Travel is about more than seeing the world, it’s about using your journey as a force for good that benefits the places we visit for years to come. Each Veggies Abroad tour (or custom trip) is designed to connect a small group of travelers with experiences that respect animals, uplift communities, and protect the planet.

This ultimately provides a more meaningful experience for travelers as it ensures they’re learning about the destination and hearing about the joys and sorrows from those who live there, making sure their dollars aren’t supporting exploitative activities and keeping more of those dollars in the destination. That’s important when only $5 of every $100 spent by tourists in developing nations stays in the destination, sometimes it’s even less.

From wildlife rehabilitation to community-led transformation tours, these five adventures prove that exploration and ethics can go hand in hand.

1. Costa Rica Vegan Tour – Toucan Rescue Ranch & Local Homestay (April 2026)
Near San José, the Toucan Rescue Ranch provides a sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and confiscated wildlife, including toucans, sloths, and owls. The team works closely with Costa Rica’s environmental agency to rehabilitate and release animals back into their natural habitats. Travelers will get the opportunity to hear about their important work and support it.

In addition to supporting wildlife, this tour also includes a meaningful homestay. Travelers will also go beyond the typical tourist path for one night and stay in a peaceful agricultural community, enjoying local meals, a cooking class, and even a traditional soap-making workshop — a true immersion in Costa Rican life.

2. Colombia Vegan Tour – Medellín’s Resilient Communities (April 2026)
Colombia’s story of renewal is as powerful as it is inspiring. In Medellín’s Moravia neighborhood, travelers will encounter a women-run organization that showcases how art, education, and innovation have transformed a once-overlooked barrio into a beacon of hope.

The journey continues to Casa de las Flores, where the silletero tradition — born out of survival — has evolved into the celebrated Flower Festival. It’s a moving reminder of how culture and creativity can blossom from hardship.

3. Iceland Ring Road Vegan Tour – Carbon-Neutral Whale Watching (October 2026)
In the coastal village of Hauganes, travelers will embark on a carbon-neutral whale-watching tour that prioritizes respect for marine life. The calm waters are home to minke and humpback whales, often spotted feeding and playing nearby. The operators here are committed to low-impact tourism — no chasing, no overcrowding, just awe-inspiring encounters.

And in summer 2025, Iceland’s only whaling company halted its fin whale hunt. We hope this signals the end to this cruel activity.

4. Vietnam Vegan Tour – Empowerment and Wildlife Protection (November 2026)
In charming Hoi An, guests will visit the Reaching Out Tea House, a peaceful, social enterprise run by members of the deaf and mute community. Every cup poured supports fair employment and inclusion.

Later, travelers will learn about pangolin and carnivore conservation at the SaveVietnam Wildlife Center, where dedicated staff work to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect vulnerable species.

5. Thailand Vegan Tour – Community-Led Trek in Doi Inthanon (December 2026)
Explore Thailand’s highest peak on the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail, guided by members of the Karen community in Ban Mae Klang Luang. This gentle trek leads through forests, rice terraces, and waterfalls before ending in the village with a freshly brewed cup of local coffee. Managed and maintained by the community, this experience provides sustainable income and preserves traditional knowledge while showcasing Thailand’s natural beauty.

What Makes an Activity Ethical?
An ethical activity is one that benefits animals, communities, and the environment. For Veggies Abroad, this means looking at the overall impact on the communities we visit, including how our choices support local livelihoods, protect wildlife, and care for the planet.

That includes ensuring that every trip:

• Keeps more money in local communities by working with locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and guides.
• Uplifts animal by avoiding all experiences that involve exploitation, such as riding, bathing, or selfies with animals.
• Reduces environmental impact by supporting low-impact activities, advocating for plant-based food, and promoting intentional travel choices.
• Celebrates culture respectfully by partnering with locals and prioritizing immersive, educational experiences.

At Veggies Abroad, staff believe travel should empower, not exploit. Every itinerary is carefully curated to align with these principles, proving that adventure can be exciting, meaningful, and kind.