Traveling as a vegan family can be an exciting way to expose kids to new foods, cultures, and experiences. However, ensuring that there are plant-based options and family-friendly accommodations can feel challenging at times. With a bit of preparation, you can make vegan travel with children a breeze. In this guide, you’ll find tips on how to navigate vegan dining, a selection of vegan-friendly family hotels and resorts, and fun activities that the whole family will enjoy. Get ready to plan a seamless, memorable vegan vacation!
Essential Vegan Travel Tips for Families
1. Plan Ahead with Kid-Friendly Snacks
Traveling with kids requires extra patience and, often, extra snacks. Pack familiar favorites such as vegan granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, and veggie chips to help keep hunger at bay during long travel days. Portable plant-based snacks like these are not only healthy but help avoid unnecessary meltdowns when there aren’t many vegan options available.
2. Research Vegan-Friendly Restaurants & Grocery Stores
Look up vegan restaurants and family-friendly grocery stores near your destination. Apps like HappyCow (available at HappyCow) and VegVisits (check VegVisits for options) make it easy to locate nearby restaurants or connect with local hosts who offer vegan home-cooked meals. Knowing you have some trusted dining options can save you time and keep everyone satisfied. Visit my blog post Vegan Travel Apps for more apps and resources.
3. Pack the Basics for Easy Meal Prep
If you’re staying in a hotel with a kitchenette or a rental home, bringing along some basics like oats, plant-based milk, and pasta can allow you to whip up simple meals in a pinch. Many hotels now offer mini-kitchens, perfect for making familiar meals on the go. This can also cut down on food costs and provide healthier meal options, especially in regions where vegan food may be less accessible. Get family- friendly Vegan Travel Recipes for on the go.
4. Communicate Your Dietary Needs
A quick call or email to your hotel or airline before your trip can help them accommodate your family’s dietary needs. Most hotels are more than happy to prepare vegan options if given advance notice. It can also help to learn a few local phrases if you’re traveling abroad, such as “no meat,” “no dairy,” or “plant-based,” which can make ordering food much easier. Here’s a deeper dive into Vegan Travel Tips for Overcoming Language Barriers.
Recommended Vegan-Friendly Family Hotels and Resorts
1. The Fairmont Orchid (Hawaii, USA)
The Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii is a paradise for vegan families. This family-friendly resort offers a wide range of vegan dining options, including an extensive breakfast buffet with plant-based items and organic produce. They also provide vegan meal options at their various on-site restaurants. Beyond dining, the resort offers family-friendly beach activities, like snorkeling and kayaking, which are great for children. For more information, visit Fairmont Orchid.
2. Playa Viva (Mexico)
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Playa Viva is a sustainable, eco-friendly resort perfect for vegan families. Not only does the resort feature plant-based meal options with locally-sourced ingredients, but it also offers family activities such as turtle releases, yoga, and guided nature walks. The open-air treehouse accommodations and private beach access make this a unique and memorable experience. Find out more at Playa Viva.
3. Six Senses Laamu (Maldives)
Six Senses Laamu is an incredible option if your family craves a luxurious beach escape. Known for its commitment to sustainability, this eco-friendly resort offers plant-based menus across its restaurants and even has its own organic garden for fresh ingredients. For the kids, there are snorkeling, kayaking, and reef exploration activities, and the resort’s Junior Marine Biology program makes learning about marine conservation engaging and fun. To book a stay, visit Six Senses Laamu.
4. Club Med (Bali, Indonesia)
Club Med Bali provides an all-inclusive resort experience with numerous vegan-friendly meal options, beautiful beach access, and activities suited for children. With cooking classes, snorkeling, and an eco-friendly arts and crafts program, Club Med ensures that families have a fulfilling experience. There is also an interactive playground and evening family shows, making it ideal for families looking for non-stop entertainment. More details can be found at Club Med Bali.
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (Thailand)
For an urban escape, the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort offers a mix of cultural experiences and comfort. This hotel is family-friendly, with vegan options available at multiple on-site restaurants. Families can enjoy the Thai cooking classes, river cruises, and nearby attractions, making it easy to create an itinerary full of enriching activities. Explore their offerings at Anantara Riverside Bangkok.
Fun Family Activities for Vegan Travelers
1. Visit Local Farms and Animal Sanctuaries
Many cities offer farm tours or animal sanctuary visits where kids can learn about animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. In California, for instance, Farm Sanctuary in Los Angeles offers family-friendly tours and educational programs. These visits can be both educational and enjoyable for children, reinforcing a love for animals and the environment. For more, visit Farm Sanctuary.
2. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes focused on plant-based meals allow kids to get hands-on with new ingredients and local flavors. Many family-friendly hotels, like those listed above, offer vegan cooking classes or can recommend local chefs who provide plant-based cooking workshops. Not only is this an engaging experience, but it’s also a great way for children to explore new flavors in a familiar way.
3. Go on Eco-Tours and Nature Walks
Incorporate nature-based activities like eco-tours, hiking, or guided nature walks. For instance, Costa Rica offers a range of vegan-friendly eco-tours, where you can explore rainforests, spot wildlife, and discover plant species. Many eco-lodges provide family-friendly tours to national parks, waterfalls, and local wildlife reserves, allowing your kids to learn about nature in an immersive way.
4. Try Outdoor Adventures Together
Whether you’re exploring beach towns or mountain regions, many destinations offer kid-friendly outdoor activities that are suitable for vegan families. Snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are great options if you’re near the coast. If you’re in an urban area, consider biking tours through parks or eco-friendly segway tours, which are often a hit with kids.
5. Take Part in Local Festivals or Markets
Attending local food markets and festivals can be a fun way for kids to experience the local culture. Look for farmer’s markets where you can sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based dishes. In Europe, vegan-friendly markets are becoming more common; in cities like Berlin, you can explore entirely vegan street food markets, which are family-friendly and full of variety.
Traveling with plant-based kids can be an enriching experience, full of adventure, learning, and fun. By choosing vegan-friendly accommodations, packing familiar snacks, and planning activities that align with your family’s values, you’ll be able to create a memorable, hassle-free vacation. Whether you’re exploring animal sanctuaries, taking vegan cooking classes, or lounging at a family-friendly resort, there are countless ways to make vegan travel enjoyable and stress-free. So, pack your bags, get ready for a family adventure, and remember—vegan travel with kids is not only possible but immensely rewarding!
Happy vegan travels!
