Changemakers: Rebecca Gade-Sawicki Talks Vegan Travel

Can you discuss your background a little? How did you become a vegan travel guide?

I’m currently the founder of the vegan travel blog Veggies Abroad, and I recently became a travel advisor with a focus on vegan and sustainable travel. But this hasn’t always been my career path! During the pandemic, like so many people, I took time to re-evaluate my career. I wanted to find a way to align it with my ethics—in hopes of making this world a tiny bit kinder.

But I struggled to find a job that was a good fit.

So, what does any college-educated person do during a global pandemic? Well, they leave their full-time career of 15 years and start a vegan travel blog, of course!

Initially, I thought this would just help me pivot my career, but as the blog grew, I started to think that maybe I could make a greener and kinder difference in the travel space. And maybe this could be an extension of my activism, so I decided to plow forward.

I’ve been a vegan for about six years, but prior to that, I was a vegetarian for over two decades. I initially ditched meat when I was 13 after doing research for a school project on slaughterhouse reform (I can’t imagine any kid not being affected by that). At that time, vegetarianism was seen as a passing fad, and veganism wasn’t on anyone’s radar. On top of that, I grew up in a rural town, making my first few years anything but a cakewalk—but I was determined.

What inspired you to become a vegan travel blogger and consultant? Have you always enjoyed traveling?

To be honest, I didn’t initially plan to become a travel blogger. During the pandemic, I felt it became crystal clear how humans were perpetuating many of the biggest environmental and public health challenges we’re facing. I wanted to be on a team working to do something about it. Although I have a diverse professional background, at that time, I couldn’t find a job with a company that I cared about… so I knew I had to get creative.

Prior to the pandemic, my husband and I did travel quite a bit, and people were always enamored with what we would eat. I would get some of the craziest questions—“Did you lose weight?” “Did you have to bring all of your own food?” “Can you find vegan food in other countries?” So, I figured that starting a blog would not only force me to learn a mountain of new skills and network with like-minded people, but maybe I could help some vegan and veg-curious travelers along the way.

What’s your favorite vegan travel destination and why?

I am absolutely in love with Brighton, England. This bohemian seaside town is considered the country’s green capital. It’s packed with loads of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants (many of which prioritize sourcing local ingredients and supporting the local economy)—in fact, it’s hard to walk down the street and not run into a sign that proclaims its vegan-friendliness. On top of restaurants, you’ll find a vegan shoe shop, perfumery, and markets (there is a grocery store and a monthly pop-up market)—but aside from fully vegan shops, the town is well known for its independent boutiques, and many of them pride themselves on cruelty-free and fair-trade practices.

I always tell people that if they like London (or maybe wish London was a little less intimidating), go to Brighton! I have a full vegan travel guide to Brighton, too!

What are your go-to essentials for traveling as a vegan?

In addition to being vegan, I’m also gluten-free, so I never leave home without a good digestive enzyme and fennel seeds. I know, fennel seems odd, but it can help with indigestion. Generally, places have gotten pretty good about ensuring products are vegan, gluten-free, etc., but every once in a while, my stomach will say otherwise. So it’s always good to be prepared!

Aside from digestive support, I only travel with a carry-on, so I have to be a really efficient packer. To help with that (and to help the environment), I’ve swapped as many liquid products as I can for zero-waste bar products, like shampoo/conditioner bars and toothpaste tabs. This helps with space, but it’s also a big help going through security. And I always travel with a crossbody bag that zips up, to keep my hands free while wandering around while also keeping my valuables secure.

What are your top vegan travel tips for those looking to explore the world more compassionately?

First, find travel resources that you trust, like blogs or travel advisors. Long gone are the days when vegan travel was an unknown. Today, there are multiple companies leading vegan tours, hotels, and even major publications covering the topic—all it takes is a bit of Googling! Once you find restaurants, hotels, and shops that you want to visit, make sure you save them to your Google Map. This way, when you’re out and about, you can see what places are nearby or develop your daily itinerary around places you want to make sure to check out. If you think you won’t have a good cell signal, don’t forget to download the map before you go.

Secondly, if you’re traveling to a foreign country, always learn a little bit of the language. Not only is it the kind and respectful thing to do, but it can help you when in situations like ordering coffee or perusing products in shops. I normally make small flash cards with key phrases like, “I am vegan.” “Do you have a vegan option?” “I don’t eat meat or dairy,” etc., and bring the cards with me.

Do you have any vegan travel companies that you can recommend?

I am currently finalizing details for a fantastic vegan tour through Italy, so the first place I would recommend is Veggies Abroad! Guests will get to make vegan pasta and pizza, sip Italian wines, and much more. In the future, I hope to develop a few different tours to explore wonderful vegan-friendly destinations around the world, so stay tuned!

Aside from my company, there are many others helping travelers explore the world cruelty-free—from diving in Indonesia with Infinite Blue Dive Travel to small group tours with Veg Jaunts and Journeys. For others, check out my full list of incredible vegan tour companies.

What are some of the best veg-friendly hotels? Any tips for finding plant-based accommodations?

The best hotels are the ones that don’t stop at what they are putting on your plate; they consider the whole picture, from the toiletries they leave in guest rooms to their sourcing policies and how they support the local community. Many of the best ones are small independent boutiques that are often run by people who are dead set on making a difference. They don’t have to worry about reporting to a board of directors—they make decisions based on their ethics.

I always encourage people that if they stay somewhere and the options are lackluster, or they find products tested on animals, bring it to the attention of the hotel. Major hotel chains aren’t going to make changes unless the public demands it, so don’t be shy!

One of my favorite spots is a small B & B in New York’s Finger Lakes, The Black Sheep Inn and Spa. It’s run by a couple from the UK who will absolutely spoil you—don’t skip their full English breakfast! On top of starting your day with an amazing breakfast lineup, the Finger Lakes region is vegan-friendly! You’ll find vegan-friendly wineries and restaurants, and it’s home to Farm Sanctuary.

For more vegan travel tips, check out the Veggies Abroad blog and follow @veggiesabroad on Instagram!

And for more support and guidance on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, check out our Plant-Based Starter Guide!