A Quick Check-In from Bangkok: Thailand Tours, Food, Elephants & What’s Ahead

Rebecca pops in from her temporary home office—a hotel room in Bangkok—to share a quick update on Veggies Abroad’s Thailand adventures. After wrapping the first of two vegan group tours through Thailand, she recaps the highlights: incredible food (hello, khao soi!), thoughtful local guides, meaningful elephant experiences, and the joyful community that forms on every trip.Rebecca also reads traveller feedback from the November tour, talks about the realities of working while travelling, shares tips for eating vegan in Thailand, and explains why this itinerary keeps winning people over year after year.She gives a behind-the-scenes look at why tour design isn’t always easy, what happens when activities don’t go as planned, and how much it means when travellers recognise the care and ethics behind every experience. Plus, she teases upcoming episodes covering Cambodia and Vietnam and gives a quick update on 2026 trips—including Thailand’s likely return as an annual staple.If you want to follow the current tour in real time, check out Veggies Abroad on Instagram!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 Podcast, Rebecca sits down with Jenny and Melissa to talk about their recent vegan group tour through Portugal, followed by their own adventures in Paris and London. They share what it was like navigating Lisbon’s steep hills in surprising autumn heat, the joy of making traditional Portuguese tiles, their favorite cities on the itinerary, and the vegan dishes they loved (including unforgettable pastéis de nata and plenty of creative desserts). The conversation explores how group travel with like-minded vegans changes the experience, from connecting over meals to forming friendships that carry far beyond the trip.After Portugal, the pair continued on to Paris and London, where they wandered iconic neighborhoods, sampled vegan croissants and pastrami sandwiches, discovered 3D-printed salmon at a London’s Unity Diner, and clocked more than 30,000 steps a day exploring both cities. They break down what surprised them, what they’d do differently next time, and the highlights that stood out in each destination. The episode also touches on traveling solo, tips for choosing a vegan-friendly group tour, and where they hope to travel next.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.

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 IslandsVegan Puerto Rico Food GuideVegan Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto RicoVegan Resorts in Puerto RicoYou’ll also hear about Aruba’s growing vegan hospitality scene and its best places to stay and dine:Best Restaurants for Vegan Food in ArubaBest Vegan-Friendly Resorts in ArubaRebecca 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 tourismHow locally led initiatives empower women and youthThe ripple effect tourism can have on education, conservation, and cultural preservationHow travelers can make sure their tourism dollars directly benefit local communitiesIf 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.orgLearn 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 ToursLearn 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.

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.