Vegan Wanderlust: Curating Ethical Travel Experiences
On this episode of The Wild Party Podcast, host Stefanie LaHart sits down with Rebecca Gade-Sawicki, the founder of Veggies Abroad, a vegan travel company that’s changing how people experience the world. With a mission to create ethical, sustainable, and plant-based travel experiences, Rebecca shares her journey from a secure 15-year career to launching her own business during the pandemic. Here’s what makes Rebecca’s story, and her company, so inspiring.
From Career Stability to Entrepreneurial Adventure
Rebecca describes herself as someone who thrived on safety nets and structure, so leaving her stable career in fundraising to start a vegan travel company was a huge leap of faith. The pandemic served as a turning point for her. Disheartened by the lack of job opportunities aligning with her ethics, Rebecca decided to pivot. She started a vegan travel blog as a creative outlet and a way to network with like-minded individuals. Over time, her passion for travel and plant-based living evolved into Veggies Abroad, a company that focuses on creating unforgettable, ethical travel experiences.
Rebecca candidly shares her reluctance to enter the travel industry, an area often criticized for over-tourism and unethical practices. However, a piece of advice from a mentor—“You get to decide what you do in this industry”—gave her the confidence to forge her path. By early 2023, Veggies Abroad was officially launched.
Ethical and Sustainable Tourism at the Core
Veggies Abroad isn’t your typical travel agency. Rebecca’s approach centers on sustainability and community impact. She emphasizes the importance of working with partners and destinations that share her values, such as certified B Corps. These organizations prioritize environmental conservation, community involvement, and ethical practices.
One of Veggies Abroad’s key missions is to address the negative effects of over-tourism. Rebecca highlights how some destinations, like Barcelona or Venice, have suffered from an influx of tourists, leading to cultural erosion and environmental damage. Instead, she encourages travelers to explore less-visited destinations or alternative routes that provide similar experiences without contributing to overcrowding.
The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Starting and running a socially responsible travel business hasn’t been without its challenges. Rebecca talks openly about facing imposter syndrome and the unpredictability of entrepreneurship. “It’s like swimming in a pool of sharks,” she says, explaining the need to stay calm and adaptable.
Despite the hurdles, Rebecca finds immense satisfaction in her work. The joy of helping clients plan their dream vacations and connecting them with sustainable businesses makes all the effort worthwhile. She’s particularly proud of her partnerships with local communities, which ensure that more of the tourist dollar stays within the destination, supporting the people who live there.
Building a Business with Marketing Savvy
Rebecca’s marketing strategy began with her blog, which helped her establish a foundation and grow a loyal following. She has since expanded to include a podcast, where she dives deeper into topics like sustainable travel and vegan-friendly destinations.
Rebecca also uses partnerships, paid advertising, and expert contributions to publications to reach new audiences. However, her secret weapon is email marketing. By capturing emails through her blog and free resources, she maintains a direct line of communication with her audience—a must in an era where social media platforms can change or disappear overnight.
The Role of AI in Travel Planning
During the episode, Stefanie and Rebecca discuss the growing role of AI in travel planning. While tools like ChatGPT can offer basic itineraries, Rebecca points out their limitations. AI lacks the personal touch and up-to-date information that a human travel advisor can provide. “Travel is about connection,” she explains. “AI can’t replicate the experience of sharing a meal with locals or hearing their stories firsthand.”
Vegan Travel Made Easy
For vegan travelers, Rebecca’s services are a game-changer. Veggies Abroad offers custom trip planning, small group tours, and a blog filled with vegan travel guides and restaurant recommendations. From bustling cities like London and Bangkok to more challenging destinations, Rebecca ensures her clients can travel without compromising their ethics or going hungry.
She shares her excitement about upcoming tours, including trips to Iceland, Portugal, and Thailand. Her dedication to curating meaningful experiences, whether through private trips or group tours, is evident in every detail.
Lessons for Conscious Entrepreneurs
Rebecca’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in the ethical and sustainable business space. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to your values, even when it’s challenging. By aligning her passion for veganism, sustainability, and travel, Rebecca has built a business that reflects her ethics and makes a positive impact on the world.
Rebecca’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing your passions and using business as a force for good. Whether you’re a vegan traveler, an eco-conscious explorer, or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, Veggies Abroad is proof that ethical travel is not only possible but also deeply rewarding.
Ready to plan your next adventure? Visit VeggiesAbroad.com and start exploring the world with compassion and care.
