The World Vegan Travel Podcast

Send us a text Link for the show notes. BONUS EPISODE — We’re bringing back one of our most-loved conversations! Meet Amy, a thoughtful traveler from Seattle who joined us on our unforgettable 2024 luxury vegan group tour through Japan. From her deep appreciation for Japanese design and daily rituals to the cultural surprises along the way, Amy’s story is a beautiful reminder of how transformative travel can be—especially when done mindfully and joyfully (and with lots of incredible vegan food!). 🎌 We're heading back to Japan in 2026—twice! Both trips are nearly full, and we’d love to have you with us during the stunning cherry blossom season. 👉 Trip 1 Info 👉 Trip 2 Info Now, settle in and enjoy Amy’s heartfelt journey through Japan. 🌸🍜 Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes 🎙️ Episode 193 – Mini-Series Part 5 Join Brighde in the final episode of our Spring Travel Mini-Series as she explores London with fresh eyes and a full belly! From walking tours past Big Ben and the Tower of London to indulging in vegan roasts, baklava cheesecake, and Thai delights, this episode is packed with reflections, insider tips, and food-fueled adventures across the capital. Whether you love history, plant-based dining, or wandering with purpose, this episode has something for you. Episode 193 wraps up our journey through Europe—from Italy to Croatia, Azerbaijan to France, and now the UK. Don't miss this travel diary finale! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the shownotes Join us for Part 4 of our Spring Travel Mini-Series! 🇫🇷 In this episode, Brighde shares highlights from our most recent World Vegan Travel group trip through France—from the charm of Paris to the magic of the Dordogne. Hosted alongside Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, this journey was filled with vineyard visits, castle cruises, vegan feasts, and unforgettable moments with our amazing travelers. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the shownotes Mini-Series Part 3 In this episode, Brighde shares her unforgettable journey through Azerbaijan—a country full of contrasts, bubbling mud volcanoes, ancient petroglyphs, and heartfelt reunions. From vegan food challenges to spectacular scenery and quirky moments with lifelong friends, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a destination most travelers overlook. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes Episode 190 – Mini-Series Part 2 Join Brighde as she takes you behind the scenes of planning a luxury vegan yacht trip through Croatia. From scouting dreamy islands to solving last-minute mishaps, it’s a peek into the magic (and mayhem) of vegan travel trip design. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes Episode 189 – Mini-Series Part 1 Welcome to Part 1 of our special mini-series! In this solo episode, Brighde shares a behind-the-scenes look at our WFPB SOS-Free trip to Tuscany. From salt-free Italian feasts to surprise opera performances and scenic hikes, join us on this unforgettable vegan travel experience. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link to the show notes Hi everyone, and welcome back to The World Vegan Travel Podcast! We’re continuing our special mini-series featuring episodes from our dear friend and travel partner Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, host of the Food for Thought podcast. While we take a short pause from new episodes, we’re thrilled to share Colleen’s work with you—it’s thoughtful, practical, and a perfect fit for the spirit of World Vegan Travel. In today’s episode, Colleen reflects on our first-ever group trips to Japan back in 2024, sharing her insights into vegan travel in a country where food, culture, and tradition are deeply intertwined. You’ll hear about the cultural nuances, culinary challenges, and what makes Japan such a fascinating destination for compassionate travelers. Be sure to subscribe to Colleen’s Food for Thought podcast and her Substack at colleenpatrickgoudreau.substack.com for more reflections, recipes, and inspiration. And if Japan is on your bucket list, don’t miss our upcoming group trip in 2026—now open for booking at worldvegantravel.com. We’d love to welcome you! Now, let’s dive into Vegan in Japan: Part One with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link to the show notes Hi everyone, and welcome back to the World Vegan Travel Podcast! We’re doing something a little different today. As you might know, we’re currently on a short break between new interviews—but we didn’t want to leave your ears empty! So today, we’re sharing a very special episode from our friend and partner Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, the host of the long-running Food for Thought podcast. Colleen is an incredible voice in the plant-based world—she’s an author, educator, and passionate advocate for compassionate living. Many of you will already know her from our Joyful Vegan Trips, where she hosts unforgettable journeys in places like Rwanda, Tuscany, and Alsace. We’re so grateful to her for allowing us to share this episode with you. In this episode, Colleen takes us on a flavorful journey through Tuscany that was first published on her podcast feed some time ago. You’ll hear about the regional food culture, the ingredients that define Tuscan cuisine, and what makes this part of Italy so beloved—not just for its scenery but for its soul-warming food. It’s the perfect mix of history, storytelling, and food appreciation—all through a plant-based lens. Make sure to follow Colleen’s Food for Thought podcast wherever you listen, and subscribe to her Substack at colleenpatrickgoudreau.substack.com for thoughtful reflections, recipes, and more. 🎙️ And if you’re dreaming of visiting Tuscany yourself, we’ve got great news—our 2026 Tuscany trip is open for booking! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link to the show notes In today’s episode, we’ll be talking to Frederique Peutz, a permaculturist and the owner of Moulin Scalagrand, a retreat and permaculture destination nestled in the Lot-et-Garonne region of southwestern France. Frederique has an inspiring background in gardening and sustainability—she previously ran her own garden center in Italy for two decades before relocating to France in 2017 to pursue a more self-sufficient, plant-based lifestyle. At Moulin Scalagrand, she now offers immersive workshops and retreats focused on permaculture, intuitive cooking, wild foraging, and much more. In this conversation, Frederique shares what drew her to this beautiful part of the world, how she built her retreat from the ground up, and the philosophies that guide her work today. Whether you're curious about sustainable travel, alternative lifestyles, or simply want to be inspired by someone living closely in tune with nature—you’re going to love this episode. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link to the shownotes In this heartfelt and practical episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde shares her personal experiences and comprehensive strategies for ensuring the wellbeing of companion animals while traveling. Drawing from nearly 20 years of travel with her partner and their beloved cats, Pinky and Squeaky, she discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of leaving pets behind — and how to navigate them with confidence and care. Topics include: Whether you're planning a short trip or extended travel, this episode is packed with insights to help you travel responsibly while honoring your commitment to your animal companions. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes In today’s episode, we’ll be talking to Joy Jarman-Walsh also known as JJ. Joy is the founder of Inbound Ambassador and co-founder of GetHiroshima, and she’s spent over two decades helping both travelers and local communities experience and shape a more sustainable Japan. She’ll be talking to us about the evolving vegan travel scene in Japan—particularly in the lesser-known Setouchi region and Hiroshima—as well as how she collaborates with local businesses to introduce vegan options and make sustainable tourism more accessible. Joy shares how her journey from university teaching to tourism consulting has allowed her to bridge international expectations with Japanese traditions, and why local insight is so crucial for creating meaningful change in hospitality. It’s a fascinating look into the intersection of veganism, culture, and sustainability in one of Japan’s most historic regions—without giving too much away! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes In today’s episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we’ll be talking to Margo de Groot Coenen, a plant-based chef and the founder of Picnic en Provence, a vegan culinary experience based in the heart of southern France. Margo shares her personal journey from a high-powered career in conference management to building a life around food, hospitality, and compassion in the picturesque region of Provence. We’ll be chatting about what inspired her to make such a big change, how Provence’s traditional cuisine is naturally suited to plant-based cooking, and what it’s like navigating veganism in a country so deeply rooted in animal-based culinary traditions. Margo also gives us a feel for daily life in Provence — from seasonal markets and scenic hilltop villages to the best times of year to visit. Whether you’re curious about vegan travel in France or simply want a taste of Provençal life, this episode is a must-listen. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes In today’s episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we’re joined by Karin Bruers, the cultural, social, and sustainable entrepreneur behind Hotel Bent in the Netherlands. Karin shares the story of how she transformed a simple idea into a beautiful vegan boutique hotel nestled in a forested area near Eindhoven and Amsterdam. We’ll talk about her inspiration, the challenges of building a fully sustainable space, and how Hotel Bent is gently influencing the local community to embrace plant-based living. Whether you're dreaming of your next eco-conscious getaway or curious about what it takes to run a truly sustainable hotel, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the Show Notes In today’s episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we’re heading to the beautiful and often underrated country of Bulgaria. I’m joined by Valeria Hogg, the founder of Heritage Ltd Bulgaria, a charming vegan guesthouse and restaurant nestled in a rural area just outside of Sofia. Valeria is not only a passionate advocate for plant-based living but also a certified tour operator offering immersive travel experiences that connect visitors with Bulgaria’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and evolving vegan food scene. In this episode, Valeria shares how she transitioned from city life to creating a cozy retreat for vegan travelers, and how she’s now curating unique tours that celebrate local traditions, seasonal events, and natural beauty. If you’ve never considered Bulgaria as a vegan-friendly travel destination, this conversation might just change your mind. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes In today’s episode, we’ll be talking to Heather Drummond, founder of Ecoshe, a plant-based education initiative based in Mauritius. Originally from Zimbabwe, Heather has spent the past ten years living on this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, where she’s been working to improve vegan offerings in the local hospitality industry—particularly in 4- and 5-star resorts. She’s also an Ambassador for the Plant Based Treaty and a passionate advocate for sustainable and conscious travel. In our conversation, Heather shares what brought her and her family to Mauritius, how the vegan scene is developing there, and what makes the island such a unique and exciting destination for plant-based travelers. We also explore how food, culture, and sustainability all come together in this vibrant part of the world. Whether you’ve been curious about vegan travel in Mauritius or you're just dreaming of your next tropical getaway, you’re going to love this episode. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes Hello and welcome to another episode of the World Vegan Travel Podcast! I’m your host, Brighde, and today we have a fascinating conversation lined up for you. In this episode, we’ll be talking to Julián Macraigne, a travel advisor based in Argentina who specializes in crafting unique itineraries for travelers exploring Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. As a passionate vegan advocate, Julián has been working to make Argentina more accessible to vegan travelers while balancing the realities of a country known for its meat-centric cuisine. We’ll be discussing what makes Argentina a compelling travel destination beyond its food, from breathtaking landscapes like glaciers and waterfalls to its rich cultural heritage. Julián will also share insights on the growing vegan movement in Argentina, the challenges and opportunities for plant-based travelers, and some exciting vegan-friendly spots that are emerging in cities like Buenos Aires. If you’ve ever wondered whether Argentina can be a great destination for vegan travelers—or how travel can align with ethical and sustainable values—this episode is for you! So, without further ado, let’s dive into my conversation with Julián Macraigne. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the show notes In today’s episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Colleen Patrick-Goudreau — author, speaker, and long-time advocate for compassionate living. Colleen has been at the forefront of the plant-based movement for nearly 30 years, and her work has inspired thousands to live more ethically and sustainably. She’s here to talk about her brand-new book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free. In our conversation, we explore how we can bring more compassion into our everyday lives — especially while traveling — and how small actions can have a powerful impact. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan traveler or just starting out, this episode is full of thoughtful ideas to inspire your next adventure. Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the Shownotes In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of sustainable travel with a very special guest. We’ll be speaking with Marc Iwen, the founder of Mas Campassol, an eco-conscious boutique farmhouse nestled in the breathtaking La Garrotxa region of Catalonia, Spain. Marc is not just the owner of this unique guesthouse but also a passionate advocate for animal welfare and environmental conservation. His journey has taken him from the business world to filmmaking, humanitarian work, and now, sustainable tourism. In our conversation, we’ll explore what makes Mas Campassol such a remarkable destination, from its location in a stunning volcanic natural park to its deep commitment to rewilding and biodiversity. We’ll also hear about the Empathy Foundation, Marc’s initiative to protect and rehabilitate animals, and how his philosophy of mindful travel is creating a new kind of guest experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, a sustainability enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a tranquil retreat with a purpose, this episode is for you. So, let’s jump in and hear Marc’s inspiring story! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the Shownotes Today we have a truly exciting guest joining us. We’ll be speaking with Farah Shammas, the Managing Director of St. Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol, Cyprus. Farah is a passionate advocate for sustainability and plant-based living in the hospitality industry, and she has been leading incredible initiatives to make vegan-friendly travel more accessible. In this episode, we’ll explore how Cyprus, a stunning Mediterranean destination rich in history and culture, is evolving into a must-visit spot for vegan travelers. Farah will share her journey of integrating sustainability into a large resort, including the groundbreaking launch of Cyprus’s first fully vegan hotel restaurant. She’ll also give us insights into the island’s natural beauty, from breathtaking seaview accommodations to outdoor adventures, as well as its fascinating historical and cultural treasures. So, whether you’re a seasoned vegan traveler or simply curious about how luxury resorts can embrace sustainability, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram

Send us a text Link for the Shownotes Today, we're thrilled to welcome Klemen Godec, a licensed tour guide from Slovenia and the visionary behind Vegan Tours Slovenia. Klemen has a unique story: from his roots in education and sales to embracing his passion for tourism, he’s dedicated to creating vegan travel experiences that let you explore Slovenia without any dietary worries. In our conversation, Klemen shares a bit about his journey as a long-time vegan and how that inspired him to design tours that highlight Slovenia’s hidden gems, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're curious about sustainable travel or planning your next adventure, you'll find plenty to inspire you in his insights. So, sit back and join us as we explore the best of Slovenia through the eyes of a passionate vegan tour guide. Enjoy the episode! Check out our website | Check out all the podcast show notes | Follow us on Instagram