Vegan Passport Is The App You Need Before Traveling Internationally
Let's talk travel.
Specifically, traveling abroad, where language barriers are sometimes thick as concrete, and the definition of "vegan" is as cloudy as miso soup.
Instead of enjoying your travels, trying (and failing) to communicate your dietary requests can leave you feeling frustrated and very, very hangry.
What are we to do?
Well - here to help is the #1 app that all vegans need when traveling abroad.
And no, it's not Happy Cow.
It's Vegan Passport.
So, what is Vegan Passport?
Vegan Passport is like your own personal translator between you and the restaurant or grocer you're visiting, to help make sure sure you get exactly what you want, and none of what you don’t want.
The app has a translated explanation of what you’re avoiding and requests vegan-friendly options written in whatever language you select. The Vegan Passport app includes the languages of over 96% of the world's population, so you’re covered just about anywhere!
And no - you don’t have to try to read it. Just hold up your phone so your server or grocery clerk can read the text, making it easier for everyone involved. How neat is that?!
Why Vegan Passport is Necessary
The understanding of “vegan food” varies from place to place. While it’s pretty commonly known that vegans don’t eat meat, it’s the seafood, dairy, fish sauce, mayo, lard, meat-based broth, and other “hidden” ingredients that the general population is still fairly unclear on.
Many restaurateurs, therefore, think they're offering vegan-friendly fare when the food is in fact not vegan.
Add on a language barrier, and mealtime can easily go from enjoyable to stress-inducing.
Sure, we love Happy Cow and other helpful review sites that recommend vegan-friendly eateries and dishes all over the world.
But the downside to many review sites is that they’re still not widely used. And if we aren’t 100% certain that what we’re eating is vegan, and we don’t want to lead others astray by leaving a review for a place or a dish without truly knowing.
This is the solution that Vegan Passport offers: the app helps clear things up before the food arrives, and before you leave the foodie review, to avoid any potential discrepancies.
It's really a win for everyone.
How Do I Use Vegan Passport?
Simply download the Vegan Passport app!
Once it’s downloaded, you’ll see a simple interface with tabs that say “Languages”, “Countries”, and “Pictures”.
Choose from hundreds of languages, and if you aren’t sure what the common language is, you can search by Country.
Once you’re on a Language page or have selected a country and a language from the list, a page of text will show up written in that language.
The text kindly and clearly details the type of food you are looking for, and what you are avoiding. Vegan Passport recommends not trying to read the text, since that might make things harder for everyone.. just show them the text instead.
If all else fails, the “Pictures” tab is an illustrated option with - yes - pictures!
The first set of photos shows a smiley face next to drawings of many foods you can eat (fruits, veggies, nuts), and a frowny face next to images of foods you are avoiding (eggs, dairy, shellfish, etc).
This app is also a great resource to share with your hotel or resort ahead of your stay as well, to make sure there will be accommodations for dining.
How Do I Get The Vegan Passport App?
The app is only $1.99USD - a super affordable and quality investment that will save you time, energy, and frustration.
Traveling is already hard enough! Let's avoid getting hangry and support the creators behind Vegan Passport.
Click below to download:
Apple Store | Google Play Store
What's something that's helped make things easier for you when traveling as a vegan? Let me know in the comments!