Scrumptious Stays to Celebrate World Vegan Month
According to our research, we've found that more than six in ten travelers (61%) say they pick a destination for its great food or drink.* So there’s no denying the connection between food and travel, with more than a third (34%) of global travelers - rising to 40% of millennials - planning to take a dedicated food tourism trip sometime this year.*
While food is certainly top of mind when planning a vacay, a tenth of global travelers still worry about their dietary requirements potentially not being met. In some destinations, it can be trickier to find vegetarian or gluten-free options. With that in mind and considering that November is World Vegan Month, we have delved into our millions of listings all around the world to compile a roundup of the best destinations for vegan cuisine, along with the best places to stay.
So even if you're a devout carnivore, with almost half (49%) of global travelers looking to be more adventurous with the type of cuisine they eat while traveling, rising to 60% of millennials*, why not consider going vegan for your next trip? These tasty destinations are so tempting, you won't miss meat for a moment.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand and considered by many to be the spiritual capital of the country, Chiang Mai is filled with numerous ornate temples and bustling markets. As traditional Thai cuisine utilises meat sparingly (or not at all), the city also boasts several delicious vegan-friendly restaurants.
Where to stay: Green Tiger Vegetarian House offers an excelllent choice of vegetarian and vegan cuisine at its in-house restaurant. Located right in the heart of the city, this traditional getaway is just a short walk away from many local landmarks, including Wat Lokmolee and the Chang Puak Market.
Canggu, Indonesia
Situated on the south coast of Bali, Canggu is an up-and-coming resort area with lots of healthy food options and several vegan restaurants. Canggu is also renowned for its great waves, which makes it a real paradise for surfing fanatics from around the world.
Where to stay: Offering vegan options for breakfast, The Bed by the Sea is only a short walk from the beach and is close to the vibrant streets of Canggu, which are filled to the brim with vegan eateries. Away from the hustle and bustle, guests can relax by the property's pool or lounge away in the cozy garden.
La Laguna, Nicaragua
Famous for delicious traditional dishes made with homegrown ingredients, Nicaragua is a great place for vegan foodies, especially considering the choice of exotic fresh fruit and vegetables featured in dishes like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) and Buñuelos (dough balls with syrup). A peaceful getaway location that promises a relaxing break, the nature reserve of La Laguna doesn't allow any motor boats on the lake, making it the ideal setting for a little rest and rejuvenation.
Where to stay: Located right on the lake and featuring direct access to the lagoon, Apoyo Lodge offers daily yoga classes and has a completely plant-based and gluten-free restaurant on site, perfect for a little detox while you're away.
Rome, Italy
It's no secret that the Italian captial is a hub for tasty food, beautiful artwork and stunning architecture, but Rome is also host to some amazing vegan restaurants and plant-based street food thanks to several creative chefs and abundant access to fresh, local produce. After a tour of the Colosseum or Pantheon, stroll along one of the famous food markets, such as the Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo, to sample a variety of meatless, local delicacies.
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay in Rome, the Hotel Raphael - Relais & Châteaux provides 5-star, panoramic views of the Eternal City, has numerous historic landmarks right on its doorstep and offers vegan-friendly meal options.
Sydney, Australia
As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is famous for its iconic landmarks, like the opera house and the harbor bridge, as well as its urban beaches, coastal trails and some of the best national parks in the world. The city is also well known for its award-winning restaurants and bars, perfect for even the most discerning foodie traveler, vegan or not.
Where to stay: Hailed as Australia’s first vegan hotel, Ovolo Woolloomooloo offers a completely plant-based restaurant in the hotel, Alibi, which is run by Matthew Kenney – a top restaurateur and vegan chef.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 56,727 respondents were surveyed (2,000+ from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the US, and 1,000+ each from Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, and New Zealand). Respondents completed an online survey in October 2017.