Writing Opportunities- Green, Veg, Animals

I know there are at least a few of you out there who are writers, and if not writers exactly, you are passionate about getting the message out there about animal welfare, animal rights, the environment, and veganism. You have a story to share, or you'd like to be a regular contributor. I recently received a list of places that are looking for contributions for their periodicals, magazines, websites, etc. I thought I'd share some with you today.


ECORAZZI
http://www.ecorazzi.com/jobs/
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Ecorazzi is looking for daily and weekend writers.
We’re looking for people with a healthy combination of pop culture experience/obsession and passion for topics like humanitarian issues, healthy eating, the environment, charity, science, animal rights, and other pertinent issues. Good grammar, experience with WordPress, editing images (very important), and ninja-like skills in digging up leads are all big pluses.

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VEG NEWS
http://www.vegnews.com/web/pages/page.do?pageId=13
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VegNews welcomes freelance inquiries and is open to a variety of subjects relating to vegetarianism. Covers personal essays, business profiles, food features, personal stories on going vegetarian, restaurant reviews, vacations, book reviews and exposes. Tends to pay only for feature-length pieces, but pays up to 35 cents/word.

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ANIMAL SHELTERING
http://www.animalsheltering.org/magazine/
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Animal Sheltering is for everyone who cares about the animals in their community: from humane society directors and city animal control managers to kennel staff, volunteers, and private individuals working as activists, breed rescuers, wildlife rehabbers, veterinarians, and more. Half the writers are new to the magazine.
Query or manuscript accepted - asm@humanesociety.org

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KIND NEWS
http://www.humanesociety.org/parents_educators/classroom/frequently_asked_questions_kind_news.html
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Kind News reveals the beauty and wonder of the animals who share our world while also exploring the challenges they face. Through profiles of amazing kids, features about rescued animals, pet care tips, and how-tos on helping backyard wildlife, Kind News encourages youth to coexist humanely with animals, celebrate the human-animal bond, and become active in efforts to protect animals. Please send emails to youth@humanesociety.org or write us at Kind News/Publications Department, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037.

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ALL ANIMALS MAGAZINE
http://www.humanesociety.org/news/magazines/2011/11-12
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Our award-winning bimonthly magazine, All Animals is packed with stories about The HSUS and the humane movement, including profiles of people on the front lines, tips for pet owners and wildlife watchers, heartwarming tales of rescue and rehab, actions you can take, and more. (HSUS - Humane Society of the US)

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I EAT GRASS (dot) COM
http://ieatgrass.com/2012/02/ieatgrass-is-looking-for-interns
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The vegan food and culture blog is looking for an blog/copy editing intern, plus a social media intern and recipe writer/tester intern.

Blog/Copy Editing Intern: Duties will include creating, writing and editing posts about food, culture and current events for our blog and newsletter. Candidates will also be responsible for feature interviews and weekly columns. Commitment: 15 hours per week.

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VEGAN MAINSTREAM
http://www.veganmainstream.com/blogger-application
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We are looking for talented writers who understand the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle, and who can write professionally with unique perspective about this lifestyle. Experience in marketing, blogging, entrepreneurship, HR, legal, finance or other professional functions are a plus. We are looking for individuals who can do feature interviews, provide recommendations, advice, editorial analysis and commentary on the latest challenges and opportunities facing vegan professionals and the larger vegan/vegetarian community.

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HAPPYCOW (dot) NET
http://www.happycow.net/blog/?page_id=1031
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The Veggie Blog is designed to be a community supported feature where quality articles on veg*nism and related topics of interest may be shared. There’s no regular commitment, so you may post as much or as little as you like. Ideally, we’d like for you to write about restaurants or vegan topics relevant to your area. Articles should be educational or entertaining, relevant to vegetarian/vegans (if including recipes- plant based only), and non-commercial in nature.

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VEGAN SOAPBOX
http://www.vegansoapbox.com/want-to-write-for-vegan-soapbox
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We are always looking for new vegan voices that will engage, educate, and inspire readers. Are you a vegan? Do you write? Would you like to submit a guest post? These are the kinds of articles that we’re looking for:

• Your story: how you went vegan and/or why you are vegan
• News and commentary from a vegan perspective
• Interview with an animal activist, vegan writer, or vegan chef
• Useful information for newbie vegans
• Activism ideas for animal lovers and advocates
• Original vegan recipes or veganized version of nonvegan recipes
• Lists (ten vegan lunches, five vegan cookbooks for singles…)
• Inspirational animal rescue stories

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THIS DISH IS VEG http://www.thisdishisvegetarian.com/2010/08/write-for-this-dish-is-veg-as-guest.html
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This Dish is Veg is looking for:

·        GUEST WRITERS/RECIPES — Guest writers share personal posts and/or recipes on TDIV from time to time.

      ·      NEWS WRITERS — News writers choose from TDIV provided news tips and press releases.
      ·        OPINION WRITERS — Opinion writers are willing to share their highly-opinionated views on a variety of topics covered on TDIV.
      ·        Q&A WRITERS — Q&A writers answer incoming questions from readers.
      ·        OTHER — If you would like to join the team but don't fit into one of the above categories, drop us a line and tell us what interests you.

The Sexy Vegan Cookbook & Show

"Brian Patton, aka The Sexy Vegan, is the executive chef for Los Angeles-based vegan food-delivery service, Vegin’ Out. He also hosts an instructional cooking video show on YouTube where he plays ukulele and shows off his goofy side." from Laughing Squid.


The dude's got the funniest book trailer I have ever seen. And I usually hate book trailers. haha.


The Sexy Vegan Cookbook Official Trailer





An episode from his instructional online show: New England Blam Chowder.

Odds and Ends

I would be rockin' Vegan Mofo if I wasn't dealing with crappy health these past couple weeks. Considering the circumstances, I feel pretty good about my level of participation. A big bummer is I haven't gotten to explore the other blogs participating in Vegan Mofo very much.

Alright, moving on.

I just got my Vegan Pie in the Sky cookbook today. Whee! I need to make something with apples this weekend...maybe Apple Crisp, Cosmos Apple Pie, Apple Hand Pies, French Toast Apple Cobbler, Apple Frangipane Tart, or some kind of hybrid Salted Apple Caramel Tart thing based on two other recipes. I'll be sure to tell you all about it.

Have you made any of the pie book recipes yet?

Also, I am an official tester for Terry Hope Romero's new global vegan cookbook. :: EXCITED ::
So, over the next few months I will be teasing you with photos of things I have made from her super top secret recipes. I'm hoping to get to a couple recipes this weekend. The first ones will involve pomegranate, eggplant, and Chinese 5 Spice....not necessarily in the same recipe. And I believe I will even be making my very first seitan from scratch. That'll be an adventure.

Alright, that's it from me now. Over and out.

Candle Cafe Frozen Entrees

Candle Cafe Frozen Entrees

Not too long ago I reviewed Candle Cafe's Tofu Spinach Ravioli, it was very tasty. At the time it was the only one of Candle Cafe's four frozen entrees available. I have since been able to sample the remaining three flavors; Ginger Miso Stir-Fry, Macaroni and Vegan Cheese, and Seitan Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce.

These other three flavors are not nearly as good as the Tofu Spinach Ravioli. I don't know if my expectations were too high or if they were legitimately subpar. The ravioli was sublime, whereas the others were okay, but by no means outstanding, and simply comparable to other frozen meals.

Ginger Miso Stir-Fry

I found the Ginger Miso Stir-Fry to be slightly spicy, but not in a bad way.

Macaroni and Vegan Cheese

The Macaroni and Vegan Cheese is fairly good, primarily because I love Daiya and how can you go wrong with noodles and Daiya. Here's the thing, and it quite surprised me too, I like Amy's Rice Macaroni and Cheeze better! It also uses Daiya vegan cheese. So, if I want Mac and Cheese, it'll be Amy's I buy.

Seitan Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce

My first bite into this Seitan Piccata was not promising, but after a few more bites I found the meal to be okay. I love seitan in just about anything, so the taste of this one was quite disappointing.



I've always heard amazing things about both Candle Cafe and Candle 79, both in  NYC. I'm guessing their dishes just don't translate as well into frozen meals. All of them are completely decent, don't get me wrong, but I was just hoping for more. And honestly, I've found other brands that do a better job with the frozen meals.

Well, if we can't make it to NYC, and the frozen meals just aren't cutting it, we will soon be able to make our own Candle 79 meals with their brand new Candle 79 Cookbook. I'll be checking this cookbook out for sure, but it doesn't arrive until November 1st. You can preorder it on Amazon now.

Candle 79 Cookbook

Candle Cafe Ginger Miso Stir-Fry
Ranking: ***

Candle Cafe Macaroni and Vegan Cheese
Ranking: ***1/2

Candle Cafe Seitan Piccata and Lemon Caper Sauce

Ranking: **1/2

***** awesome! Highly recommended.

**** hey, this is pretty dang good.

*** not bad at all.

** eh.

* bad. Keep looking for alternatives.

[Right now, Candle Cafe frozen meals can only be found at Whole Foods. I found these at Whole Foods Tempe. Hopefully, in the future, they will be able to expand to other markets.}

Farm Sanctuary, Jason Schwartzman, Babycakes

A short film/PSA from Plate to Planet a Farm Sanctuary project, voiced by vegetarian Jason Schwartzman (whom I love in HBO's Bored to Death. And I've got Scott Pilgrim waiting patiently on my DVR.)



Jason Schwartzman is reportedly a huge fan of vegan bakery Babycakes. Babycakes has two locations, NYC and LA. But never fear, the rest of us can enjoy Babycakes DIY goodies with their two cookbooks. I have yet to try the recipes, but that donut is looking pretty irresistible. Jason is featured in the first cookbook.

And because some days I miss The OC. Hahha. Jason was the drummer for Phantom Planet.

Bonus: Jason Schwartzman's musical nomme de plume, Coconut Records. I like this song...back-up singing from Zooey Deschanel.

Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary in AZ

Several years ago, newly vegan, I went to a little presentation and book signing by Gene Baur, co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary. Farm Sanctuary is highly respected in the vegan community as not only a hands-on rescue group for farm animals and a huge advocate for them, but also an amazing influence on public policy and legislation.

The man is riveting, and not just because of his good looks! I highly recommend everyone go and hear his stories about how Farm Sanctuary began and the difference he and his organization have made since. He will inspire you too.

Gene is going to be in Arizona for two events on Thursday, September 30. Both events are free and open to the public. He will have copies of his book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food, at the events. [One hundred percent of the author’s proceeds from book sales go to Farm Sanctuary.]


Event #1
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ
3pm - 4:30 pm

Event #2
Global Institute of Sustainability Lecture Series
Arizona State University, West Campus
Kiva Auditorium
13492 N. 47th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 6 pm

And don't forget about the upcoming Walk for Farm Animals and the dinner fundraiser (tickets on sale now!) to support Farm Sanctuary.

Ferdinand the Bull...and Bullfighting

I mentally keep track of the childrens books that have messages I want to share with kids. And I do love the story of Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf. Ferdinand inspires readers to be true to oneself, and that it's ok to want to "smell the flowers" instead of fighting. Ferdinand is just so zen the way he refuses to be antagonized by the matador!

Of course, it's a kid's story so the realities of bullfighting are completely glossed over, and Ferd lives happily ever after. Plus the other bulls are portrayed as actually WANTing to fight at the bullfights, which is so not realistic. A happy ending for these bulls wouldn't happen in real life since sadly all bulls at bullfights are killed, win or lose.

(Hey, I should totally be doing book reviews for VegBooks.)

The good news is bullfighting is progressing to extinction. In 2004, Barcelona deemed itself an anti-bullfighting city, and 38 other Catalan cities, towns and villages have done the same. And according to the LA Times Article apparently Catalonia is considering a complete ban of bullfighting.

"Regional lawmakers are expected to decide soon whether to abolish bullfighting once and for all here in Catalonia. Signs indicate they'll vote yes, which would make this northeastern coastal region the first on the Spanish mainland to approve such a ban."

Here's hoping! You can sign PETA's petition to stop the running of the bulls and the bullfights in Pamplona as well as send a letter to the Mayor of Pamplona, here. The Festival of San Fermin, which is when the running of the bulls occurs, as well as bullfights, starts in just a couple of weeks on July 6th in Pamplona.

Bullfighting:
USA Today Article
PETA Factsheet

Back to Ferdinand...I love the name Ferdinand...

Here Seth Rogen reads the story to the crowd with the Salastina Music Society's musical accompaniment. [via Ecorazzi]




And here is the Disney animated short...this is where I first experienced the story of Ferdinand. I'd love to see an update of this with Seth narrating (and ad-libbing to his heart's content)!





Edited to add a PETA PSA from Charo about bullfighting. It can get a little graphic, and is muy triste (very sad).


Charo speaks out against bullfighting.
Find out more at PETA.org.

Veg Books

As a book fanatic and soon-to-be auntie, I am super excited to have found the Veg Books website. Veg Books was "launched to assist parents — and aunties, uncles, teachers, godparents, and friends — in finding books and movies that affirm vegetarian and vegan values." What a great idea!

Jessica Almy the creator of VegBooks says, "Together we can raise children who value life, the connections between humans and other animals, and the need to protect the earth and all its inhabitants."  Books reviewed are mainstream goodies, as well as the few books written with vegan messages in mind. Below are some examples of recent books reviewed.

VegNews Book Club

VegNews Magazine is starting up a monthly book club, focusing on vegan-themed fiction and non-fiction. Every week they are going to discuss a portion of that month's book with everyone who wants to chime in. And there will be some author chats as well.

So, for the month of July, the book is Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman. And the week of July 5th, they will be discussing the first three chapters with the book club.

Upcoming Books
August: Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
September: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Pantry 911- Vegan Pantry Makeover

Jenny and Heather Goldberg of Spork Foods show some of the best vegan food items to stock your fridge and pantry with. They are based in Los Angeles and they offer vegan cooking classes, food consultation, and catering.

Soy Research Updates

FoodForLifeTV.org is a great online channel that offers nutrition education, cooking tips, recipes and vegan PSAs. FoodForLifeTV.org is part of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine [PCRM], and the PCRM Director of Nutrition Education, Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. reviews the latest research on soy in this video.



For more videos on all sorts of health/nutrition issues, see FoodForLifeTV.org.


And another good article on soy, Is It Safe to Eat Soy?

Breaking Food Seductions

This is a slightly long post, so let me give you a quick overview of what I talk about.


1. Dr. Neal Barnard’s book, Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings- and 7 steps to End Them Naturally
2. My experience (briefly)
3. My plan to start Dr. Barnard’s 21-Day Vegan Kickstart on March 1st…Yeah, I’m already vegan, but I’m going to focus on making it a low-fat, high fiber, lower glycemic index vegan diet. I hope you join me.

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Dr. Neal Barnard is a medical doctor, and also the president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a non-profit organization that I really respect.

In his book, Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings- and 7 steps to End Them Naturally, Dr. Barnard gives us a great explanation as to why Western Society is stuck on SUGAR, CHOCOLATE, CHEESE, and MEAT; the addictive qualities of those foods! And he shows us why it is important to end the reliance we have on these foods, and most importantly HOW to break that addictive cycle. He believes that a vegan diet is the healthiest and best for us. But not just a vegan diet, because it can be easy to eat unhealthfully and be vegan. Dr. Barnard recommends a low-fat, high fiber, lower glycemic index vegan diet.

Some benefits from this diet:
~not be at the mercy of food cravings
~lose excess pounds and achieve a healthy weight
~lower cholesterol
~lower blood pressure
~reverse heart disease
~prevent and even reverse diabetes
~decrease your risk of cancer
~possibly improve back pain (Strange, right? But not just from losing weight, but by removing blockages in the lumbar arteries that contribute to lower back-pain.)
~prevent impotence in middle-age and older men
~eliminate constipation (haha! I'm so pun -y.)
~prevent hemorrhoids (more fiber equals less straining)
~create stronger bones (animal products leach calcium, yes, including milk)
~reduce PMS problems
~just be overall healthier, live longer, and have more energy

These are the direct benefits of a [low-fat, high fiber, lower glycemic index] vegan diet for you...we're not even taking into account animals and the environment, who will also benefit. Seriously, who doesn't want the above?

I found this book to be very easy to understand and accessible. And though it's listed as a 300 page book, at least 100 pages are of recipes to steer you in the right direction to eating healthy. And Dr. Barnard and Robyn Webb have a new cookbook coming out in May 2010 that might be a good supplement and worth checking out, "The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook."

Anyway, as I was reading about the different cravings/addictions, I could see that everyone struggles with their own kind of cravings, has their own poison so to speak. I had no idea that cheese and meat were actually addictive, and that explains a lot about why it can be hard for some people to quit them. [insert Brokeback Mountain joke here] In fact, I have had people not believe me when I say that I never had cheese or meat cravings after going vegan. It's true, though.

But I suffer from other cravings. I briefly mentioned my month-long trial of going vegan back in 2006, and the terrible idea of missing Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Ironically, I don't really struggle with chocolate either. It's the sugar. Chocolate on its own I can pass up, but add some sugared-up peanut butter or cookie dough or other fatty sweetness, and I am sucked in by the demon of sugary addiction. Sweets and fried foods were not something I had to give up when I went vegan. This is why I am not one of those skinny vegans. I’ve battled weight issues my whole life, and I was already significantly overweight when I went vegetarian and then vegan.

My weakness for sugar is also why I struggle with potatoes. They are a gateway drug for me. I LOVE potatoes, especially French fries, but it's their digestive conversion to sugars that causes me to go on fat-sugar binges. If I am not careful, eating potatoes on the higher end of the glycemic index sends me into dessert-craving territory and I consume far more calories than desired. I do better these days making my own low-fat potato wedges and choosing ‘new’ potatoes when I have to have potatoes. But I still crave them and sweets.

I checked out this book because I've been looking to fix my diet so that I don't suffer greasy food or sugar cravings. My goals are to really make those occasional foods, to not crave them, and to drop about 50 pounds. I suspect that this book will help me get back on track, and I know that if I follow Dr. Barnard’s guide I will be where I want to be.

Back in 2005, I had a gall bladder attack. WORST. PAIN. EVER. Of course, it was the only time I ever had a major health issue or major pain of any kind, so I know there is room for worse pain to exist. But it was the worst pain I had ever felt up to that point, a full 10 on the pain scale of 1 to 10. The ER doctor suspected it was gall bladder related though the ultrasound showed nothing. I went to my regular doctor and later a GI specialist who confirmed it. I didn’t dilly-dally about setting up an appointment to get my gall bladder removed. In the meantime, I started eating what they call a bland diet, which also happened to be a low-fat, low glycemic vegetarian diet. I wasn’t yet vegan, but I was already very close. And even eating a bland diet didn’t stop me from having a second gall bladder attack. My poor little sac of bile was already compromised.

I dropped quite a bit of weight in a relatively short time, I didn’t have ANY cravings for sugary, fatty, or greasy foods, and I felt the best I ever have. I know it was due to the low-fat, high fiber, lower glycemic index diet. I finally had my gall bladder out, and was still eating that way for awhile…and yet, somehow I fell off the wagon. I’m actually not even sure what happened, but I gradually started eating poorly again. And ever since, I’ve wanted to find a way back to that place. I know there is a way to be happy on a low-fat, high fiber, lower glycemic vegan diet. And I’m thinking that this 21-day Vegan Kickstart is what I need.

I might check in once in awhile about my progress if it relates to being vegan in Az, but I promise this won’t be a diet blog by any stretch of the imagination. I'm curious, is anyone else interested in trying the program?

Brendan Brazier and Thrive Fitness: The Vegan-Based Training Program

I was recently googling vegan books and came across Thrive Fitness: The Vegan-Based Training Program. In my lazy heart lurks a bit of an athlete and so I thought I might be interested in checking the book out. It was a bit of a synchronicity when I got an email the next day from AzVegan.com about Brendan Brazier, (author of the book, professional Ironman Triathlete, and Vega founder) informing me that he will be here in Phoenix signing his book and answering questions. In fact, he will be here next week! Here's a peek.

Trailer for Brendan Brazier's latest book: Thrive Fitness from Brendan Brazier on Vimeo.

The schedule. For more info: www.brendanbrazier.com

Monday, Feb. 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m
Sprouts Farmer's Market, 5225 E. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m
Sprouts Farmer's Market, 8375 W. Thunderbird, Peoria, AZ 85381

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WholeFoods Market, 2955 W. Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224

Thursday, Feb. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WholeFoods Market, 7111 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Vegan Resources for World Travelers

I just received my brand spanky renewed passport in the mail this week. The crisp little blue booklet (thankfully with a fairly decent photo of my face inside) is desperate for a stamp or three. It's quite a relief knowing I am legit for travel again. Alas, my current employment/financial status prevents me from going anywhere. BUT! That doesn't mean I cannot obsess over traveling, talk about it ad nauseum, and pretend that I might go somewhere in the next half-decade. So let's talk about traveling abroad as a vegan.

For starters, I have to confess I have never traveled abroad as a vegan. I went vegan just a few weeks after my last trip overseas in 2006, to England, and I haven't made it anywhere since. But I have visited 17 countries in Europe as a semi-vegetarian (2000) and a lacto-ovo vegetarian (2002). I was lucky enough to travel with a Contiki tour group both times, and they offered a vegetarian meal plan. Since we were always on the go and a large group, they provided us with many of our meals, so trying to decipher foreign menus and find veg-friendly places was only sometimes required.

Still, I do have some tips and resources to share.

ORDERING FOOD
When I was in Europe I carried with me the Berlitz European Menu Reader: For Eating Out in Over 25 Countries, which gives you some essential phrases when eating out in a restaurant as well as lists hundreds of different foods translated into English from 15 other languages. While the Berlitz guide does not have vegetarian phrases, it really helped me figure out menus that weren't additionally in English.

Note: This book is out of print now, you might be able to find it used, or you can try what looks like a revised, smaller version, the Berlitz European Food and Drink Guide.

HappyCow.net has a fantastic "Vegetarian Guide to Restaurants and Health Food Stores", and they have listings for places all over the world. I used HappyCow.net to find a few vegetarian restaurants in Madrid when I was there in 2002. And in 2006, I used their resources to find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in London. Both trips were mighty successful and I highly recommend that you do just this little bit of research to find a couple of standby restaurant options in the areas you will be visiting. It can be hard to find a veg-friendly restaurant in a crunch- especially when dealing with unknown territory, foreign languages, and meat-oriented cultures. This little bit of research can make all the difference.

One of the things I did not have on my trips was these wicked cool little 'flash' cards from Select Wisely that have vegan phrases and photos of what vegans do not eat. You can get cards customized with the languages you need and the foods you avoid. These are great little tools for those of us with special diets or significant food allergies. You can even get them for non-food allergies or health conditions. Here's a sample of a vegan card.


Next time I travel somewhere, I am totally taking some of these cards.

Another item I didn't have but that would come in handy is the Vegan Passport, a vegan phrase book with 73 languages. It's the size of a passport, if not the width, and easily covers the necessary vegan phrases that the Berlitz European Menu Reader does not.

I myself would carry all of the above with me while traveling; the Berlitz European Menu Reader (assuming I am in Europe), printouts from HappyCow, the Select Wisely vegan cards, and the Vegan Passport. You just never know when you will run into someone who speaks a language other than that of your host country. If you are eating Thai food in France, well, your chef could speak more Thai than French!


A couple of websites put together a a list of vegetarian phrases in world languages. They don't really help you master pronunciation, but for those of you who travel with access to the internet, you might be able to pull up the websites and show the phrases to your food host. Or if you copy them down somewhere you can take them with you that way too.

International Vegetarian Union's Vegetarian Phrases in World Languages

HedWeb's Vegetarian Phrases in Other Languages


PLANE RIDES
The long plane rides are also something to consider as many times the snacks you carry will only get you through for part of a long distance flight. When I flew to London in 2006 via Virgin Atlantic, I asked for the vegan meals and my trip-mate had the Vegetarian Asian. I think we had two meals and a couple of snacks each way. Airline food is airline food. Sometimes you get something remarkably good, and sometimes it just keeps you from starvation. That doesn't change with their vegan meals. One thing that can be said for ordering a special diet meal, you get served FIRST. Booya!

Anyway, HappyCow put together a handy list of the special diet meals you can order on airlines, and which airlines have them. I'd definitely choose an airline that offers a vegan meal for those long flights. (And I recommend flying non-stop if at all possible. It's worth the extra money, trust me.)

Air Travel: How to Get What You Want to Eat

VegGuide has a category for Airports on their "community-maintained, world-wide guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants, grocers, and more", but it is not yet well developed. You might find some helpful information there depending on where you are going, but also take note of the veg-friendly places in airports and help spread the word for other travelers. In fact, please note and share whatever you can about the local vegan-friendly restaurants and stores in your own hometown on both HappyCow.net and VegGuide.org, as well as for anywhere you travel.


TOURING
The number one rule of [vegan] travel is, ALWAYS bring some snackage and a bottle of water with you wherever you go. I always put several Cliff bars in my carry-on (and a few more in my suitcase) to get me through the first couple of days in a new place. They are only there just in case. Heck, I do this when I travel to California, which is a vegetarian Mecca with an uber veg-friendly grocery store and a vegan restaurant just a couple of miles from my grandparents' house. You just don't know what to expect if you don't know the lay of the land, and it's best to be prepared.

This doesn't mean you have to fill up your suitcase or backpack with food for your whole trip. No, no. Just start out with some snacks from home, and as you are traveling around, keep in mind the next meal could be delayed so pick up some new, local snacks or hang on to some leftovers from your last meal. There's nothing worse than traveling with someone who is cranky from low blood sugar and hunger. As someone with a special diet, it's not always easy to find something we want to eat nearby, but a few simple bits of planning ahead and you are good to go.

Another thing I recommend is bringing a vegan multi-vitamin. This will just cover you nutritionally if you find yourself lacking in a certain food category.

I like to be flexible when traveling, and go-with-the-flow. I mean, I always have a Plan A and a Plan B, but I am usually willing to ditch them both if some new opportunity comes along. Part of your Plan A should be locating local fare vegan-restaurants in the areas you are visiting as well as local groceries and farmers markets. There's nothing cooler than visiting a foreign grocery store and checking out the culture. My sister and I were in Madrid for four days before our tour started and there was a little grocery store down the street from our hotel. We went there every day. Two things we learned, one, they don't keep the hours our grocery stores do, and two, they expect you to bag your own groceries.

Part of your Plan B is knowing the American and International chains that are in an area and what you can eat there. For example, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Subway, and Pizza Hut are all international and have vegan foods. McDonald's even sells McVeggie Burgers overseas, like in India.

Vegan Examples
Wendys [plain baked potato, Deluxe Garden Salad minus the cheese with red Italian dressing, French fries]
Taco Bell [Fresco Bean Burrito]
Subway [Veggie Delite on Italian bread, minus cheese and mayo and sauces]
Pizza Hut [Thin 'n Crispy crust, regular sauce, and veggies, no cheese]

More Fast Food vegan options

You should always have a list of vegan-friendly restaurants, groceries, and farmers markets, their addresses and phone numbers and hours, and a street map with you for wherever you are visiting. You can and should do a bit of research online before you go. Check HappyCow and VegGuide, and google for specific information about the places to which you are traveling. Often there are vegans and/or ex-pats living there who will have insight for you on their blogs.

It's also a good idea to bring a little travel or camping set of silverware, and maybe a collapsible bowl and cup, in case you need to eat a picnic meal. Just know you'll need to check the silverware in with your luggage on the plane ride.

It's really not that hard traveling as a vegan, depending on the country, and most bad-food or no-food experiences are avoidable with just a little bit of research and planning.

I probably didn't cover everything, but it's a good, crucial start. If you want, buy me a plane ticket somewhere and I'll do a little reconaissance for you.

More Vegan Travel Resources
International Vegetarian Union (World Service Database)

Circle Our Earth: Vegan Travel (Good Links)

Amazon (Vegetarian and Vegan Travel Book Section)

Vegetarian Guides (Online Bookstore)

Veg Guide (A community-maintained, world-wide guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants, grocers, and more)

World Vegan Network (World Directory)