Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠⁠

In this episode, Rebecca is fresh off a whirlwind 9-day adventure across Colombia, and she’s joined by her semi-regular travel sidekick, Matt, to unpack it all. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley, they chat through the country’s jaw-dropping biodiversity, rich culture, and of course—where to find the best vegan eats.

Rebecca shares firsthand insights into Colombia’s remarkable transformation after decades of conflict, the impact of community-led initiatives in Medellín, and what it’s like to hike among clouds with 200-foot palm trees overhead. Plus, she dives into the flavors of Colombia—from flower festivals to unforgettable bowls of beans and rice—and tips for fellow vegan travellers looking to explore this underrated gem.

Whether Colombia's been on your radar or not, this episode might just bump it to the top of your travel wishlist.

✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: ⁠veggiesabroad.com⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part of the ⁠⁠Creative Content Studio⁠⁠ family

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠⁠

On this episode of the Veggies Abroad Podcast, Rebecca is joined by Susanna “Sooz” Shanker, founder of Curiosity Saves Travel, to talk about something many travellers never think about: where your money actually goes when you're on holiday. It turns out, a lot less stays in the local community than you'd expect — sometimes as little as 5 cents on the dollar. This concept is known as tourism leakage, and it's a big deal.

Sooz breaks it down in an easy-to-understand way, sharing why tourism doesn’t always benefit the people and places we visit, and what can be done about it. They also chat about the role of cruise lines, resort chains, and seasonal jobs in perpetuating the problem — plus, how governments, tourism boards, and you, the traveller, can start to turn things around.

In this episode:

• What tourism leakage is and how it affects communities
• Why spending money doesn’t always mean you’re helping
• Examples of destinations doing it better
• Practical ways travellers can keep more money in local hands
• Why little decisions — like who you book with or where you eat — matter
• 
  

Whether you're planning your next big trip or just want to be a more conscious traveller, this is a must-listen.

🌎 Learn more about Sooz: Curiosity Saves Travel
🧳 Watch The Last Tourist on Hulu or Apple TV for more on this topic
✈️ Join a Veggies Abroad Tour: veggiesabroad.com

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part of the ⁠Creative Content Studio⁠ family

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

On this episode of the Veggies Abroad Podcast, Rebecca chats with Rebecca Woolford, co-founder of Kiwano Tourism, about her recent trip to Sri Lanka — a destination that’s been high on both of their travel lists. They talk about everything from incredible plant-based meals at the eco-focused Ravana Garden Hotel to what it really means to travel responsibly and support local communities.

Rebecca shares stories about connecting with female chefs, exploring off-the-beaten-path national parks, and walking with members of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda tribe. She also reflects on the importance of empowering women in tourism and why avoiding the usual tourist hotspots can lead to a more meaningful experience.

You’ll hear about:

• What made the plant-based food at Ravana Garden so special
• Tips for planning a responsible trip to Sri Lanka
• The role of women in sustainable tourism
• Wildlife encounters in lesser-known national parks
• How travel can be a tool for connection and deeper understanding

If Sri Lanka is on your list — or you’re just curious about how to make your travels more impactful — this one’s for you.

🌍 Find out more about Rebecca Woolford and Kiwano Tourism: linktr.ee/rebeccakiwano
🌱 Learn more about vegan travel at veggiesabroad.com

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ part of the Creative Content Studio family

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, I sit down with Christina Beckmann from Tomorrow’s Airto talk about something that affects all of us—cleaning the air we breathe. 🌍

We dive into the fascinating world of carbon removal and explore how innovative solutions like direct air capture, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering are helping to pull CO2 from the atmosphere and store it permanently. Christina explains why reducing emissions isn’t enough—we also need to clean up what’s already out there.

We also chat about:

✔️ The difference between carbon removal and carbon offsets
✔️ How CO2 can literally be turned into rock 🪨
✔️ What biochar is and how it’s been used for thousands of years
✔️ How sustainable aviation fuel could change the way we fly ✈️
✔️ Simple ways travelers and businesses can help

It’s an eye-opening conversation about the future of sustainable travel, the power of small actions, and why there’s still hope for a cleaner planet.

🔗 Learn more about Tomorrow’s Air → https://www.tomorrowsair.com
💚 Support Carbon Removal Initiatives → https://www.tomorrowsair.com/contribute

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! 💚

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca and her travel partner Matt take you on an in-depth journey through Puerto Rico, uncovering the island’s best vegan-friendly stays, must-try plant-based dishes, and incredible cultural experiences. 🌴✨

If you’re a vegan traveler looking for eco-conscious accommodations, plant-based dining, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this episode is for you! Rebecca and Matt break down their itinerary, including stays at vegan and vegetarian hotels, their favorite Puerto Rican dishes (like mofongo & tostones), and their experiences exploring San Juan, Luquillo, Ponce, Utuado, and more.

📍 Topics Covered in This Episode:
✔️ Top Vegan & Vegetarian Hotels – Including The Dreamcatcher, Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, and La Botánica 🌿
✔️ Puerto Rican Cuisine, Veganized – Must-try dishes like mofongo, empanadillas, arroz con gandules & more! 🍛
✔️ Exploring Puerto Rico’s Diverse Landscape – From rainforests to dry forests, bioluminescent bays, and stunning beaches 🌊
✔️ Driving in Puerto Rico – Traffic, road conditions, and why you might want to rent a smaller car 🚗
✔️ Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants – Hidden gems like El Grifo, Berlingeri, and Degree 18 🥑

Plus, hear their unexpected travel surprises, from friendly Puerto Rican drivers to the island’s rich Indigenous & African heritage, and why Puerto Rico is a must-visit for vegan and eco-conscious travelers.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:
🌍 Read more about Puerto Rico’s best vegan hotels & eats → https://www.veggiesabroad.com
🌍 Book a Vegan-Friendly Tour with Veggies Abroad → https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/

✨ Did you enjoy this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow vegan travelers! 💚

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In the latest episode of the Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki delves into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in travel planning. Joined by freelance journalist Jen Murphy, known for her contributions to publications like The New York Times and Outside Magazine, they discuss Jen's recent article, "Can AIBe Trusted to Plan Your Next Trip?"

Jen shares her firsthand experience using various AI-powered travel tools to plan a trip to Maui, highlighting the advantages and limitations she encountered. The conversation covers:

🌍 AI Travel Tools Evaluated – An overview of platforms like Layla, Mindtrip, and GuideGeek, discussing their features and user experiences.

✅ Accuracy and Reliability – Insights into the precision of AI-generated itineraries, including instances of outdated or incorrect information.

⚖️ Ethical Considerations – A discussion on the implications of AI in travel, such as the potential for misinformation and the importance of human oversight.

🔮 Future of Travel Planning – Speculations on how AI might shape the future of travel, balancing technological advancements with the irreplaceable value of human expertise.

Tune in to explore the intersection of technology and travel, and gain valuable insights into 

how AI can assist—and where it may fall short—in crafting memorable travel experiences.

📖 Read Jen Murphy’s full article on Outside Magazine: https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/advice/ai-trip-planning/

🔎 Check out more of Jen Murphy’s work: https://www.outsideonline.com/byline/jen-murphy/

💡 Pro Tip: Always cross-verify AI-generated travel recommendations with up-to-date sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of sustainable, plant-based hospitality with Farah Shammas, Managing Director of the award-winning St Raphael Resort & Marina in Cyprus. Farah shares how she transformed a traditional resort into a vegan-friendly paradise, making plant-based dining a key focus across all its restaurants.

We chat about the challenges of introducing vegan menus, the power of customer advocacy in shaping change, and how hotels can lead the way in sustainability. Plus, get an insider’s guide to Cyprus—its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and why it should be on your travel radar!

Contact Farah and the team at https://www.straphael.com/ mention Veggies Abroad for an exclusive discount.

Hear Farah's podcast at https://www.hoteltalkwithfarah.com/

✈️ Whether you're a vegan traveler looking for your next getaway or just curious about how resorts can embrace plant-based hospitality, this episode is packed with inspiration.

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In this episode, Rebecca and Matt explore the top vegan-friendly cities to inspire your 2025 adventures. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the cozy charm of Brighton, they share favorite foodie finds, unforgettable travel moments, and the magic of exploring vegan-friendly spots around the globe.

Along the way, you’ll get updates on upcoming Veggies Abroad tours, tips for making the most of your travels, and plenty of laughs as Matt gives his own spin on the best vegan destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey into vegan travel, this episode is packed with ideas, inspiration, and maybe even a few donut cravings.

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In this episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, host Rebecca Gade Sawicki is joined by two special guests, Christa and Lawrence, to relive the highlights of their recent vegan group tour to Costa Rica. From the lush cloud forests of Monteverde to the beaches of Manuel Antonio and the stunning Arenal Volcano, they share their favorite moments, including wildlife encounters, unforgettable meals (hello, chiffon pie!), and paddle boarding against breathtaking backdrops.

Rebecca and her guests also delve into the unique experience of group travel, the joys of connecting with like-minded vegans, and the unexpected moments of activism sparked along the way. Plus, they offer practical tips for future travelers, from navigating Costa Rican roads to packing the right gear.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and a look at why Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for vegan and eco-conscious explorers alike.

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Portugal Vegan Tour: ⁠⁠⁠https://veggiesabroad.com/portugal-vegan-tour-2025/⁠

In this special year-end episode of The Veggies Abroad Vegan Travel Podcast, Rebecca is joined by Matt, to peel back the curtain and share an honest look at the ups and downs of running a vegan travel business. From the exciting growth in custom travel planning and sold-out tours to the challenges of Google’s algorithm changes and managing expectations, Rebecca discusses the wins, the setbacks, and the sacrifices that come with building a mission-driven business.

They also chat about Rebecca's favorite destinations of the year (hello, Japan!), her most surprising moments, and the lessons she plans to carry into 2025. Tune in for a candid and heartfelt conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship, the joy of connection, and the journey of growing a small vegan travel company.

For more vegan travel help or to learn about exciting vegan-friendly tours, visit veggiesabroad.com 

Small group veggie tours: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-tours-retreats/  Travel planning services: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-agent/  

Vegan travel guides: https://veggiesabroad.com/vegan-travel-guides/  Subscribe to the newsletter: https://shorturl.at/yDPSX

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloody Vegans Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠