Eating well is one of the simplest ways to feel better when you travel. What's on your plate shapes your energy, your sleep and how present you feel as you move through new places. Across the world, more travellers are choosing food that supports how they want to feel on the road.

That's where plant-forward eating comes in. If you've been curious about plant-forward eating or simply want to make more conscious food choices when you travel, this guide is for you. It shares practical ways to bring plant-forward eating into your travels, from everyday choices to memorable food experiences. At Novotel, we're committed to making that easy – for business and leisure guests, families and solo travellers alike. Shaped by our Longevity Everyday philosophy, it's about small, considered choices that add up – so you can travel well, and feel well, wherever you go.

Plant–forward eating is a lifestyle approach, not a dietary rule. It's about putting vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits and whole foods at the centre of your plate – while still leaving room for everything else you enjoy, in moderation.

It's not the same as being vegan or vegetarian, though it works comfortably alongside both. A plant–forward meal might be a bowl of roasted vegetables and lentils. It might also include grilled fish or a small amount of meat alongside a generous spread of seasonal produce. The emphasis is on more: more variety, more colour, more nourishment – not on restriction.

For travellers, this approach has a natural fit. Exploring local markets, seeking out regional dishes built on grains and vegetables, choosing restaurants with thoughtful menus – these are often the most rewarding food experiences a trip can offer, and they happen to be plant–forward and more responsible by nature.

Travel puts demands on the body that everyday life doesn't – time zone changes, new environments, more physical activity, irregular mealtimes. What you eat plays a direct role in how well you adapt.

Meals built around whole grains, legumes and vegetables release energy steadily rather than in spikes and dips. For a full day of exploring – or a full day of back–to–back meetings – that sustained energy makes a real difference to how you feel by the end of it.

Travel can disrupt the digestive system in ways that are, at best, uncomfortable. A diet rich in fibre from vegetables, pulses and whole grains supports gut health and helps the body adapt more easily to changes in routine and environment.

Vitamins, antioxidants and minerals from fresh produce support immune function – useful at any time, but particularly when you're moving through airports, cities and new climates. Eating colourfully is one of the most straightforward things you can do to support your body while on the move.

Plant–forward eating has an impact beyond your own wellbeing. Food production is one of the most significant contributors to environmental impact globally – and small choices on the road add up:

- Lower resource use: plant–forward meals require significantly fewer natural resources than those centred on animal products

- Less water consumption: plants generally use far less water to grow than livestock

- Support for local biodiversity: choosing seasonal, locally sourced produce helps sustain regional food ecosystems

- Contribution to local economies: eating locally grown food puts resources directly into the communities you're visiting

- Reduced pressure on forests: less demand for livestock farming means less demand for the land it requires

Small food choices are just one part of travelling more sustainably. Discover more in our sustainable travel guide.

You don't need to plan everything in advance or seek out specialist restaurants. Plant–forward eating while travelling is more accessible than it might seem – in most cities, the most interesting food is already built around local produce, grains and vegetables. Here's how to make the most of it:

A quick look at a restaurant's menu online can save time and open up better options. If plant–forward choices are limited, most menus have enough sides – vegetables, grains, salads, pulses – to build a satisfying meal from. At Novotel, dining information is available online, and menus are clearly labelled, so you always know what's on offer before you sit down.

Markets are where a city's food culture is most visible. Fresh, seasonal produce, regional specialities, affordable street food built on local tradition – exploring them is one of the most rewarding ways to eat plant–forward without giving it much thought. It also puts resources directly into local communities.

A few words in the local language go a long way. Knowing how to ask what's in a dish, or to request a vegetable–led option, opens up considerably more choices. Translation apps or AI chatbots make this easier than ever. At Novotel, our team of Heartists® are trained to help guests navigate menus and find options that work for everyone – and if you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, our guide to eating with food allergies while travelling has practical advice for every situation.

A breakfast built around whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables sets a steady foundation for the day ahead – a principle worth carrying through every meal. Grain bowls, legume-based dishes and vegetable-led mains all release energy steadily rather than in spikes, making a real difference across a full day of exploring or back-to-back meetings.

Children tend to do well with colourful, varied meals. Simple swaps – more vegetables alongside familiar favourites, fruit–based snacks, grain–based dishes – are easy to introduce without disrupting what they already enjoy. At Novotel, our Heartists® are always happy to adapt dishes and suggest options that work for the whole family.

Travelling as a family with plant–forward eating in mind can be one of the most enjoyable ways to discover a destination together. Hotels with family–friendly amenities, like Novotel, make it easy for everyone to enjoy nourishing meals together.

Plant‑forward dining is flourishing worldwide. From veg‑first fine dining to bold street food favourites, these cities are our top picks for travellers seeking creative, vegetable‑led cuisine.

Berlin is considered one of Europe’s most integrated vegan cities, where plant‑forward and veg‑first eating is mainstream rather than niche. The city sits at the forefront of innovative gastronomy, with a vast and varied scene of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, markets, and cafés. Berlin is also home to the ProVeg Incubator, supporting the growth of next‑generation food startups. Beyond dining, vegan fashion, cruelty‑free beauty, and zero‑waste shopping are all part of the city’s deeply rooted ethical consumer culture.

London’s multicultural dining scene means you’re never far from veg‑forward delights. From Borough Market’s global street‑food stalls to Michelin‑starred vegan restaurants, the city offers extraordinary variety. London also hosts major vegan festivals such as VegfestUK, drawing thousands of visitors and hundreds of traders each year–further cementing its reputation as a leader in progressive, plant‑led dining.

Vietnam’s southern mega–city has seen explosive growth in plant–forward dining, blending traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with modern vegan cafés and street food. Vietnamese cuisine’s traditional emphasis on herbs, veggies and rice dishes makes adapting classic dishes particularly delicious. Street–food staples like banh mi chay (vegetarian sandwiches) are tasty and budget–friendly.

Warsaw has become one of Central Europe's most exciting cities for plant–forward dining. A strong tradition of vegetable–led Polish cooking – root vegetables, pulses, grains and fermented foods – sits alongside a thriving international scene, with plant–forward options across ramen bars, sushi cafés and contemporary bakeries. Vegan pierogi (classic Polish dumplings) are a good place to start!

Mexico City has a rapidly growing vegan scene built on a strong foundation of naturally plant–based staples like beans, corn, squash, and avocado. Traditional dishes such as tacos de nopales (cactus tacos) and tlacoyos are easily found in plant–based versions, and the city hosts VeggieWorld Mexico, one of Latin America’s major vegan events. It’s also very affordable for plant–based street food.

Wherever you choose to explore, 50% of Novotel hotels already offer plant–forward dining options – with the ambition to reach 100% by the end of 2026. And beyond the hotel, our teams of Heartists® are always happy to recommend the best plant–forward spots nearby.

Small habits, big rewards. Join our loyalty programme ALL Accor and earn points on every stay that supports the way you want to live and travel.

What’s the difference between plant‑forward and plant‑based eating?

Plant‑based eating typically means avoiding animal products altogether. Plant‑forward is broader and more inclusive: it prioritises vegetables, grains, legumes and whole foods, while still allowing meat, fish and dairy in moderation. It’s a flexible lifestyle approach rather than a set of rules–one designed to work for everyone.

How can plant‑forward travel enhance your wellbeing?

Plant‑forward travel can boost wellbeing by helping you eat lighter, nutrient–dense foods that support energy, digestion, and overall health while on the move. Many veg-led meals are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can help you feel more energised and less sluggish during busy travel days.

How does choosing a plant‑forward lifestyle support sustainable travel?

Choosing plant-led options while travelling helps lower your environmental footprint, as plant foods generally require fewer natural resources and produce fewer emissions than animal–based products. It also means supporting local farmers, fresh produce markets, and eco–conscious businesses, aligning your travel choices with more sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

Are plant-forward meals more expensive when travelling?

Not necessarily. In most destinations, the most naturally plant-forward food is also the most affordable: local produce, grains, legumes, seasonal vegetables and traditional dishes built on ingredients that have always been central to local cooking. Specialist vegan restaurants in major cities can cost more, but eating plant-forward doesn't depend on them. Markets, street food and neighbourhood restaurants are often the best options, for your plate and your budget.

What is Novotel’s Longevity Everyday philosophy?

Longevity Everyday is rooted in the belief that small, consistent choices–in how we eat, sleep, move and connect–can have a meaningful long‑term impact on our wellbeing. It’s not about perfection, but progress: being 1% better every day through simple, sustainable habits that support a longer, fuller, healthier life–for people and for the planet.