Intrepid's newest vegan food tours depart in 2019

In response to veganism growing at substantial rates around the world, Intrepid Travel, has just unveiled three new tours specifically highlighting vegan food culture in some of the world’s most popular culinary destinations: India, Italy and Thailand.

The new tours, departing in 2019, were developed by Intrepid Travel’s experienced destination and food product teams, with insight from a team of vegan influencers from around the world. Each trip will offer plant-based food experiences in their respective locales and include insider tips on where to find the best vegan eats.

Vegan culture in North America has been rapidly growing over the past few years. According to new research by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois at Dalhousie University, 7.1 per cent of Canadians now consider themselves vegetarian, and 2.3 per cent consider themselves vegan. British Columbians are at the forefront of the movement, with the 2018 research showing that nearly 40 per cent of British Columbians 35 and under say they follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

According to TripAdvisor, food tours are one of the fastest-growing experience categories on the travel booking site, with Canada boasting a 594 per cent increase in 2017. Similarly, Intrepid Travel noted a record 28 percent growth in North American bookings on its food-themed trips in 2017.

“Whether you eat a vegan diet, or just want to test the waters, this new line of vegan adventures will offer authentic culinary adventures and experiences you’ll only discover with an Intrepid local leader. Food travel is here to stay, and it’s our responsibility as a leading travel company to provide a range of offerings that can suit all tastes and lifestyles,” said Neil Coletta, brand and product manager, food tours, Intrepid Travel.

To cater to this growing market and offer more variety in its culinary tours, Intrepid Travel has designed its new line of vegan food tours in destinations that are already known for their culinary scenes. The three new tours include:

India Vegan Food Adventure (8 days)** – This culinary adventure to Dehli, Jaipur and Agra showcases why this corner of the subcontinent is one of the greatest places in the world for vegan travelers. The itinerary ventures far beyond the masala dosas and veggie samosas of the high street cafes and includes vegan cooking classes and visits to iconic sites like the Taj Mahal. From $1,430 CAD

Italy Vegan Food Adventure (8 Days) – In a country known for its cheese, meats and pizza, Italy is also where some of the world’s most progressive and innovative vegan food experiences can be had. Venturing from Venice to Rome, highlights of the trip include a dinner in Venice’s first vegan restaurant, a farm-to-table vegan feast and two nights in an all-vegan villa in Tuscany. From $3,245 CAD

Thailand Vegan Food Adventure (8 Days) – Home to some of the world’s most flavorful cuisine, this tour will highlight the legendary and vegan-friendly cuisine of South East Asia, with activities such as a palm sugar demonstration at Tha Kha floating market and preparing a vegan meal under the guidance of a local during an authentic homestay in Chiang Mai. From $1,485 CAD

“While we recognize that it’s not realistic for everyone around the world to adopt a vegan lifestyle, as a responsible travel company that values purpose initiatives and sustainability in all aspects, we feel it’s important to encourage and celebrate vegan cultures and practices around the world as one way responsible travelers can help save our planet,” said Leigh Barnes, Chief Purpose Officer, Intrepid Travel.

For more information about the new Vegan Food Adventures, visit: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vegan-food-adventures.