When you think of the Caribbean, you might imagine turquoise waters, palm trees, and tropical drinks—but what about vegan food? In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki and co-host Matt explore the most vegan-friendly islands in the Caribbean: Puerto Rico, Aruba, and St Lucia.
They share where to find outstanding plant-based meals, sustainable resorts, and unique eco-adventures across each island. From vegan mofongo and callaloo soup to carbon-neutral hotels and chocolate festivals, this episode is your complete guide to planning a plant-powered Caribbean getaway.
Discover why Puerto Rico stands out for its diverse vegan restaurants and hotels, including tips from these guides:
Vegan-Friendly Caribbean Islands
Vegan Puerto Rico Food Guide
Vegan Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Vegan Resorts in Puerto Rico
You’ll also hear about Aruba’s growing vegan hospitality scene and its best places to stay and dine:
Best Restaurants for Vegan Food in Aruba
Best Vegan-Friendly Resorts in Aruba
Rebecca also shares updates on Veggies Abroad’s 2026 tour lineup, including return trips to Iceland and Thailand, plus upcoming adventures in Costa Rica and Colombia that combine exploration with community impact.
Whether you’re a vegan traveller, eco-conscious foodie, or simply craving sunshine without compromise, this episode will help you plan your next Caribbean escape that’s as compassionate as it is unforgettable.
Get ready to toss some biodegradable confetti — it’s our 50th episode! Join host and chief veggie pusher Rebecca Gade Sawicki and her partner-in-travel Matt as they celebrate this milestone and explore the surprisingly vegan-friendly side of Greece.
Forget what you’ve heard about feta and seafood — Greece’s mainland is filled with compassionate adventures, mountain villages, ancient history, and plant-based eats. Rebecca shares insider tips from her travels through Athens, Dimitsana, Nafplio, and Crete, including must-try vegan restaurants, scenic road trip routes, local wineries, and responsible tourism experiences that support family-run businesses.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic seaside town, a hike through quiet mountain trails, or a taste of authentic Greek olive oil, this episode is packed with ideas to help you plan an ethical, veggie-powered trip to Greece. Listen now and start planning your next plant-powered adventure.
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
What if your next trip could transform lives? In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Richard Bazán, Regional Director for Planeterra, the nonprofit using tourism to create lasting social and environmental impact around the world.
Richard shares how Planeterra partners with more than 500 communities in 80 countries to build sustainable tourism enterprises that put people—not profits—at the center. From women-led cooperatives in Peru to cultural and nature-based experiences in Mexico and Brazil, these projects are redefining what responsible travel really means.
Together, they explore:
The difference between community tourism and traditional tourism
How locally led initiatives empower women and youth
The ripple effect tourism can have on education, conservation, and cultural preservation
How travelers can make sure their tourism dollars directly benefit local communities
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your adventures more ethical, authentic, and impactful—this conversation will change how you see travel.
You can find out more about Planeterra at https://planeterra.org
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Did you know that not all wine is vegan? From egg whites to fish bladders (yes, really), many wines use animal products during the refining process - but not in Sonoma with La Belle Vie Tours. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Michelle Rulmont, founder of La Belle Vie, to explore how she created a vegan-friendly wine tour through California’s iconic Sonoma Valley.
Michelle shares the surprising truth behind why some wines aren’t vegan, how boutique wineries are embracing minimalist winemaking practices, and what makes Sonoma a laid-back alternative to Napa. You’ll also hear about farm sanctuary visits, vegan cheese pairings, and tips for planning your perfect wine getaway.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s in your glass - and where to sip responsibly and deliciously - this conversation will inspire your next trip to wine country. Learn more about Michelle’s tours: La Belle Vie Vegan Wine Tours
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Have you ever thought about combining travel with volunteering abroad? From building schools to working in orphanages, voluntourism has become a $3 billion industry attracting millions each year. But are these short-term projects really helping—or are they causing unintended harm?
In this eye-opening episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca speaks with Claire Bennett, co-author of Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad. With over 15 years of experience in international development, responsible tourism, and experiential education, Claire shares why good intentions aren’t always enough, the dangers of orphanage volunteering, how voluntourism can reinforce inequality, and what ethical alternatives exist for travelers who want to give back.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering abroad—or simply want to understand the hidden impacts of this booming industry—this conversation will challenge what you think you know about “doing good” overseas.
Find out more about Claire's work at https://learningservice.info/book/
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Traveling with food allergies can feel overwhelming—even impossible at times. In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca sits down with Karine, a travel advisor and lifelong adventurer who has lived with a severe sunflower allergy since childhood. Karine shares her journey of learning how to travel safely, from creating allergy cards in multiple languages to hiring chefs abroad and carefully packing her own meals.
She also introduces us to her four-legged travel companion, Elton, a specially trained service dog who can detect even trace amounts of sunflower in food. Together, they’ve tackled everything from Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy to remote beachside eateries in Costa Rica.
Karine offers practical advice for travellers with allergies—research, communication, and preparation are everything—while also shining a light on how the travel industry is (and isn’t) improving in allergy awareness.
Whether you have allergies yourself or want to better understand the realities of travelling with them, this conversation is full of insight, personal stories, and encouragement.
Learn more about Karine and her services: https://www.langsignaturetravel.com/
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Join Rebecca and Matt as they explore Turkey’s vibrant cities, ancient history, and evolving vegan food scene. From navigating Istanbul’s bustling streets, ferries, and feline residents to uncovering hidden vegan gems, Rebecca shares the highs and lows of eating plant-based in a country split between Europe and Asia. Discover the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus, the spiritual city of Konya, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Along the way, they discuss cultural surprises, public transport adventures, and why local support can make or break a vegan trip. Perfect for travellers curious about Turkey’s beauty, history, and the reality of exploring it as a vegan.
https://veggiesabroad.com/is-turkiye-vegan-friendly/
https://veggiesabroad.com/surprising-things-about-turkiye/
https://veggiesabroad.com/istanbul-vegan-restaurants/
https://cityofistanbul.net/istanbul-cats-reality/
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
What if your dream vacation wasn’t just relaxing—but healing too? In this episode, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki is joined by her travel companion Matt for an inside look at their transformative stay at Palmaïa – The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. From plant-based dining that goes way beyond cauliflower steaks, to Mayan-inspired wellness rituals, kombucha-stocked minibars, and spiritual spa ceremonies, this is not your average resort experience.
Find out more about Palmaïa – The House of AïA at https://thehouseofaia.com/
If you're craving a truly nourishing escape—mind, body, and spirit—this episode will leave you daydreaming (and maybe trip-planning).
Learn more and book your own vegan adventure: https://www.veggiesabroad.com
Don’t forget to check Instagram for photos from the trip!
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca Gade Sawicki chats with Tara McCallum from Intrepid Travel about something we don’t talk about enough in tourism — gender inequality. While women make up more than half the global travel workforce, they’re still underrepresented in leadership and often stuck in lower-paid, insecure roles. Tara shares how Intrepid is working to change that — from increasing the number of female tour leaders in places like Morocco and Nepal to designing women-only expeditions that open doors for connection, storytelling, and real community impact.
The conversation also explores how travellers can support women on the ground, why representation matters, and how even small changes in who creates and leads travel experiences can have lasting effects. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your travel more meaningful and supportive of the people you meet along the way, this one’s for you.
Learn more about Intrepid Travel: https://www.intrepidtravel.com
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Is it time to ditch the plane ticket and embrace the journey? In this episode of the Veggies Abroad podcast, Rebecca sits down with Harriet Matthews from Byway, a UK-based B Corp redefining the way we travel—100% flight-free. From the bustling streets of London to the vibrant landscapes of Morocco, Harriet shares how Byway’s innovative overland itineraries are helping travelers explore Europe and beyond more consciously, comfortably, and sustainably.
They dive into the environmental cost of flying, the perks of train travel (hello, no airport stress!), and how Byway makes slow, scenic adventures easy—even for first-timers. Whether you're curious about overnight trains, looking for lesser-known European gems, or dreaming of crossing continents by rail and sea, this conversation will inspire you to rethink the way you roam.
Topics covered:
- How Byway designs custom flight-free trips
- The environmental impact of air vs. train travel
- Travel perks you didn’t know you were missing
- Why slow travel is having a moment
- Tips for US/Canadian listeners curious about rail adventures
Learn more and book a trip: https://www.byway.travel
Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
What happens when two self-proclaimed homebodies—one of whom isn’t even vegan—decide to take a leap of faith on a fully plant-based group tour around Iceland? In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki reconnects with Nathan and Ashley, two travelers who joined her recent Iceland adventure, to unpack what made the trip unforgettable—from surprise puffin sightings and foot-soaking waterfalls to some seriously unexpected vegan food highlights (yes, even at gas stations!).
Nathan shares his initial hesitation about joining a vegan group tour as an omnivore and picky eater (spoiler alert: he’s now a fan of chickpea soup and Icelandic vegan cheese), while Ashley confesses her pre-trip tattoo research and the real reason they chose Iceland in the first place. The pair dish on the joys of group travel, wild karaoke sessions in the van, and why Reykjavík gave off big city vibes in the best way possible.
Expect honest reflections, hilarious moments (hello, seaweed snacks from hell), and a peek at what it’s really like to travel through a country with little vegetation and still find incredible plant-based meals.
✈️ Want to join a future adventure? Keep an eye on veggiesabroad.com for upcoming vegan group tours and travel resources.
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca sits down with the founders of Casa Mauna, a stunning vegan boutique hotel tucked away on Mexico’s remote and peaceful Oaxaca coast.
We dive into how this dreamy, oceanfront escape weathered the challenges of the pandemic, became a haven for travelers (vegan and non-vegan alike), and built a reputation for incredible plant-based cuisine inspired by traditional Oaxacan flavors.
The owners share the magic behind their romantic beachfront dinners, sustainability efforts, yoga and wellness offerings, and why their guests leave raving about not just the location—but the warmth of the people. Whether you’re planning your next vegan-friendly getaway or just need some armchair travel inspiration, this episode will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Alchie Beach.
👉 Learn more at casamauna.com.
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
Ever wondered what it’s like to trade hotels for homes and wake up to purring cats or playful pups while exploring the world?
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with her part-time travel buddy, Matt, to chat all things house sitting. From awkward feline encounters to free accommodation around the globe, they break down how house sitting became a game-changer for Rebecca’s early travel days—and why it might be perfect for budget-conscious, pet-loving, and vegan travellers alike.
They also dig into the pros, cons, and unexpected perks of using platforms like TrustedHousesitters, including how to get started, what to expect, and why a good welcome guide is your best friend. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sitter, there’s plenty of insight (and laughs) in this honest, practical episode about seeing the world one furry companion at a time.
Review: https://veggiesabroad.com/trustedhousesitters-review-pros-cons-from-a-pet-sitter/
Code for 25% off a membership: VEGGIESABROAD
Link to memberships: https://trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/9geMAj
Veggies Abroad | Vegan Travel & ToursTrustedHousesitters Review 2025: Pros & Cons from a Pet Sitter - Veggies Abroad
Want an honest review of TrustedHousesitters? This article covers the pros & cons of using this popular pet-sitting platform for travel.
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
Nicole Barrantes from World Animal Protection joins Rebecca to talk about the reality behind animal encounters in tourism—like dolphin shows, elephant rides, wildlife selfies, and more. They unpack how these experiences are often marketed as ethical or conservation-based, but in truth can cause serious harm to animals. Nicole shares the work her team is doing to push companies like TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Six Flags to stop promoting these attractions, and offers advice for travellers who want to make more responsible choices. They also touch on the role of social media, greenwashing in the travel industry, and how to support truly ethical wildlife experiences.
Find out more at https://www.worldanimalprotection.org/our-campaigns/wildlife/innovative-solutions/wildlife-heritage-areas/
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
In this episode, Rebecca is fresh off a whirlwind 9-day adventure across Colombia, and she’s joined by her semi-regular travel sidekick, Matt, to unpack it all. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley, they chat through the country’s jaw-dropping biodiversity, rich culture, and of course—where to find the best vegan eats.
Rebecca shares firsthand insights into Colombia’s remarkable transformation after decades of conflict, the impact of community-led initiatives in Medellín, and what it’s like to hike among clouds with 200-foot palm trees overhead. Plus, she dives into the flavors of Colombia—from flower festivals to unforgettable bowls of beans and rice—and tips for fellow vegan travellers looking to explore this underrated gem.
Whether Colombia's been on your radar or not, this episode might just bump it to the top of your travel wishlist.
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
On this episode of the Veggies Abroad Podcast, Rebecca is joined by Susanna “Sooz” Shanker, founder of Curiosity Saves Travel, to talk about something many travellers never think about: where your money actually goes when you're on holiday. It turns out, a lot less stays in the local community than you'd expect — sometimes as little as 5 cents on the dollar. This concept is known as tourism leakage, and it's a big deal.
Sooz breaks it down in an easy-to-understand way, sharing why tourism doesn’t always benefit the people and places we visit, and what can be done about it. They also chat about the role of cruise lines, resort chains, and seasonal jobs in perpetuating the problem — plus, how governments, tourism boards, and you, the traveller, can start to turn things around.
In this episode:
Whether you're planning your next big trip or just want to be a more conscious traveller, this is a must-listen.
🌎 Learn more about Sooz: Curiosity Saves Travel
🧳 Watch The Last Tourist on Hulu or Apple TV for more on this topic
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
On this episode of the Veggies Abroad Podcast, Rebecca chats with Rebecca Woolford, co-founder of Kiwano Tourism, about her recent trip to Sri Lanka — a destination that’s been high on both of their travel lists. They talk about everything from incredible plant-based meals at the eco-focused Ravana Garden Hotel to what it really means to travel responsibly and support local communities.
Rebecca shares stories about connecting with female chefs, exploring off-the-beaten-path national parks, and walking with members of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda tribe. She also reflects on the importance of empowering women in tourism and why avoiding the usual tourist hotspots can lead to a more meaningful experience.
You’ll hear about:
If Sri Lanka is on your list — or you’re just curious about how to make your travels more impactful — this one’s for you.
🌍 Find out more about Rebecca Woolford and Kiwano Tourism: linktr.ee/rebeccakiwano
🌱 Learn more about vegan travel at veggiesabroad.com
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions part of the Creative Content Studio family
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, I sit down with Christina Beckmann from Tomorrow’s Airto talk about something that affects all of us—cleaning the air we breathe. 🌍
We dive into the fascinating world of carbon removal and explore how innovative solutions like direct air capture, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering are helping to pull CO2 from the atmosphere and store it permanently. Christina explains why reducing emissions isn’t enough—we also need to clean up what’s already out there.
We also chat about:
✔️ The difference between carbon removal and carbon offsets
✔️ How CO2 can literally be turned into rock 🪨
✔️ What biochar is and how it’s been used for thousands of years
✔️ How sustainable aviation fuel could change the way we fly ✈️
✔️ Simple ways travelers and businesses can help
It’s an eye-opening conversation about the future of sustainable travel, the power of small actions, and why there’s still hope for a cleaner planet.
🔗 Learn more about Tomorrow’s Air → https://www.tomorrowsair.com
💚 Support Carbon Removal Initiatives → https://www.tomorrowsair.com/contribute
If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! 💚
For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com
Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/ Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/
Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions
In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca and her travel partner Matt take you on an in-depth journey through Puerto Rico, uncovering the island’s best vegan-friendly stays, must-try plant-based dishes, and incredible cultural experiences. 🌴✨
If you’re a vegan traveler looking for eco-conscious accommodations, plant-based dining, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this episode is for you! Rebecca and Matt break down their itinerary, including stays at vegan and vegetarian hotels, their favorite Puerto Rican dishes (like mofongo & tostones), and their experiences exploring San Juan, Luquillo, Ponce, Utuado, and more.
📍 Topics Covered in This Episode:
✔️ Top Vegan & Vegetarian Hotels – Including The Dreamcatcher, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, and La Botánica 🌿
✔️ Puerto Rican Cuisine, Veganized – Must-try dishes like mofongo, empanadillas, arroz con gandules & more! 🍛
✔️ Exploring Puerto Rico’s Diverse Landscape – From rainforests to dry forests, bioluminescent bays, and stunning beaches 🌊
✔️ Driving in Puerto Rico – Traffic, road conditions, and why you might want to rent a smaller car 🚗
✔️ Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants – Hidden gems like El Grifo, Berlingeri, and Degree 18 🥑
Plus, hear their unexpected travel surprises, from friendly Puerto Rican drivers to the island’s rich Indigenous & African heritage, and why Puerto Rico is a must-visit for vegan and eco-conscious travelers.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:
🌍 Read more about Puerto Rico’s best vegan hotels & eats → https://www.veggiesabroad.com
🌍 Book a Vegan-Friendly Tour with Veggies Abroad → https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/
✨ Did you enjoy this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow vegan travelers! 💚
Portugal Vegan Tour: https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/
In the latest episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki delves into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel planning. Joined by freelance journalist Jen Murphy, known for her contributions to publications like The New York Times and Outside Magazine, they discuss Jen's recent article, "Can AIBe Trusted to Plan Your Next Trip?"
Jen shares her firsthand experience using various AI-powered travel tools to plan a trip to Maui, highlighting the advantages and limitations she encountered. The conversation covers:
🌍 AI Travel Tools Evaluated – An overview of platforms like Layla, Mindtrip, and GuideGeek, discussing their features and user experiences.
✅ Accuracy and Reliability – Insights into the precision of AI-generated itineraries, including instances of outdated or incorrect information.
⚖️ Ethical Considerations – A discussion on the implications of AI in travel, such as the potential for misinformation and the importance of human oversight.
🔮 Future of Travel Planning – Speculations on how AI might shape the future of travel, balancing technological advancements with the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Tune in to explore the intersection of technology and travel, and gain valuable insights into
how AI can assist—and where it may fall short—in crafting memorable travel experiences.
📖 Read Jen Murphy’s full article on Outside Magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/ai-trip-planning/
🔎 Check out more of Jen Murphy’s work: https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/jen-murphy/
💡 Pro Tip: Always cross-verify AI-generated travel recommendations with up-to-date sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com
Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/ Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/
Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX
Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay
Produced by Bloody Vegans Productions
