Recently I went on a much-needed vacation with my son. Normally we go on a week-long road trip to a national park, but this year I could only get a few days off work.  We’re also running out of national parks that are within a reasonable driving distance. 

So this year we went to the Wallowas in eastern Oregon and the Painted Hills.

Traveling to areas you’ve never been to before can tricky as a vegan.  A lot of places, especially small towns aren’t very vegan-friendly.  However, with a little planning, you can successfully travel anywhere.

Here are some tips for your next road trip:

Research

Scout out the area before you go if you’re planning on going out to eat. Do a Google search for restaurants in the area or use the Happy Cow app.

If none of the restaurants list vegan options on their menu email or call them to see if they can make you something that isn’t listed.

Check to see if there is a local vegan Facebook group to ask for recommendations.

If there isn’t much vegan choice on menus when you’re traveling look at the starters and sides & see if you can put together a meal that way. – Jacqueline from Tinned Tomatoes

Bring Your Own Food

Small snacks that don’t require refrigeration, like nuts and Skout bars, are a great choice to bring on your trip.

Or make your snacks!

Bring plenty of easy-to-pack, filling vegan snacks to prevent desperate hangriness when you’re looking for a place to get your next meal while on the road. – Kari from Beautiful Ingredient

Instant Masala Peanuts from The Belly Rules The Mind

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies from Delightful Adventures

Vegan Chocolate Orange Oat Bars from Veggie Desserts

Blueberry and Lemon Oaty Breakfast Bars from Tinned Tomatoes

Apple Cashew Snack Bites from Strength & Sunshine

Gluten-Free Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies from Rhian’s Recipes

Goji Pecan Cookie Bars from Unconventional Baker

Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins from Allergylicious

Cranberry Blueberry Crumb Bars from Vegan Richa

S’Mores Muddy Buddies from Pink Fortitude

Super Easy No Bake Energy Bites from Sinful Nutrition

Coconut Lime Energy Bites from Beautiful Ingredient

Roasted Jerk Chickpeas from The Nut-Free Vegan

Overnight Chocolate Strawberry Almond Oats from Vegetarian Gastronomy

Chocolate Chunk Cranberry Bars from Delightful Mom Food

For more snack recipes check out Turtle Bites, Lemon Coconut Protein Balls, and Vegan Nutella Trail Bars.

If you’re bringing a cooler you can pack things hummus and veggie sticks, or pasta salads.

Backpacking meals are a great option if you’ll have access to hot water.

More Resources

Travel Tips: Being Vegan on the Road by Wanderlust Vegans

How to Eat Vegan While Traveling from Cadry’s Kitchen

14 Healthy Vegan Snacks for Road Trips from Running On Real Food