It’s estimated that 7% of the UK population follows a vegetarian diet. While that may not seem like a lot, that’s over five million people, with a further 4% considering themselves vegan. 

Regardless of your diet choice, everybody deserves to eat well on their holidays, and it’s no secret that following a vegetarian or vegan diet whilst travelling can sometimes be tricky, especially if you consider yourself a foodie.

Travel experts at loveholidays have revealed which of 2023’s best overseas and staycation destinations are the best for vegetarian and vegan foodies, not only looking at the number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants but also how many are rated four stars and above. 

Barcelona has been revealed as the best city break for vegetarian foodies

While renowned for its seafood and meats, Barcelona is also one of the best locations for vegetarian travellers. Despite not having the most choice of restaurants, coming third to Rome and Paris, the quality is there, with 98% of its 2,715 restaurants being rated 4’s and over. 

Paris and Budapest were revealed as the top suggested destinations for vegans

Paris may have ranked bottom for the best vegetarian restaurants but has the highest ranking for vegan eateries, with 96% of its 542 vegan-friendly restaurants rated four stars and above. Paris isn’t on its own, though – Budapest tied with the City of Love in the top spot, followed very closely by Rome. 

Newquay is the top UK staycation spot for vegetarians

With more to it than fish and chips, Newquay was revealed as the best spot for vegetarians – with 109 vegetarian-friendly restaurants in total, 92% of which were found to be four stars and above. This was followed closely by Bournemouth, York, and Torquay. 

Unsurprisingly, London had the highest number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the UK– but only 50% were found to be four stars and above. 

Blackpool is the best staycation spot for vegans

The seaside is the place to be if you want delicious vegetarian and vegan food. Out of its 69 restaurants, 96% of Blackpool’s vegan-friendly restaurants were found to be four stars and above. However, if you’re fonder of a city break – Manchester (95%) and London (94%) followed closely behind. 

Top tips on how to travel as a vegan

loveholidays have spoken to Todd Sinclair, writer and author of the Rebel Vegan Life Trilogy, who has revealed some of his best tips on embracing your vegan diet while travelling.

• Fly vegan: VGML is the code most airlines use to prepare a vegan meal for your flight.
• Find your tribe: Connecting with a local vegan scene can help your understanding of the culture and bring the richest rewards. 
• Use social media: All the big hitters are useful tools; Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, and TikTok advice videos. Everyone should download the Happy Cow app.
• Know accidentally vegan dishes and foods: Most traditional cuisines have originally vegan dishes or can easily be veganised.
• Shop like a local: If you find yourself somewhere with limited vegan dishes, explore the grocery stores and markets. Stock up on local fruits and trail mixes to keep as snacks.
• For Foreign Language Destinations: Learn key phrases and prepare vegan food cards stating what a vegan diet entails and excludes. Slip it in your wallet or keep it on your phone for the consideration of waiting and hotel staff. 
• Stay calm and vegan on: Travelling vegan can add another layer of challenge. But these bumps can lead to growth and self-discovery and often make the best travel stories to take home.