As this year comes to a close, I would like to recap and review my vegan travel experiences of 2014! This is a great time to reflect upon all of the magnificent culture, landscape, and food that the world has to offer.
Denmark Visit:
I started the year with a visit to the country of Denmark in northwestern Europe. The western part of Europe makes for a nice quick trip for those of us who live in the northeastern United States. My five day vacation was delightful! Copenhagen was alive with colorful architecture, Tivoli Gardens, and the exquisite palace of Christiansborg.
The Stroget pedestrian shopping mall greeted its strolling guests with shops and restaurants galore. A Lego store displayed lifesize characters for guests to enjoy. Food carts along the way offered vegan sausages with mashed potatoes, while jazz musicians performed nearby on the street. The waterfront area also provided weary tourists with many dining options and shops, as well as being home to one of Hans Christian Andersen’s residences. Veggie entrees, such as raw Thai noodles completed my day.
For my Copenhagen blogpost, see Copenhagen Denmark
Fredricksborg Castle in the town of Hillerod was next on my itinerary. The larger-than-life castle is one of the most magnificent in northern Europe. The ornately furnished palace, surrounded by an actual moat, is a must-see attraction. This is truly what one expects in a a castle! My evening meal back in Copenhagen included a trio of mini-cheesecakes!
For more on my trip to Fredricksborg Castle and meals, see Fredricksborg and Vegan Meals
When my third day in Denmark arrived, I visited the town of Odense to see the birthplace of author Hans Christian Andersen. His birthplace home, as well as his childhod years house are now museums that the public can visit. More vegan meals and snacks, as well as vegan breads in Odense made my day enjoyable!
For more, see my blogpost on Odense: Odense Denmark
My fourth day was mainly a travel day back home. However, I had time for the “best vegan breakfast in Copenhagen” prior to heading to the airport!
For more on my vegan brunch in Copenhagen, see my blogpost: Vegan Brunch Copenhagen
Vegan Travel Tips Workshop:
During the Springtime, I taught a “Vegan Travel Tips” workshop at the “Hostelling International” hostel in Boston, Massachusetts. We had a packed, full house that evening! My slideshow included tips on what to pack for snacks and vegan skincare products, what questions to ask waiters about your meals, vegan-friendly regions, and much more!
Turkey Visit:
My annual, 10 day vacation brought me to the exotic country of Turkey this past June! Palaces and bazaars in Istanbul, ancient ruins at Ephesus and Troy, Calcium thermal pools at Pamukkale, and rock formations in Cappadocia gave me a great sense of the splendor of that ancient land! The vegan dining options were spectacular also! From treats like pretzel-like simits with jam and Turkish Delight, to local olives and figs to meals including cig kofte, eggplant, zuccchini, and beans; a vegan would never be bored with the wonderful meals!
See my blogposts on Istanbul, Turkey:
Istanbul One
Istanbul Two
Istanbul Three
Istanbul Four
See my blogposts on Cappadocia:
Cappadocia One
Cappadocia Two
See my blogposts on Pamukkale:
Pamukkale
Pamukkale and Kusadasi
See my blogpost on Ephesus: Ephesus and Kusadasi
See my blogpost on Troy: Troy
During the summer months, I ventured on day trips and weekend trips to several of the surrounding New England states in the USA. Each location proved breath-taking vistas, historic sites, and delicious vegan food!
United States Trips –
Vermont Visit:
The Green Mountains of Vermont proudly showcased its gorgeous greenery. I found some delish vegan meals in this remote part of the state! From an old time general store to the beauty of The Green Mountains backdrop, Vermont is indeed gorgeous. A vegan-friendly market deli in a small town served up a tasty bbq tempeh flatbread sandwich.
Read more on my Vermont sightseeing and vegan dining here on my blogpost: Vermont and Vegan Dining
The summer months also included day trips to parts of New Hampshire and Maine that I had never visited in the past, as well as trying the vegan dining scene in those regions.
Maine Day Trip:
As with every New England state, I had visited many times in the past. However, this time I specifically found different beaches and sights in towns I had never before stepped foot. Likewise, the vegan-friendly dining that I experienced was new to me as well. Eggless egg salad and gourmet Mexican cuisine were among my amazing food finds. Soft white sand beaches and lengthy beaches with rocky shores graced my view. The day ended with a stop to a town I knew well; Kennebunckport.
Read more about my Maine visit and vegan dining: Vegan Dining and Sightseeing in Maine
New Hampshire Day Trip:
The New Hampshire White Mountain region has been part of my life since childhood. The purpose of this visit was to encounter two attractions that I had never experienced in the region. Underground Polar Caves and Lake Sunapee were definitely worth the visit! I climbed up and down the rigorous terrain in the underground cave system of the Polar Caves. The lake visit was serene and authentic “New England”. One of the fabulous meals on a local restaurant menu was a Thai noodle stir-fry with veggies.
Read more about my New Hampshire adventures and vegan dining: Vegan Dining and Sightseeing in New Hampshire
As the Autumn season came into full swing, I decided upon a couple of Fall Foliage road trips. This is a popular activity for New Englanders!
Connecticut Trips:
The Litchfield Hills in western Connecticut-
Just as Massachusetts has its Berkshire Mountains on its western border, the state of Connecticut has its Litchfield Hills. The region is known for its rollercoaster-like winding roads, antique covered bridges, historic colonial homes, and splendid Fall foliage! I found some decent vegan dining options such as vegetable paella.
Read more about my western Connecticut adventures and vegan dining: Litchfield Hills of Connecticut
The Northeast Corridor of Connecticut –
Connecticut’s Northeast corner is known as Scenic Byway Rt169. Many a tourist and local take this popular route for leaf-peeping during the Fall season. Along the way, one encounters a typical New England landscape of rolling fields, stone walled farms and residences, historic homes, and outdoor festivals. I enjoyed a scrumptious tofu veggie scramble during my breakfast stop.
Read more about my New Hampshire adventures and vegan dining:Northeast Corner of Connecticut
I am starting off the new year by visiting the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in upstate New York. My invitation was sent by the sanctuary’s manager. My overnight stay at their vegan Bed & Breakfast will be included.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary and Homestead B & B
I am also looking forward to a long weekend vacation in Barcelona, Spain in January! Picasso, Dali, and Gaudi art exhibits will be a main theme during my stay. A visit to a medieval town is an exciting part of my itinerary. The region’s vegan dining scene appears to be wonderful!
2014 was a great year for travel! Adventure, culture, history, and delicious vegan food experiences make me truly appreciate all of my amazing journeys!
I hope that my readers have benefited from my vegan holiday tips and are planning for more in the future!