Vegetarian Travel Made Easy: Choosing Airbnbs over Hotels

Jaynae Edney
Apr 24
9 min read

Hey there, fellow travelers! 🌍 I'm Jaynae, the veggie-loving globe-trotter behind Simply Jaynae and Simply Globetrotting. Today, I’m thrilled to share my journey towards stress-free vegetarian travel and reveal why Airbnbs has become my sanctuary on the road. Ready to explore the world while sticking to your vegetarian lifestyle? This guide is for you! Let’s dive in and discover how Airbnbs can be your best friend, especially in fabulous destinations like St. Croix, Atlanta, Nashville, Dubai, Louisville, and Israel.

Why Airbnbs are Perfect for Vegetarian Travelers

Traveling as a vegetarian? It's an adventure full of surprises – sometimes challenging, always rewarding. My delicate stomach and dietary restrictions mean one thing: I need the perfect accommodations to stay happy and healthy. That’s why Airbnbs has become my go-to choice. Let me share with you why they’ve worked so well for me, backed by real stories from my travels.

Vegetarian-Friendly Cooking in Airbnbs

The Importance of Preparing My Own Meals

Ever wandered around a city, desperately searching for vegetarian options, only to come up short? Trust me, I've been there. The magic of having your own kitchen to cook in cannot be overstated. One of the key reasons I prefer Airbnbs is the ability to prepare my own meals. Hotels rarely offer kitchens, making it tough to control what goes into my food. In Airbnbs, I can access fully-equipped kitchens where I can whip up meals that meet my strict vegetarian standards, ensuring no cross-contamination with non-vegetarian items.

Dining Challenges at Hotels

Limited Vegetarian Options in Hotel Restaurants

Hotels often boast luxurious amenities like room service and stunning views, but their restaurant options can fall short for vegetarians. Even simple orders like fries can become problematic because shared fryers cook meat and vegetarian items together, leading to cross-contamination.

Vibrant Vegetarian/Vegan Dining in St. Croix

Common Sense Plates and Drinks: A Culinary Haven

During my travels, places like St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands have shown how delightful vegetarian dining can be. Common Sense Plates and Drinks, a bright yellow food truck, is a prime example. Led by vegan chef Niaomi, this spot has become my sanctuary for vibrant and flavorful vegetarian dishes.

Vibrant and Flavorful Dishes: Chef Niaomi’s creations, like tofu tacos and breaded mushroom tacos, are colorful and delicious, ensuring the vegetables are not overcooked.
Taco Bowls and Sunday Brunch: Whether you’re looking for jasmine rice with a hint of lemon, Mexican slaw, black beans, plantains, or fluffy pancakes and scrambled tofu, the food truck offers rich culinary experiences.
Local Fresh Fruit Drinks: With refreshing local drinks like Hibiscus Passion, Moringa, and Tamarind, there’s no shortage of nutritious beverages free from artificial flavors.

Big Cities Catering to Vegetarian Needs

Atlanta: A Metropolitan Haven for Vegetarians

Atlanta has established itself as a haven for vegetarians, offering various restaurants that understand and cater to plant-based diets. According to HappyCow, a popular resource for finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants, Atlanta boasts over 150 vegetarian-friendly dining options.

Velvet Tacos: Known for their inventive and tasty vegetarian dishes, Velvet Tacos offers options like tofu tacos and lettuce bed tacos that are refreshing and satisfying.
Customization and Variety: Atlanta’s culinary landscape includes numerous restaurants catering to various diets and preferences. Atlanta has it all if you’re looking for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or other specialized options.

Personal Anecdote: Encounter at Velvet Tacos in Atlanta

"I still remember my first visit to Velvet Tacos in Atlanta. The vibrant atmosphere and fresh ingredients' smell made me feel at home. Trying their inventive tofu tacos gave me a refreshing and satisfying meal that I can’t forget."

Nashville: A Vegetarian-Friendly City

Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene, also boasts excellent vegetarian dining options. Recent data shows that the city has more than 50 vegetarian—and vegan-friendly restaurants.

Variety of Choices: Nashville’s growing food scene includes several restaurants catering to vegetarians and vegans.
Quality and Flavor: Nashville's focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients makes dining there a treat for vegetarians.

Dubai: Luxury and Convenience for Vegetarians

During my stay in Dubai, I experienced a unique blend of luxury and convenience with my Airbnb, which featured a wide array of international dining options, including an equipped kitchen. This allowed me to prepare my own meals if I wished, ensuring my dietary needs were met without compromise.

International Cuisine: Dubai offers a wide array of international dining options, including vegetarian cuisines. From lavish buffets to cozy cafes, there’s something to suit every palate.
Self-Catering Convenience: By cooking in my Airbnb’s kitchen, I could blend the luxury of Dubai’s dining scene with the comfort and control of home-cooked meals.

Small Town Dining: Limited Vegetarian Awareness

In smaller towns, it’s often less common for restaurants to be aware of or cater to vegetarian dietary restrictions as thoroughly as they might for those without specific dietary needs. While larger cities offer many vegetarian options, smaller towns may require more effort to find suitable meals.

Burlington, Iowa

In Burlington, Iowa, finding vegetarian options can be challenging due to a general lack of consciousness about preparing food for vegetarians. This makes staying in an Airbnb more appealing, as I can cook my meals without worrying about cross-contamination or limited choices.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville and nearby Campbellsville are cities where residents often prefer meat-centered diets. Vegetarian options exist but are very limited, and it’s common to find vegetarian dishes that are not vegan. This means there are fewer suitable choices for those with strict dietary needs. HappyCow says Louisville has only around 25 vegetarian-friendly restaurants compared to larger cities with much broader options.

Israel: A Haven for Vegetarians

Israel has become a renowned destination for vegetarians due to its abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, vibrant markets, and conscientious food preparation practices.

The Shook Experience

One of the highlights of vegetarian dining in Israel is visiting the Shook (market) on Wednesdays. The variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and grains is phenomenal, making it a haven for anyone with plant-based dietary preferences.

Fresh and Delicious Produce: Israeli fruits and vegetables are known for their exceptional taste and quality.
Street Vendor Practices: Street vendors in Israel are highly aware of cross-contamination. They use separate utensils for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, ensuring vegetarians enjoy dishes like falafel sandwiches without worry.

Personal Anecdote: Shopping at the Shook in Israel

"My Wednesdays in Israel wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Shook. The variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and grains is phenomenal. How street vendors handle food with such care highlights the importance of cross-contamination awareness, ensuring my falafel sandwich remains purely vegetarian."

Finding Vegetarian-Friendly Accommodations

"When choosing your Airbnb, look for accommodations with a fully-equipped kitchen. This allows you to prepare your own meals without worrying about cross-contamination. Also, check the reviews to ensure previous guests have had positive experiences with their vegetarian cooking needs."

Research is Key When Traveling as a Vegetarian

Research is key when traveling as a vegetarian. Advanced planning can elevate your dining experience and ensure you find the best spots tailored to your dietary needs. Here are some essential tips:

Utilize Apps and Websites: Use apps like HappyCow or websites like VegNews to find highly rated vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. These platforms often provide comprehensive details, including menus, photos, and user reviews, which can be incredibly helpful.
- HappyCow: This app is a global guide to vegan, vegetarian, and healthy food. It lets you search for restaurants, cafes, and stores based on location, providing map views and user ratings. HappyCow also includes community reviews, giving you insights into the best dishes to try.
- VegNews: VegNews offers a wealth of articles, restaurant guides, and destination overviews for vegetarian and vegan travelers. It's an excellent resource for discovering new eateries and staying updated on the latest in plant-based dining.
Reading Customer Reviews: Customer reviews are invaluable. They give you an idea of the best dishes to try and what to avoid. Take note of recurring praises or complaints to make informed choices.
- Best Dishes: Reviews often highlight standout dishes. Look for recommendations to ensure you don’t miss out on the restaurant’s specialty.
- Service and Atmosphere: Reviews can also provide insights into the service quality and restaurant ambiance, helping you choose places that offer great food and a pleasant dining experience.
Local Forums and Social Media Groups: Engage with local vegetarian or vegan forums and social media groups. These communities often share personal experiences and hidden gems that might not be listed on mainstream apps or websites.
Exploring Local Markets: Don't forget to explore local markets. These places often offer fresh, seasonal produce and can be a treasure trove for finding unique vegetarian ingredients you can cook back at your Airbnb.
Check for Certifications and Labels: When dining out or shopping for groceries, look for certifications and labels indicating vegetarian or vegan options. This ensures that the food aligns with your dietary preferences.
Menu Research: Before heading to a restaurant, browse its menu online if available. Knowing what vegetarian options it offers or if it can accommodate special requests helps avoid disappointment.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural food practices. In some regions, dishes labeled as vegetarian might still contain animal-derived ingredients. Researching local cuisine and asking specific questions can help navigate these nuances.

Investing time in research using these tools and strategies ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free dining experience on your vegetarian travels.

Choosing Airbnb for Comfort and Convenience

Control Over Ingredients and Preparation

The ability to cook my own meals in Airbnbs is invaluable, especially when traveling to destinations with limited vegetarian options. This control over ingredients and preparation significantly reduces stress and ensures a healthier diet.

Control Over Ingredients: In an Airbnb, I have the power to choose fresh, organic, and vegetarian-friendly ingredients. This eliminates the risk of accidentally consuming non-vegetarian items or processed foods containing hidden animal products.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination: By cooking in a private kitchen, I can ensure no cross-contamination with non-vegetarian ingredients, a common issue in many restaurants and hotel kitchens.
Catering to Dietary Restrictions: Whether it's gluten-free, dairy-free, or any other dietary need, having access to a kitchen allows me to tailor meals precisely to my requirements.
Stress-Free Cooking: Preparing my own food lowers the anxiety of finding suitable meals in unfamiliar locations, which can be particularly challenging for vegetarians.

Relaxed Environment and Longer Stays

Airbnbs offer a relaxed environment, perfect for longer stays. Unlike the often cramped spaces in hotel rooms, Airbnbs provides a home-like atmosphere with ample space to store and prepare food, making the travel experience much more comfortable.

Space and Comfort: The additional space in Airbnbs allows for a more comfortable stay, where I can spread out, store groceries, and cook leisurely.
Home-Like Atmosphere: Airbnbs often have cozy furnishings and a homely feel, making it much easier to unwind after a day of exploring than the sterile environments of many hotel rooms.
Longer Stays: For extended travels, Airbnbs is not just a place to sleep but a place to live. The availability of kitchens, living areas, and sometimes even outdoor spaces enables longer, more enjoyable stays without feeling cramped or restricted.
Local Experience: Staying in an Airbnb often provides a more authentic local experience, as these properties are usually in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist districts. This allows me to immerse myself in the local culture more deeply, including shopping at nearby markets and cooking with regional ingredients.

By offering these comforts and conveniences, Airbnbs transforms the travel experience, allowing vegetarians to maintain their dietary standards while enjoying the journey stress-free.

Conclusion

Traveling as a vegetarian brings a unique set of challenges and delights. Choosing an Airbnb over a hotel offers the ability to cook meals tailored to strict dietary requirements, ensuring no cross-contamination. Highlights from places like Common Sense Plates and Drinks in St. Croix, the diverse vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville, the luxurious yet convenient stays in Dubai, and the fresh, vibrant offerings in Israel illustrate how local eateries and accommodations can transform the travel experience, offering vibrant and nutritious options.

In smaller cities like Louisville and Campbellsville, where meat-centered diets prevail and vegetarian options are limited, the control and convenience of cooking in an Airbnb become particularly valuable.

Travel becomes more comfortable and enjoyable with the right accommodations and access to vegetarian-friendly dining. Whether you opt for an Airbnb or a hotel, knowing you can maintain your dietary standards makes all the difference.

Embark on your vegetarian travel adventures confidently, savoring the best each destination has to offer!

Jaynae, aka Simply Globetrotting, wishes you all the best in your vegetarian travel endeavors! May your journeys be filled with delicious food, cozy stays, and unforgettable experiences.

Relevant Sources and Statistics

In addition to HappyCow, several other credible sources provide valuable insights into the vegetarian and vegan dining options and overall trends that can enhance the credibility of this blog: