Worrying about compromising your meat-free ethics when you hit the road? Never fear, just book accommodations at vegetarian-friendly hostels like these on the Veg Out! page at HostelBookers.com, the budget travel specialists, where you can make new friends who share your gentle approach to living.
Sir Toby’s Hostel – Prague, Czech Republic
You know you’re in the right place when you’re ushered into the traditional pub in the cellar of Sir Toby’s and presented with a complimentary beer upon arrival. The Art Nouveau building’s inspired décor creates a “we are all family” ambience that’s nurtured by communal vegetarian dining events like free crepes night or, in nice weather, an outdoor grill on their internet café patio. Your hearty meat-free breakfast is on the house, too, and you can concoct your own meals and snacks in their beautifully equipped communal kitchen. Colorfully crafted dorm rooms have comfy beds with fluffy pillows, soft linens and roll-away lockers along with super-fast Wi-Fi. Ask the friendly staff for their customized maps and walk or take the tram to historic Strossmayer Square to gawk at the 100-spired Church of St. Anthony of Padua, explore museums and ogle the art at the Strossmayer Gallery of Old Masters. You’re also in the same neighborhood as Pier 22 where they serve authentic borscht and Prague’s trendy bar Mecca.
Kadir’s Tree House – Olympos, Turkey
Imagine sleeping in the trees without sacrificing your creature comforts at this jungle-style village nestled in the enchanted Olympos Valley along the Turkish coast. If you prefer to “go native,” pick a campsite under the trees or if you relish air-conditioned comfort, choose the tidy bungalows with modern private bathrooms. Enjoy a hot meat-less buffet breakfast, a vegetarian and seafood buffet for dinner or stop by their real “pizza hut” for takeout. After dark you can join in the fun at their rocking night club, swap stories around the fire pit or take the evening bus up to Mount Olympos to hike to the Eternal Flames of the Chimera.
Nomad Guesthouse and Café – Lijiang, China
Experience an authentic Tibetan welcome at this reincarnation of famed Lhasa establishment of the same name that maintains the commitment to excellent lodgings for backpackers at a fair price. Expect to dine on delicious buffets featuring vegan and vegetarian dishes offered in a communal atmosphere that promotes new friendships. Laundry facilities and bike rentals are available and you can contemplate your navel in the “Dharma Hall” or ask the friendly English-speaking owner, Peter, to help you arrange to travel by bus to the Tiger Leaping Gorge (one of the world’s deepest canyons) or arrange a driver to admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains, home to the peaceful Nakhi tribes.
Hotel Na Balam – Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Kick way back at this affordable “slice of heaven” on a tropical island just 20 minutes (by boat) from Cancun with beautifully maintained jungle-style accommodations surrounded by the warm waters of the Mexican Riviera. Start your heavenly day with a complimentary Continental breakfast followed by a gentle Yoga class to relax your body and mind so you can cheerfully bliss out around the landscaped swimming pool, sip natural fruit juices at the Palapa Bar or just contemplate the gorgeous ocean views. As evening falls, enjoy vegetarian fusion cuisine at their romantic Zazil Ha restaurant and celebrate life with some lively dancing in their nightclub followed by a serene walk along the moonlit beach. Visit the island’s Turtle Farm where you can volunteer to help release baby turtles every fall.
