Exploring Sustainable Travel in Sri Lanka with Rebecca Woolford from Kiwano Tourism

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 adventuresLearn more and book a trip: https://www.byway.travelWant 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.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Music 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: VEGGIESABROADLink to memberships: https://trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/9geMAjVeggies Abroad | Vegan Travel & ToursTrustedHousesitters Review 2025: Pros & Cons from a Pet Sitter - Veggies AbroadWant 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.com⁠⁠⁠Music 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.com⁠⁠Music 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.com⁠Music 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:What tourism leakage is and how it affects communitiesWhy spending money doesn’t always mean you’re helpingExamples of destinations doing it betterPractical ways travellers can keep more money in local handsWhy little decisions — like who you book with or where you eat — matterWhether 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.comMusic 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:What made the plant-based food at Ravana Garden so specialTips for planning a responsible trip to Sri LankaThe role of women in sustainable tourismWildlife encounters in lesser-known national parksHow travel can be a tool for connection and deeper understandingIf 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.comMusic 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 helpIt’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/contributeIf 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! 💚