What does it mean to travel ethically?
For Alysa and Jack from Voyaging Herbivores, it means slowing down, reducing your impact, taking meaningful photographs, and leaving every destination a little better than you found it.
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde chats with the couple about sustainable travel, ethical tourism, beautiful travel photography, and what it’s really like building a life around long-term vegan travel.
Whether you’re dreaming of travelling the world or simply hoping to become a more thoughtful traveller, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration.
“Updated for 2026: Some original links from this episode are no longer active, so this post has been refreshed with current information where available.”
Meet Alysa and Jack
Alysa and Jack are the creators of Voyaging Herbivores, a travel project focused on ethical, sustainable, and plant-based adventures.
Originally from the United States and the United Kingdom, they chose a slower style of travel, documenting destinations, photography, and ways to reduce their environmental impact while exploring the world.
Alysa is also a talented photographer whose beautiful travel images have inspired thousands of travellers.
Why Travel Slowly?
One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is slow travel.
Instead of rushing between destinations, Alysa and Jack explain how spending more time in one place helps you connect with local communities, reduce your carbon footprint, and experience destinations more deeply.
Travelling slowly often leads to richer experiences and more meaningful memories.
Ethical Vegan Travel
Ethical vegan travel is about much more than avoiding animal products.
It also means thinking about:
- Supporting local businesses
- Respecting local cultures
- Choosing environmentally responsible experiences
- Reducing waste
- Making thoughtful transport choices
Small decisions can have a positive impact on the places we visit.
Taking Beautiful Travel Photos
One of the highlights of this episode is Alysa’s approach to travel photography.
She explains that great travel photos are rarely about expensive equipment.
Instead, she focuses on:
- Patience
- Natural light
- Planning ahead
- Visiting popular locations at quieter times
- Creating authentic moments instead of staged images
These simple ideas can help anyone improve their travel photography.
Carbon Footprints and Sustainable Travel
Alysa and Jack also discuss their commitment to understanding the environmental impact of their travels.
They talk about carbon emissions, carbon offsetting, and making conscious decisions that reduce their overall footprint.
Rather than aiming for perfection, they encourage travellers to make gradual improvements whenever possible.
Long-Term Travel Tips
If you’re dreaming of travelling for months rather than weeks, Alysa and Jack share advice including:
- Travel more slowly
- Budget carefully
- Stay flexible
- Pack light
- Focus on experiences rather than ticking destinations off a list
Long-term travel is often less about luxury and more about creating a sustainable lifestyle on the road.
Final Thoughts
Ethical vegan travel is not about travelling perfectly.
It is about making thoughtful choices that benefit people, animals, and the environment.
Alysa and Jack remind us that slowing down, respecting local communities, and travelling with intention can make every journey more rewarding.
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Learn More About What We Discuss
- Tours of Bali
- Lake Lovelywater, British Columbia
- MyClimate carbon offsetting
- Clear Café, Bali
- TripIt travel planner
Other World Vegan Travel content connected with this episode
- #3 | Tips on Travelling With Your Vegan Children | Angelica Renee
- #1 | Vegan walking tours in Paris | Vegan Food Tours France
- # 17 | How to be culturally literate when you travel | It’s Bree and Ben
- #16 | Vegan Accommodation Analysis | Anna: My Travel Scrapbook
- # 14 | Sustainable Travel | Brighde Reed
- Top 4 French-Style Vegan Restaurants in Paris
- Tips for Easy Vegan Travel in France
- Overnight Train: Bangkok and Chiang Mai – Zero Waste and Vegan Edition
- Images from our Wildlife Photography Trips
- Vegan Photography Trips in Botswana | Jennifer Hadley and Sharon Doak | Ep 108
- 5 Photography Tips From Jennifer Hadley to Level Up Your Photos
- S3 Ep 1 | Ethical Wildlife Photography | Jennifer Hadley
