Having worked as a Tour Leader in South America, central America, Europe and north Africa, I can honestly say this:
All you need is less.
However, there are a few invaluable items always on my checklist. If you are planning your next vegan vacation, then don’t forget to pack the following:
1. Stickers, flyers and leaflets – Support vegan businesses and promote conscious economies
We all have a favorite vegan coffee shop, restaurant or business that we support (such hard work eating all that vegan carrot cake). Most of them will have something you can take away with you on your travels—stickers and flyers are perfect. Support your favorite vegan business on your travels, create more demand for vegan friendly products and services, and promote conscious economies, all with one sticker!
2. Pop a postcard in your bag – Environmental education
Focus on animals and wildlife native to your country and look for some post cards representative of the animal in question. These are great to give out to kids you meet on the road. A lovely, quick exchange that promotes environmental education. Even if you are in between buses/ trains / planes, it only takes few minutes.
3. Write down a recipe – Promote a vegan friendly meal
I have gotten behind the scenes in so many kitchens in different parts of the world by invitation! People are always keen to pick up new recipes and learn from different cultures, so write down an easy vegan recipe and have a few copies ready to give out to individuals or restaurant, bar and coffee shop owners that you meet on your travels.
4. Socks – Re-use, reduce, recycle
You know when you put a pair of socks into the washing machine and only one comes out (the other goes to sock heaven)? Grab a few of the spares that didn’t go to sock heaven and if required, have them at the ready for the following:
- Gloves; full gloves require no cutting. For fingerless gloves, cut off the toe and heel (you’ll look so cool, especially if they are odd colors). Sock gloves are way cooler than sunburnt hands, I know this from experience after an 8000 mile motorbike trip from Guatemala city to New York City.
- Ice pack; fill with ice cubes for a quick and mobile ice pack if you have sustained a minor injury. Alternatively, leave bruising to do it’s own thing as there is nothing worse than having nothing to show for hurting yourself (purple bruises do make for good travel stories).
- Hair band; cut off the elasticated band at the top for an emergency hairband (you long haired ladies out there know how annoying it is when its windy and you can’t find a hairband).
- Protector; socks make nice homes for cameras if you find yourself without a camera case.
- Hand puppet; be as imaginative as you like. Socks make great hand puppets to entertain kids—your own or someone else’s.
5. Bungee Cord – Unconventional travel item
Definitely not a conventional travel item, but bungee cords come in handy for securing luggage and making DIY washing lines when you are in the jungle.
About the author: Emma Fry is the owner and founder of Veganbnb Travel, vegan vacations in Guatemala and Spain, for more on trips, vegan friendly travel (and stories about motorbike adventures and vegan carrot cake) go to www.veganbnbtravel.com.
No Comments