What are the best countries for vegan and vegetarian travel?
To answer this question, below we present you with 5 Fun Veggie Facts.
1. Currently, 14% of British people are vegetarian or vegan.
2. We call these diets ‘alternative lifestyles’ because they are different to the food and lifestyle of most other people.
3. In 2018, the UK released more vegan food than any other country!
Could the UK be the best destination for vegan and vegetarian travel?
4. You can’t eat honey or wear leather if you’re vegan. (Or anything else made from animals!)
5. So, which countries or places are the best for vegetarian and vegan travel? The UK is ranked #6 in the world (behind Israel, India, Taiwan, the USA, and Singapore).
Britain didn't make the Top 5 (yet!), but veganism is a growing trend in the UK. It is promoted by an event called 'Veganuary' that happens each January. What is Veganuary all about? This event challenges people to try the vegan diet for 31 days each January. Sometimes, a month is all it takes to convert people to the vegan way of life.
Since the event started in 2014, the number of people taking part has doubled every year. In 2021, 508,000 people from over 200 countries took part in Veganuary, so this trend is definitely trending!
In case you missed this year's Veganuary, here are some of the benefits of being vegan.
1. A huge variety of food! Many people think that becoming vegan means having a more limited diet, but this is not true these days.
For example, in 2020, all major supermarkets in the UK expanded their plant-based food ranges. One of the biggest supermarket chains in England has over 700 vegan-friendly items! Also, manufacturers have designed alternative foods like non-dairy cheese and ice cream, so vegans can still enjoy delicious foods.
2. Some organisations like PETA suggest that a meat-free diet improves happiness. One reason this might be true is that vegans tend to eat healthier food, and this affects our mood, in a good way.
3. Vegan networks – vegan events happen all through the year, in the UK and all over the world. Even attending a virtual event like the Virtual Vegan Market (https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/vegan-food-living-virtual-events-in-july/) can help a new vegan connect with others across the UK.
4. It’s better for the environment! If you want to help environments world-wide, choosing a plant-based diet is a good way to do it. This is because the meat industry needs huge amounts of land for cows and other animals to live on before they become burgers.
5. This example is not really a benefit, but as a vegan, you’ll become part of a cool club that includes Beyoncé, Jared Leto, Ariana Grande, and Zac Efron!
It’s a great idea to learn about alternative lifestyles because these days, there are so many of them! One of the great things about living and studying in the UK is the diverse food choices for vegans and vegetarians - remember, the UK is 6th in the world for being veggie-friendly!
What else would you need to know about alternative lifestyles in the UK? Perhaps the top 5 cities for vegetarian and vegan restaurants? In IQ Global's free webinar on this topic, we answer this question and much more.
You'll also learn the right vocabulary to confidently talk about alternative food lifestyles, even if you’re a burger eater! The benefit is that, in spoken English exams, you'll have lots to say about this current, interesting topic. By the way, we also have a Culture Cooking Show, follow this playlist on YouTube for upcoming vegetarian or vegan dishes!
Did you know that we have an English Voice taster at each level, absolutely free? Just sign up to the website to access this amazing free content and try before you buy!
We hope you have enjoyed this blog. As always, you will progress more by reading, listening and practising your English so make sure you check out IQ Global for free resources and our YouTube channel. See you next time!