We at V-Land UK sought out the best vegan restaurants in Vienna, or at the very least, places which could accommodate vegans - we also came across a host of delightful cafés and even a vegan ice cream parlour.&nbsp; Vienna is well-known for its culture: fine arts, architecture, classical music and museums. Traditionally, Vienna’s most famous culinary attractions include the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake delicacy, and schnitzel, a traditional dish of a fried breaded slice of thin meat. Since the rise of Vienna's vegan scene, there are many fantastic restaurants and cafés catering for all tastes. From vegan burgers to vegan ice cream, here’s where to go if you are ever in town! It is often said that the first meal of the day is the most important. And you’re in luck because a vegan breakfast in Vienna is easy to find. If you like plants and architecture, you will love <a href="https://www.palmenhaus.at/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Palmenhaus Brasserie</a> - a magnificent greenhouse in the city centre overlooking the Burggarten gardens. Open daily from breakfast until late, it is the place to be. The vegan menu offers a wide selection from breads to homemade jams paired with vegan butter, muesli with vegan yoghurt or freshly squeezed juices. They also offer&nbsp;vegan cakes, like the famous Austrian apple strudel. Getting a table outside is highly recommended to enjoy the views but beware of the bees! If you find yourself in the hip neighbourhood of Neubau, stop by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dascafewien/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Das Café</a> - once a furniture shop - to have a midday coffee or a vegan brunch. The relaxed atmosphere and their mismatched furniture will welcome you into the space. Usually frequented by people working or studying, you can get a feel of what the locals do in their day-to-day lives. You can snack on their hummus and raw veggies plate or order their vegan curry. After your break, you can explore the neighbourhood and find the coolest vintage and design shops.&nbsp; If you love a good vegan ice cream, you should visit <a href="https://instagram.com/gelaterialaromana?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">La Romana</a>, also in Neubau. They offer a long list of vegan flavours and hit that perfect gelato texture. If you become a fan of them, fret not, they have locations all around the world. If you fancy trying out another ice cream spot, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/veganistaicecream/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veganista</a> comes highly recommended and they too have multiple shops in the city. <a href="https://instagram.com/veggiezz_official?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Veggiezz</a> is a fully vegan restaurant in Vienna that you should try out. Also with different spots in the city, they offer a very diverse menu of soupzz, rollzz, wrapzz or bowlzz, among others. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1678975139/Image_1_37_pic_2_e1f2785e3c.png" alt="Vegan Buddha bowl full of mixed veg; salad; vegan meat, coriander etc.">Lucía Vázquez Carballo Also on our recommendation list, hit <a href="https://www.instagram.com/swing_kitchen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Swing Kitchen</a> for the best vegan burgers in Vienna: A chain of vegan restaurants where you can try out the vegan version of the Austrian Schnitzel. Our top picks are the Vienna Burger which comes with a crunchy vegan schnitzel patty, fresh salad, cucumber and a garlic sauce with chives and the Bavarian Burger, also with a schnitzel patty, savoury vegan bacon, pickles, red onion and lemon mayonnaise inside a pretzel roll. Their combo includes fries and a drink from their own soda fountain for an affordable price. As well as onion rings and sides, they also offer mouthwatering desserts like vegan tiramisu or vegan cheesecake. It surely sounds like an unmissable stop, doesn’t it? If you are in Germany or Switzerland, check them out - they have restaurants there too! On a last note, don’t miss taking a stroll around Naschmarkt: Vienna’s best-known market has around 120 market stands and restaurants from all sorts of cuisines. A jam-packed place where the locals meet and tuck into a wide range of food from falafel to fresh produce and vegan desserts like baklava and other delights! We hope we have whet your appetite for vegan travel with some of our favourite vegan-friendly go-tos in Vienna. If we have, why not check out our <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/vegan-travel-is-winter-the-best-time-to-visit-prague" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">experiences as vegans in Prague</a> or if you prefer a staycation we compiled the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/edinburgh-and-glasgow-s-best-vegan-food" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">ultimate guide to Edinburgh and Glasgow’s top vegan food</a>.&nbsp;

A spread of vegan brunch items: bread; granola with mixed fruit; jams etc. on a blue table cloth

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Top vegan restaurants in Vienna and other unmissable spots


From staycations to trips further afield, at V-Land UK, we love to travel. One city we were fortunate to visit several years ago during summer was Prague and we recently had the opportunity to return. This historic city is nestled in the heart of Europe and it is the capital of the Czech Republic.&nbsp; <h2>What to do in Prague</h2>With its rich architecture, it is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year and there is plenty to keep you enthralled. You will want to visit <a href="https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Prague Castle</a> and the breathtaking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Vitus_Cathedral" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">St. Vitus Cathedral</a> within its grounds. A wander across the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Charles Bridge</a> is a must. And don’t forget to stop and touch the Statue of John of Nepomuk, as to do so, is said to bring good fortune. Finally, the hourly "The Walk of the Apostles" at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_astronomical_clock" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">astronomical clock</a> in the Old Town Square is a performance worth catching.&nbsp; <h2>What to do in Prague in winter</h2>Our return visit was in winter and we found there to be many more themed activities to keep you entertained. This, for some, would surely make it the best time of the year to visit Prague. During late November, December and Early January, you can hardly turn a corner without stumbling upon a Christmas market. Two of the best markets can be found at the aforementioned Prague Castle and the Old Town Square.&nbsp; Another popular activity in the city at this time of year is outdoor ice skating and there are many pop-up locations to choose from. This presents the opportunity to skate under the tallest building in Prague at the <a href="https://towerpark.cz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Zizkov TV Tower</a>. What a thrill. Running at a similar time to the Christmas markets is a relatively new festive tradition - the Christmas trams. A fleet of these vehicles are decked out with lights and decorations that can be viewed or ridden as they weave their way through the city streets. This, without doubt, adds a touch of magic to the darker winter evenings. Like most large cities there are plenty of vegan options, but the extent of choice may come as a surprise. Throughout the city you can find numerous restaurants, cafes, bakeries, <a href="https://www.worldvegan.cz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">a mini supermarket</a> and even a <a href="https://deniteckuje.cz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">tattooist specialising in floral prints</a>. It certainly punches above its weight. So, to make it a little easier for you, here are our top picks. <h2>Hotel</h2>A vegan hotel is not the norm when travelling but Prague has one. The <a href="https://www.salvatorboutique.cz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Salvator Boutique Hotel</a> is situated in the heart of the city. This means you will not need to go very far when venturing to the main attractions. It has 38 designer rooms, of varying sizes to fit most needs, and all have a comfortable, contemporary feel. On the ground floor, is their restaurant, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paloverdebistro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Palo Verde Bistro</a>. This vegan eatery is Happy Cow top-rated, and it is easy to see why. It serves breakfast staples like oatmeal, waffles and scrambled tofu from 8:00 to 10:00. For the more adventurous of us there is kimchi ‘omelette’ or pea guacamole toast. The latter, a creative spin on the less environmentally friendly avocado. Surely a win. Do return for dinner though. Their lasagne bolognese is the perfect hearty dish for a winter evening. And don’t miss out on sampling a cheeky cocktail or one of their many desserts, tantalisingly displayed in glass casing for all to see.&nbsp; <h2>Bar</h2>If you just want to focus on drinks and nibbles then <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gingerprague/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">bar GINGER</a> has a lot going for it. It is an intimate venue with a cool and vibrant feel. Plant-based snacks are served alongside cocktails, draught beer and wine. Sunday and early week make for a more relaxed visit, whereas it can get quite lively on a Saturday evening. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1670546429/Image_1_731e9fb573.png" alt="vegan bar GINGER in Prague">Mark Flood <h2>Restaurants</h2>There is plenty of vegan food to sample in Prague so you will certainly not go hungry.&nbsp; Another Happy Cow top-rated restaurant, and V-Land favourite, is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forrest_bistro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Forrest Bistro</a>. They offer veganised Czech and Asian cuisine alongside coffee and cakes. With friendly staff and a chilled atmosphere you could easily return every day for lunch to sample the rotating menu. If you are a lover of noodles, then you must not miss the opportunity to devour the hot and sour flavours of their Tom Yum. There are many sweet treats like puff pastry cream cake or chai chocolate truffle to tempt you, so do leave room for savouring such indulgences.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vegansprague/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Vegan's Prague</a> has one of the most unique settings as it is housed in a 16th century building, close to the city’s castle. The tastefully renovated attic space also has an outside terrace with a view overlooking the surrounding buildings. It serves home-style Czech and international cuisine ranging from dumplings to salad to burgers. Something for everyone. To sample the most vibrant and healthy food in Prague, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lifehouse_bistro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Lifehouse Bistro</a> is a must. Their food is natural, 100% plant-based and freshly prepared in their very own kitchen. Boost your vitamin and mineral intake with dishes like Greek salad with almond feta, nut cheese topped sourdough or raw banana cake. Their exquisite plant milkshakes, smoothies and hot drinks simply amplify the wholesome eats on offer. You will leave both satiated and rejuvenated. So, to conclude, the best time to visit Prague is during whatever season you decide to go - winter, spring, summer or autumn. There is so much to do and so much to eat, it really doesn’t matter. For more travelling reviews you might like to see what we thought of our visit to the theatre spectacle that is the <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/edinburgh-festival-fringe-through-a-vegan-lens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Edinburgh Festival Fringe</a> last August. Or there was the time we stumbled across <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/a-vegan-dish-with-a-difference-eggs-benedict-anyone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">a vegan dish with a difference</a> on our way to Cornwall.&nbsp;

City of Prague lit up with multicoloured lights

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Vegan travel: Is winter the best time to visit Prague?

On a recent trip to Scotland – we were warmly welcomed by not only the beautiful Scottish landscape and friendly locals, but also the range of vegan food just on our doorstep. We began our trip in Edinburgh spending time with family, which meant finding places that catered well for vegans, non-vegans and kids. Some of our favourite Edinborough vegan discoveries were… <h2>Naked Bakery</h2><a href="https://www.instagram.com/naked_bakery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Naked Bakery</a> is a vegan gem tucked away in the beautiful cobbled streets, just under a ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street. Stepping into the cafe, you’re greeted by neon lights, flower walls and vibrantly intricate vegan cupcakes that you’ll want to post all over Instagram immediately. There are tonnes of sweet and savoury options, from waffles to burgers to cakes and smoothie bowls – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Since <a href="https://www.nakedbakery.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Naked Bakery</a> specialises in incredibly arty cakes, it felt rude not to try one. Between us, we ordered the white chocolate blondie cake, carrot cake, ‘chicken’ &amp; ‘bacon’ waffles and a ‘cheese’ toastie. The vibrant pink waffles were a feast for the eyes and included some cult favourite meat-free alternatives from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/this.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">This</a>. But the cakes really were the star of the show, extremely generous portions, super moist and a real variety of unique flavours to choose from - they’re truly some of the best vegan cakes we’ve tried. This place is certainly a must for Edinburgh vegans, we can’t wait for our next visit to try even more from their menu. <h2>The Dome</h2>If you’re after a spot of fine dining or have a special occasion to celebrate, then <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedomeedinburgh/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Dome</a><a href="https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a>is the place to go for some out of this world Edinborough vegan food. We dined in the Grill room, which is so incredibly ornate and grand, you’ll feel like a princess. They cater for a range of diets including gluten-free, dairy-free and kids, and whilst their vegan options are limited, they certainly don’t scrimp on flavour or experience.&nbsp; For starters, we enjoyed the spiced sweet potato cakes, served with cucumber salsa and a chilli and mango dressing, which was sweet and perfectly zingy. As for the main, they served a seared cauliflower steak with curried chickpea stew, topped with pickled red onions. You really can’t go wrong with a vegan curry, and everything here tasted so fresh and flavoursome, each bite was a culinary experience. And finally, the dessert, a warm chocolate brownie served with coconut ice cream and caramelised mango, and some salted caramel ice cream – delicious!&nbsp; A lot of vegan options in non-vegan restaurants tend to resort to a vegan burger or similar, so dining at <a href="https://www.thedomeedinburgh.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">The Dome</a> felt like a real treat, tucking into a carefully considered meal that highlights the diversity of the humble vegetable. It may not be an everyday go-to, but it’s certainly up there as one of our favourite fancy vegan dinners. <h2>Dishoom</h2>With every location you visit,<a href="https://www.dishoom.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dishoom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Dishoom</a> is always a unique experience but still offers that homely, hearty vibe, and the vegan options are truly incredible. So we were excited to share the experience with our family at Dishoom’s Edinburgh location. First up, we ordered the okra fries, which are always a must-have at <a href="https://www.dishoom.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 172, 72); background-color: transparent;">Dishoom</a>. We also tried the slightly charred gunpowder potatoes, which paired perfectly together with the chole chawal. This chickpea dish was super rich and spicy, certainly not for the faint hearted. This was served with a side of rice and sweet halwa, which was an entirely new flavour for us and really helped balance the spice: it reminded us of the filling of a peshwari naan – so yummy! Overall, Dishoom is a great option for dining with larger groups, as you can order a bunch of small plates to share around and try something new every time.&nbsp; Next up, we headed to Glasgow to spend some time with friends. With Glasgow in particular being renowned for its vegan community and eateries, we were really excited to try a couple of their most recommended places… <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1658311195/Image_1_8_9227e3c6d5.png" alt="Image 1(8).png">Mario Guti/Getty Images via Canva Pro <h2>Puti Vegan Cafe</h2><a href="https://putivegancafe.business.site" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Puti Vegan Cafe</a> was<a href="https://www.happycow.net/best-vegan-restaurants/glasgow-scotland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.happycow.net/best-vegan-restaurants/glasgow-scotland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">top of the list</a> of vegan places in Glasgow, and for good reason. They offer a range of Pan-Asian dishes created with mock meats and tofu, and honestly, this has to be some of the best vegan food we’ve had.&nbsp; We ordered the salt &amp; pepper chips, mixed veg with sweet &amp; sour sauce, vegan chicken satay on skewers and bibimbap with vegan beef, all of which were incredibly flavoursome. The portion sizes were so generous, and could even be shared between a few people if you wanted to try more from the menu. What really stood out to us was the meat-free alternatives they offered with their dishes, the ‘chicken’ satay skewers were so crispy and realistic in texture, and the bibimbap ‘beef’ dish was so tasty offering something really different from our usual mock meat ‘go-to’s’. Everything was just as you’d hope from your favourite Pan-Asian dishes, without leaving that heavy feeling. The location was just a fifteen minute walk from the city centre, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Our Glaswegian friends (who have a typically veggie/meat-eating diet) couldn’t wait to go back and share it with more of their friends – we wish they had a restaurant in England. We finished the night off at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/abandonshipbar/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Abandon Ship Bar</a>, which we also recommend for delicious cocktails, great vibes and really cool interiors. <h2>The Glasvegan</h2>Another top recommendation for Glasgow vegan food is aptly named, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/theglasveganglasgow/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">The Glasvegan</a>. We were so excited to try this place after seeing their range of vegan pancakes on Instagram.&nbsp; We ordered the death by chocolate pancakes which were irresistibly sweet. They were American-style, fluffy, filling pancakes, covered in a sweet chocolate drizzle and whipped cream: the clue is in the name, we have such a sweet tooth but this did, actually, nearly kill us off. As much as we loved these we would probably go for something savoury and a milkshake next time. We also tried the breakfast roll with square sausage and a potato scone – so quintessentially Scottish and a really satisfying brekkie. They offer a great range of breakfast and lunch options – including a gluten-free menu – as well as a milkshake or smoothie to suit any mood. We can’t wait to visit again and try some of their ice cream milkshakes, which sound to die for. <h2>Ramen Dayo!</h2>With our friend’s recommendation, we headed to Glasgow’s west end to check out the museums, more Glasgow vegan food and <a href="http://www.istagram.com/ramendayo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Ramen Dayo!</a> The perfect place to duck into on a rainy day if you’re after a bowl of rich, heartwarming ramen. Although very unassuming from the outside, stepping into <a href="https://ramendayo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Ramen Dayo!</a> feels like stepping straight into a traditional Japanese eatery. It’s an intimate, incredibly atmospheric place decked out with the most beautiful Japanese decor and memorabilia.&nbsp; We ordered the steamed vegetable gyoza dumplings to start, which were so tasty and moist, along with the togarashi fries. For mains, we had the tantanmen ramen with textured vegetable protein and the shiitake and porcini ramen. The tantanmen was especially creamy with a slight kick, and the vegetable protein was so meat-like that it even comes with a warning on the menu. The shiitake ramen was bursting with delicious umami flavours and a plethora of textures from the assortment of mushrooms. And if ramen isn’t your thing, they have lots of other options for both vegans and non-vegans, from katsu curry to donburi dishes, so it’s the perfect place to visit with friends. Just make sure to book ahead, this place is incredibly popular!&nbsp; We absolutely loved our visit to Scotland and discovering some of the best vegan food there is to try. At V-Land, we love to travel and share our UK vegan discoveries with you along the way - check out <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/brighton-businesses-supporting-the-lgbtqia-and-vegan-community-through-brighton-pride-and-beyond" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">Brighton businesses supporting the vegan community</a> and <a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/where-to-eat-in-camden-top-5-vegan-hotspots" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(75, 172, 72);">top places to eat in Camden</a> if you’re visiting London.

Cups of coffee on a table with cutlery and a piece of cake on a plate

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Edinburgh and Glasgow's best vegan food

Animal tourism is a much debated and, at times, controversial topic. Although there is increasing awareness and respect for animal rights, many tourist activities are still considered ethical by participants, yet the reality in most cases is that animals remain exploited for profit. When travelling, what we can do to help the problem is to be careful to avoid these types of activities, and instead, support those that allow us to get closer to the animal world without altering its balance. But how do we recognise which activities are ethical and which are not? In most cases, it’s best to use common sense, and as consumers, we must not be afraid to ask direct questions regarding the care and wellbeing of the animal in front of us. But to better take stock of the situation, below we have a look and compare the opinions of two associations aimed at respecting animal rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peta.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 185, 102); background-color: transparent;">PETA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bornfree.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 185, 102); background-color: transparent;">Born Free</a>. <h2>Aquariums, zoos and circuses</h2>No zoo or aquarium can replicate the natural habitat of a wild and free animal, and in some facilities animals are forced to learn unnatural behaviours to entertain an audience, although this is most commonplace within circuses. It is for this reason that aquariums, zoos and circuses are on the list of activities to avoid for tourists for both&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/peta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 185, 102); background-color: transparent;">PETA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instagram.com/bornfreefoundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 185, 102); background-color: transparent;">Born Free</a>. Wild animals travel hundreds of miles a day, and forcing them to spend their lives locked in a cage or tank is unnatural and cruel. Many animals suffer from stress, and a large number end up dying prematurely due to unsuitable living conditions. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/v-land/image/upload/v1661881683/Image_1e_ec2e1e6a49.png" alt="small monkey pressing against the glass enclosure with its hands and a person doing the same"><a href="https://stock.adobe.com/uk/images/monkey-playing-with-toddler-girl/94354725?prev_url=detail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 185, 102);">Adobe Stock</a> <h2>Animal rides</h2>Animal rides are considered differently depending on the animal involved. While PETA recommends avoiding any type of animal riding (including horses, especially when used to pull carriages in urban sites), for Born Free only riding an elephant is unethical. So what about animals like camels? This tends to be a grey area in the world of animal rights, but let’s see why.&nbsp; After various accidents to people who had decided to ride an elephant, these animals were finally declared illegal to ride. This is because elephants are wild animals, which should not be domesticated and forced to live among humans, nor carry them on their backs. This is different in the case of camels, which are considered to many as the ‘ships of the desert’. Today camels are mostly domestic animals, accustomed to humans and in some cases, in need of them. Born Free has stated that there is no evidence suggesting that camel riding is harmful to the animal, suggesting that riding a camel can be acceptable, if the animal is willing and not abused or exploited. It is good, though, that before proceeding with the activity the tourist makes sure that the animal is first of all in its habitat, the desert; second, that it does not appear undernourished, abused, ill; that the owner speaks kindly to the animal when giving orders, rather than using abrupt or violent gestures. <h2>Swimming with dolphins and visiting dolphinariums</h2>On this both PETA and Born Free are of the same opinion; swimming with dolphins is wrong, as is visiting a dolphinarium. Although dolphins may seem like ‘smiling’ animals, this does not mean that they are happy to spend their lives in a pool instead of the ocean. If you are a lover of these animals, the most ethical alternative you have to admire them is to try to spot them in the open sea during a dolphin watching excursion. This type of activity does not guarantee sighting, but if you are lucky enough you will be able to spot these beautiful creatures live, in their habitat, living happily, wild and free. <h2>Other animal encounters</h2>Among other activities not recommended by the two associations are encounters and selfies with baby tigers (blacklisted by both PETA and Born Free). These cubs, often seen as ‘big cats’, have most of the time been separated from their mothers too early, and eradicated from their natural habitat. Let’s avoid giving money to those who perpetuate this type of business, no matter how cute an orphaned cub may look in a selfie. Born Free also condemns other types of encounters, such as those with reptiles, primates and birds, although they make exceptions, especially with regard to birds, in cases where the animals are farmed, born and raised in captivity and unable to survive without humans. Although, there are also cases in which the bird is captured as an adult, and pinioned (surgical removal of the end joint of the wing) to prevent flight. As in the case of camels, if you want to go ahead with these activities, it is always good to ask the owner as many questions as possible, and try to realise what are the real conditions in which the animal lives, or to avoid completely, and opt to try and spot them whilst sightseeing instead. <h2>Safaris</h2>Safaris are certainly the best way to get to know and approach the animal world without disturbing it. One of the reasons, other than the cost, why safaris are still not as popular today as zoos or aquariums is probably that you cannot be sure of spotting all the animals during the activity. Being free in nature, as they should, it will be the animal’s discretion whether they want to be seen or not. Even here, however, it is good to avoid the type of safari where the tour guide is so insistent as to get too close to the animals to please the tourist, or even to feed them in the attempt to attract them close to the vehicle. Humans should limit themselves to observing, without interacting with the interplay of animals’ lives. If you are an animal lover, another activity that you may not know and which you may be interested in is visiting a sanctuary. To learn more about what a sanctuary is, read our article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.v-landuk.com/article/how-sanctuaries-affirm-a-vegan-life" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(102, 185, 102);">how sanctuaries affirm a vegan life</a>.

Safari scene in which a car drives through a savannah scene.

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