Travelling as a vegan can feel like both an adventure and a challenge. While exploring new places is always exciting, being plant-based adds a unique layer of complexity: Will there be food I can eat? Will I meet anyone who understands my values? How will I connect with others while staying true to myself?
Over the past few years of travel, I’ve discovered that veganism is far from niche - it’s truly a global movement! From small towns to major cities, I’ve found plant-based people who are warm, welcoming, and eager to share meals, tips, and friendship. The trick is knowing where to look and how to reach out.
If you're planning your next adventure and hoping to find vegan communities along the way, here are some of the most effective and heartfelt ways to do it.
It might sound obvious, but Facebook remains one of the most active hubs for local vegan communities. Search for “[City] Vegans” or “[Country] Plant-Based” and you’ll sometimes find at least one active group, often filled with daily restaurant reviews, event listings, and friendly locals willing to answer questions or meet up.
For example, I found an incredible vegan pot-luck in Athens simply by asking in a group if anyone fancied showing me around. Within a few hours, someone replied with an invite to a Sunday afternoon picnic with about 20 people. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!
Telegram groups and Reddit threads can also be great resources, particularly for finding activist communities or those in less tourist-heavy destinations.
Social media can be an amazing resource for connecting with vegan life in new countries - Instagram and TikTok, in particular, has become a surprisingly powerful tool. By searching tags like #veganinbarcelona, #plantbasedtokyo, or simply #vegantravel, I’ve uncovered pop-up dinners, local chefs, underground food tours, and even activist gatherings.
However, depending on where you’re travelling, TikTok content might be limited or even banned due to regional restrictions or censorship. In countries where the app is blocked or where your feed becomes oddly specific to the local algorithm (and less helpful for global content), using a VPN for TikTok can really help. It allows you to access broader, international content, maintain your usual feed, and even post updates from your travels without interference.
Having a VPN isn’t just about watching videos - it can genuinely help you stay connected to vegan creators and communities worldwide. It’s a small digital hack that makes a big difference if you're someone who relies on online spaces for inspiration and information.
Most travelling vegans know and love HappyCow, the go-to app for finding vegan-friendly eateries. But it’s worth digging a little deeper - look at the user reviews and see who’s posting frequently! Are they locals? Are there community events being mentioned? You’d be surprised how often conversations start from shared recommendations.
In some cases, I’ve even connected with small vegan cooperatives or community kitchens that weren’t listed as businesses, but were mentioned in the comments by other users. These off-the-beaten-path discoveries often lead to the most genuine connections.
One of the best ways to find a community is simply to show up. Keep an eye out for vegan markets, street food festivals, or ethical living events in the area you're visiting. These spaces are often buzzing with energy and curiosity - and people are usually more than happy to chat, believe me!
Even if you’re shy or travelling solo, markets are easy entry points. Grab a smoothie, ask a vendor where their next pop-up is, and before you know it you’re part of the scene! In Berlin, I met someone while queuing for a vegan doner kebab; two hours later, we were sitting by the canal, swapping travel stories and restaurant lists.
Accommodation can play a huge role in your travel experience. If you’re able to, look for vegan guesthouses or hostels that focus on sustainability and plant-based living. Not only is the food a guaranteed win, but these spaces are usually filled with travellers who share your values.
One of my favourite memories was staying at a vegan hostel in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Every night, guests gathered for communal dinners, and every morning started with yoga and fruit-packed smoothie bowls. The vibe was warm, open, and grounded in shared ethics - and I made several lasting friendships there.
Even if you can’t find fully vegan accommodation, many eco- or conscious hostels tend to attract a like-minded crowd. Check the reviews and see if the words “vegan-friendly,” “plant-based,” or “ethical” pop up.
Giving your time is a beautiful way to connect with local people and causes while travelling. Whether it’s working at a farm sanctuary, helping with animal rescue efforts, or supporting environmental campaigns, volunteering brings a deep sense of purpose to your journey.
In Thailand, I spent a week helping at a small sanctuary for rescued cows and dogs. It was muddy, tiring, and absolutely wonderful. We cooked meals together, shared stories under the stars, and I left with a full heart (and several WhatsApp contacts).
Websites like Workaway, WWOOF, and HelpX often have listings for vegan or plant-based projects. You can filter by dietary preferences and message hosts to find something that aligns with your values.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of casual encounters. Chatting with someone in a queue, asking a question in a café, or complimenting someone’s tote bag can spark connection. Many of the vegan friends I’ve made abroad came from brief, random conversations that turned into hours of laughter and shared meals.
Travelling opens us up to new experiences - but it also asks us to be brave. Say hello, share your story, and be curious about others! That’s how community is built, one moment at a time.
Finding vegan communities abroad isn’t just about following apps or joining groups - it’s about approaching travel with intention, openness, and a sense of connection. Whether you’re sharing a tofu stir-fry in a London squat kitchen or scrolling through creators on TikTok or Insta, you’re participating in a global movement of kindness, justice, and delicious food.
If you're planning your next adventure and hoping to find vegan communities along the way, here are some of the most effective and heartfelt ways to do it.
1. Join Local Facebook Groups and Online Communities
It might sound obvious, but Facebook remains one of the most active hubs for local vegan communities. Search for “[City] Vegans” or “[Country] Plant-Based” and you’ll sometimes find at least one active group, often filled with daily restaurant reviews, event listings, and friendly locals willing to answer questions or meet up.
For example, I found an incredible vegan pot-luck in Athens simply by asking in a group if anyone fancied showing me around. Within a few hours, someone replied with an invite to a Sunday afternoon picnic with about 20 people. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!
Telegram groups and Reddit threads can also be great resources, particularly for finding activist communities or those in less tourist-heavy destinations.
2. Tap Into Insta and TikTok (and Why You Might Need a VPN for the latter)
Social media can be an amazing resource for connecting with vegan life in new countries - Instagram and TikTok, in particular, has become a surprisingly powerful tool. By searching tags like #veganinbarcelona, #plantbasedtokyo, or simply #vegantravel, I’ve uncovered pop-up dinners, local chefs, underground food tours, and even activist gatherings.
However, depending on where you’re travelling, TikTok content might be limited or even banned due to regional restrictions or censorship. In countries where the app is blocked or where your feed becomes oddly specific to the local algorithm (and less helpful for global content), using a VPN for TikTok can really help. It allows you to access broader, international content, maintain your usual feed, and even post updates from your travels without interference.
Having a VPN isn’t just about watching videos - it can genuinely help you stay connected to vegan creators and communities worldwide. It’s a small digital hack that makes a big difference if you're someone who relies on online spaces for inspiration and information.
3. Use HappyCow for more than just locating restaurants
Most travelling vegans know and love HappyCow, the go-to app for finding vegan-friendly eateries. But it’s worth digging a little deeper - look at the user reviews and see who’s posting frequently! Are they locals? Are there community events being mentioned? You’d be surprised how often conversations start from shared recommendations.
In some cases, I’ve even connected with small vegan cooperatives or community kitchens that weren’t listed as businesses, but were mentioned in the comments by other users. These off-the-beaten-path discoveries often lead to the most genuine connections.
4. Attend Local Vegan Markets, Pop-ups, and Festivals
One of the best ways to find a community is simply to show up. Keep an eye out for vegan markets, street food festivals, or ethical living events in the area you're visiting. These spaces are often buzzing with energy and curiosity - and people are usually more than happy to chat, believe me!
Even if you’re shy or travelling solo, markets are easy entry points. Grab a smoothie, ask a vendor where their next pop-up is, and before you know it you’re part of the scene! In Berlin, I met someone while queuing for a vegan doner kebab; two hours later, we were sitting by the canal, swapping travel stories and restaurant lists.
5. Stay at Vegan Guesthouses or Eco-Hostels
Accommodation can play a huge role in your travel experience. If you’re able to, look for vegan guesthouses or hostels that focus on sustainability and plant-based living. Not only is the food a guaranteed win, but these spaces are usually filled with travellers who share your values.
One of my favourite memories was staying at a vegan hostel in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Every night, guests gathered for communal dinners, and every morning started with yoga and fruit-packed smoothie bowls. The vibe was warm, open, and grounded in shared ethics - and I made several lasting friendships there.
Even if you can’t find fully vegan accommodation, many eco- or conscious hostels tend to attract a like-minded crowd. Check the reviews and see if the words “vegan-friendly,” “plant-based,” or “ethical” pop up.
6. Volunteer with Animal Sanctuaries or Ethical Organisations
Giving your time is a beautiful way to connect with local people and causes while travelling. Whether it’s working at a farm sanctuary, helping with animal rescue efforts, or supporting environmental campaigns, volunteering brings a deep sense of purpose to your journey.
In Thailand, I spent a week helping at a small sanctuary for rescued cows and dogs. It was muddy, tiring, and absolutely wonderful. We cooked meals together, shared stories under the stars, and I left with a full heart (and several WhatsApp contacts).
Websites like Workaway, WWOOF, and HelpX often have listings for vegan or plant-based projects. You can filter by dietary preferences and message hosts to find something that aligns with your values.
7. Be Open to Small Conversations
Lastly, never underestimate the power of casual encounters. Chatting with someone in a queue, asking a question in a café, or complimenting someone’s tote bag can spark connection. Many of the vegan friends I’ve made abroad came from brief, random conversations that turned into hours of laughter and shared meals.
Travelling opens us up to new experiences - but it also asks us to be brave. Say hello, share your story, and be curious about others! That’s how community is built, one moment at a time.
Final Thoughts
Finding vegan communities abroad isn’t just about following apps or joining groups - it’s about approaching travel with intention, openness, and a sense of connection. Whether you’re sharing a tofu stir-fry in a London squat kitchen or scrolling through creators on TikTok or Insta, you’re participating in a global movement of kindness, justice, and delicious food.
So pack your bags, bring your values, and get ready to find your people. They’re out there - and they’re probably hungry too! (Image source: Unsplash)
