TORONTO — Veganism is on the rise, and in response Intrepid Travel has launched three new tours that highlight vegan food culture in India, Italy and Thailand.

Departing in 2019, the new tours 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 delicious plant-based food experiences in their respective locales and include insider tips on where to find the best vegan eats.

According to new research by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois at Dalhousie University, 7.1% of Canadians now consider themselves vegetarian, while 2.3% identify themselves as vegans. British Columbians are at the forefront of the movement, with the 2018 research showing that nearly 40% of British Columbians 35 years old and under say they follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

It’s no surprise then that the travel industry is experiencing a boom in food tours and culinary experiences. Intrepid Travel noted a record 28% growth in North American bookings on its food-themed trips last year.

“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 & Product Manager, Food Tours, Intrepid Travel.

Intrepid Travel’s new vegan tours are as follows:

• 
  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 travellers. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

For more information go to https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vegan-food-adventures.