The Matador guide to #Veganuary

At the start of every new year, there are people around the world who resolve to eat less meat — or give it up entirely — to improve their own health or that of the planet. A vegan or vegetarian diet can be part of a philosophy that respects animal life. It can mean refusing to take part in agricultural practices that further harm nature as the planet struggles to survive climate change and global warming.

Whether you just started thinking about eating less meat or you’re a lifelong vegan, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about why plant-based diets are better for the planet and how different cultures have adopted meatless eating. Here, you’ll find stories on the best destinations for vegans and vegetarians to travel to, like Japan with its surprising surge in plant-based restaurants. You’ll learn how to order vegetarian and vegan food in 20 languages, as well as what plant-based meals to eat to keep your energy up on outdoor adventures. Plant-based lifestyles manifest differently all over the world, from Brazil’s rising vegan and vegetarian scene to the Jain community in India, where meatless cuisine is the norm.

Whether your reasons for giving up meat are personal or political, these inspiring and informative stories about plant-based lifestyles will help you travel smarter.