I’m 22 as I start this website (2023). I’ve been traveling solo or with friends in 10 countries in the past 2 years (so far😌)

4 years vegan.

I used to think vegans were a little extreme, and definitely said “I could never go vegan, I just love cheese too much” at some point in my life. In 2019 when I was 18, I got involved in climate activism and educated myself on the environmental impact of Animal Agriculture. I stubbornly refused to support such an unethical industry and went vegan overnight. Now I remain vegan because I understand that animals’ lives are no less significant than any of ours. No species deserves to suffer as much as farm animals do. I’ve realized (as all vegans have) that it is completely unnecessary for me to consume animal products. This hasn’t changed depending on where I am in the world.

Time to de-bunk some assumptions I get all the time!!😆 In my experience:

• Plant-based options are everywhere. Veganism is inclusive. I’ve never felt like there was any activity I couldn’t participate in because of my ethical eating habits.

• Eating vegan can be very cheap & delicious. Be open-minded to simple plant proteins and your grocery bills will likely decrease. Veggie dishes are the cheapest option in most places I’ve traveled.

• Travel can be way more affordable & accessible than you may expect. Traveling for longer, planning less, and staying in hostels, home-stays, or guesthouses are my most budget-friendly recommendations.

• Traveling alone is not as scary as you may think! Don’t wait for anyone :)

• You CAN take the lead. Most travelers you will meet are easy-going and open-minded. Say “hey, I found this cafe with great reviews if anyone wants to join” and just like that, you’ve introduced brand new friends to the wonders of plant-based dining!

• Travel does not always mean tourism. I’ve studied the negative impact of tourism quite a bit. I constantly look for social and environmental impacts when I travel and avoid any activities that could possibly be harmful. Taking buses instead of flights, supporting local businesses, and staying at locally owned and/or eco-orientated hostels are a few ways to travel consciously. Research is key! Do online research ahead of time through trusted sources like travel bloggers (😮‍💨) so you don’t accidentally fall into a tourist trap that doesn’t align with your values.

  • Book recommendation: Behind the Smile: the Working Lives of Caribbean Tourism by George Gmelch

• Travel will inspire you. Nothing has boosted my personal confidence like overcoming problems in a foreign place. Whether it was the challenge of making a new friend, or dealing with an illness in unfamiliar medical systems, nothing feels as fulfilling as figuring it out.