many hotel rooms offer a microwave or a kitchenette where you can heat something up.

Interested in learning more tips and tricks to enhance your Meatless Monday experience? Click here to access our full Meatless Monday recipe collection.