Green-Travel On the Go: Adventures on the Road Again

Part 2

Whenever I am traveling I start by planning my proposed itinerary. This is an example, of the one I will be taking this coming weekend and how I planned it. I am currently planning on driving to Northwest Arkansas from south Mississippi with a stop to leave my cat with a friend in New Orleans.

First I went to Google Maps. Then I figured out when I would probably arrive in what towns so that I would have some ideas on where to eat. I know I will be going by my friends house in NOLA 8-9 am, so I then looked to figure out what would be about 3-4 hours from there. That puts me in Vicksburg, MS about 3 1/2 hours from when I leave NOLA (I admit my timing is never exact because of potty breaks and gasoline.)

Then I googled “vegan in Vicksburg” I was not thrilled with my options this way. So then I grabbed my phone and went to my “Happy Cow” app. There were four potentials in Vicksburg plus a chain doughnut shop which has options by default. I am not in love with my choices but I’m not on the road and hungry yet either. I then figure out where I’ll be in another 5 hours or so which puts me in either Conway or Russellville, AR. There are enough choices in either that I’ll wait and see where I am when it gets to be dinner. I also know that I could be back in the Little Rock area if I’m really slow. I am traveling with 2 dogs and they have stops too.

Voila! I have a plan.

When I am planning to go to a destination, such as the trip I am taking to Italy, I will do the research and print out possible restaurant information. I will be spending two nights in Rome and 1 night in Civatevvecchia. I have reservations both nights in Rome at vegan restaurants. The first night I am eating at Colors Vegan Sushi, the second night at Romeow Cat Bistrot, and then a vegan street food tour before I leave. I also have reservations in Civatevvecchia at Forma, a Michelin restaurant which has vegan options. So, that is planned. Whew! I am not starving in Italy. And so it goes.

Yes, it can take more work. Sort-of. I’ve always been a foodie, so I would still have planned, just for what is yummy or interesting or? I remember traveling to Miami in 2010 for my first cruise and I spent hours choosing the right restaurant. So nothing has changed except that it’s for vegan food. And it’s so much more satisfying to know that I am making choices for animals and the environment along with my stomach.

Namaste.