Travelling as a vegan can be bloody tricky but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re the vegan who travels specifically for vegan eats and shopping or if you just eat what you can, there are a great selection of apps you can download to make travel a whole lot easier (and tastier!) plus most of them are free to download right now. So what are you waiting for? Download these bad boys, beef up the bank account and take the trip you’ve been dreaming of.
#1 – Happy Cow
Cost: $5.99 | Android + iPhone
Ever spent forever wandering around a foreign city with absolutely zero idea of where you can find vegan eats? Happy Cow has you covered! I use it before I even book my accomodation to suss out the most veggie-friendly areas as well as plan ahead for day trips. Search the app based on a city or use your location to find a vegan-friendly eatery or store near you, plus info and reviews to help make the decision that much easier.
#2 – Google Translate
This has got to be one of the most handy travel apps EVER not just for vegans but travel in general. Simply enter the text into the box or better still, take a photo of what you want to translate and the app does the rest! Google Translate is particularly handy for reading signage, menus and ingredients listings so you can snack easy, not to mention looking at composition info on clothing and accessories. Translations aren’t always perfect but man, a lot bloody easier than not having it and if you don’t have access to roaming data, you can even download a language package to access offline before you go!
#3 – Maps
Cost: Free | iPhone
All smartphones tend to come with their own in-built map app and Apple Maps has become one of my best friends while travelling. It’ll get you from the vegan joint you found on Happy Cow to the next stop on your sightseeing tour. An essential for all travellers, not just vegans to make sure you’re getting where you need to go without getting lost (well, most of the time).
#4 – Veganagogo
Cost: $4.49AUD | iPhone
The only app on the list that’s gonna cost you a little coin but IMHO it’s worth it for peace of mind! Veganagogo has a bunch of professionally translated phrases created specifically for the vegan traveller. Select your language and use the app to communicate your dietary needs to locals and restaurant staff to keep the animal junk outta your meal!
#5 – Google Maps
Cost: Free | Android + iPhone
Another map app?! Are you kidding? No, I’m not and I’ll tell you why! Apple Maps is definitely my preferred map app for getting from A to B but I find Google Maps absolutely punishing for that purpose. I’ll tell you why you need Google Maps though; public transport! Google Maps has public transport information available in many major cities so if you type in your location and desired destination, it’ll show you the best way to get there (and how much it’ll cost!) If your current map app does all of this then well-bloody-done you but for some of us (well, me) the double map app or (DMA) system is the way to go to ensure all bases are covered.
