If you have friends who live interstate or overseas, it’s inevitable they’ll travel to your town to visit. They’ll be bright-eyed and bushytailed, ready for an adventure seeped in secret spots only you know about. They’ll also hit you up for your tips – your must-do’s and must-see’s. But what if your roaming friends are not vegan? How can you be the pillar of authority on your town when you know in your heart you’ll be giving them all-vegan tips? It’s easy to keep the balance without offending your friends, and making them feel warm and welcomed once they arrive. Here are some of my tips to get you started on the journey.
Flood your social feeds with incredible food pics prior to their arrival
In the weeks before your friends fly in; bombard your feed with pics and posts from your favourite restaurants. Tag your friends, and let them see what you eat and where you go. Let them know which spots can cater for any dietary requirements or allergies. Give them exciting travel inspiration. That way, you can get a feel for what they might like to try when they arrive.
Plot out a simple vegan travel itinerary with flexible options
Sending your friends a proposed vegan travel itinerary before they arrive is helpful. Then, they can pick and choose where to go, what to do and what to eat. Then, make bookings in advance so you and your friends don’t miss out while they here. Keep plans loose so things can change if your friends are delayed or need rest time. This means making bookings without putting down a deposit and sourcing off-peak booking times.
Downtime is important
If you’re planning a hectic schedule for your friends, make sure you factor in some downtime. Your non-vegan friends may not want to eat vegan every single day of the trip. So, leave them some extra vegan travel tips and let them have some time to explore your town without you. This then gives your friends a chance to eat non-vegan food and visit non-vegan attractions if they wish. It’s even better if they stay at a hotel or an Airbnb for added travel flexibility. If they ask if you want to join them, politely decline. If they’re your good mates, chances are they will already understand your vegan stance on non-vegan travel experiences in your town.
If you can’t meet your friends while they’re visiting…?
Sometimes, friends will visit and you don’t have time to show them around. If so, still share your tips and secrets or even suggest a vegan tour of your city through a reputable vegan travel tour company. Walking tours of a particular region are especially fun and will leave your friends more knowledgeable about your hometown.
So, have your non-vegan friends visited you in your town? How have you helped them navigate your town without compromising on your vegan ethics? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments below.
