Welcome, fellow foodies,animal advocates, and adventurers
If you dream of exploring new places while traveling in ways that align with your values, you’re in the right place!
Through this soul-driven journey, I’ve found an incredible community of like-minded travelers who embrace ethical, vegan-focused travel. Not just as a way to see the world, but as a reflection of their lifestyle choices. Their passion has inspired me to keep growing, to travel with greater mindfulness, and to recognize both the privilege and responsibility that come with exploring new places. I hope that this space and these adventures inspire you to do the same. To seek joy in the journey, to travel with intention, and to always strive to be a kinder, more conscious presence in the world.
Whether you join me for a group trip or use these resources to plan your own vegan adventure, please know that this is a safe place for everyone—especially women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and anyone who has ever been excluded from certain spaces. You are welcome and protected here, exactly as you are.
About Will Travel for Vegan Food(aka: @wtfveganfood)
From a passion project...
In 2011, I walked away from the conventional 9-to-5 life, got rid of most of my belongings, purchased and renovated a 1996 G20 Chevy “sports” van, and hit the road with one goal: to document my efforts to dine at every fully vegan restaurant in the United States.
What started as a passion project quickly evolved into something much bigger—a journey of self-discovery, community, and redefining what it means to live life on my own terms.
Since then, I’ve visited all 50 states and more than 25 countries, dined at hundreds of vegan eateries, and met wonderful people all over the world.
This adventure led to an unexpected book deal, a deeper appreciation for ethical travel, and the realization that our choices—what we eat, where we go, and how we engage with the world—matter.
Today, I continue to share this passion through storytelling, resources, and guided tours, creating space for others to explore, connect, and embrace a lifestyle rooted in compassion, adventure, and nonconformity.
...to a surprise book deal
One day, an unexpected email landed in my inbox—Vegan Publishers wanted me to be their first signed author. At first, the idea was simple: a coffee table book filled with photos from my van-dwelling journey. But as I started writing, something shifted. This wasn’t just about food—it was about the personal transformation, the people I met, and the experiences that shaped me along the way. So instead of a picture book, it became a memoir.
I spent a year and a half writing Will Travel for Vegan Food, weaving together stories from the road, reflections on my past, and the unexpected lessons I learned while chasing my vegan foodie adventure. When the book was published in the spring of 2015, I hit the road once again—this time on a 27-city book tour. Meeting readers, sharing my story, and seeing how this unusual journey resonated with others was an experience I’ll never forget.
I’d later find a journal entry I’d written a few years earlier, that I wanted to become a published author one day. Who knew this would be the journey that led me there?
...followed by an 8-month-long solo around-the-world trip
In the summer of 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to be one of Vegan Travel’s sponsored travelers.
In exchange for sharing my journey through videos and blog posts, Vegan Travel sponsored three months of travel—allowing its travelers to curate our own itineraries, destinations, flights, and accommodations.
This amazing adventure enabled me to explore Turkey, Greece, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the UAE, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
What started as a three-month-long adventure turned into eight months of solo travel as I continued my journey after the sponsorship ended. Being self-employed allowed me to work remotely, getting a taste of the digital nomad way of life.
You can still find the content I created for Vegan Travel on their website here.
What You’ll Find Here
Welcome, welcome! Whether you’re seeking travel tips, group tours, or a community of compassionate adventurers, Will Travel for Vegan Food is intended for those who love to (or long to) explore the world while living vegan. I’m so glad you’re here!
About Kristin Lajeunesse
My going vegan story
When I was 16 years old, my parents decided to go vegetarian as a family, after my older brother introduced them to the idea. At first, they were worried about his health but, after researching, they realized the benefits of a meat-free diet and wanted the whole family to give it a try. By the time I went to college, my parents had gone fully vegan, though I was still struggling with the idea of giving up dairy.
In 2006, at a veg event in Syracuse, New York, I listened to a presentation by Registered Dietitian George Eisman, who explained how harmful dairy was for both my body and animals. That night, I gave up dairy for good.
A year later, while in grad school in Boston, I joined the Boston Vegan Association, interned at the New England Anti-Vivisection Society, and found myself surrounded by supportive friends who inspired me to embrace veganism not as a diet but as a holistic lifestyle choice. It didn’t take me long to completely fall in love with food, something I didn’t think about too much before becoming vegan.
My parents went on to become founding members of the Capital Region Vegan Network (CRVN), which has been hosting annual vegan events in the Albany, New York area since 2007.
What started with my brother exploring an “alternative diet” turned into a family’s journey of education, community building, and a lifestyle change I wouldn’t trade for anything. And yes, my parents are still vegan (about 22 years now), and as of 2026, it’s been 20 years for me!
How I afford to travel
My journey into full-time, slow travel was initially inspired by those who came before me. People who challenged traditional work models and showed that a different path was possible.
After leaving my last 9-to-5 (literal cubicle) desk job in 2011, I was self-employed for 15 years and strategically designed my work to be location-independent, allowing me to earn a living while traveling.
It wasn’t about perpetual vacation but about creating a lifestyle that balances work, meaningful exploration, and personal growth on my own terms.
In early 2026, I joined the communications team at a wonderful animal welfare organization. Allowing me to use my educational background and practical skills for a cause I believe in, all while feeling supported to continue traveling and planning group tours on my own time. It’s truly been the best of both worlds, and I feel very fortunate to have landed there. 🐯🐻🦁
The transformative power of travel
There are many reasons I value travel to the point that I’ve made it a centerpiece of my lifestyle. More than just a change of scenery—I see it as opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. Whether navigating new places solo or exploring a new city with a community of like-minded people, there are many ways travel can change your life.
Mood booster
Exploring new cultures, environments, and foods can help reset your focus, energy, and attitude.
Confidence builder
Travel builds self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and resilience, especially when navigating cultural differences or language barriers.
Personal Growth
Challenging our often unseen limiting beliefs, travel helps us ask better questions of ourselves.
Inspires Creativity
New experiences can spark creativity, while adapting to different environments sharpens problem-solving skills.
Creates Community
Connecting with fellow travelers and locals fosters new and vibrant relationships in supportive communities.
Reignites Passions
Breaking free from routine can reenergize our sense of adventure, presence, and gratitude.
Most importantly: Travel is a privilege
The ability to travel is a privilege, and I recognize that things like finances, physical mobility, work flexibility, family responsibilities, and passport access can make it more or less accessible for many. As I continue to educate myself and stay informed, I’m committed to being mindful of the privileges I hold as a white person raised in a middle-class family in the U.S. I strive to make sure that my content, resources, and tour opportunities are as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Join the Journey
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