Traveling as a vegan can already take extra planning. Traveling with severe food allergies adds another layer of care. In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, we speak with Karine Lang, a travel planner who helps vegans — including those with life‑threatening allergies — travel safely, confidently, and joyfully.
Karine shares why Costa Rica keeps calling her back year after year, what makes it such a welcoming destination for vegan and allergy‑friendly travelers, and how she designs trips where the hard work is already done for you.
Meet Karine Lang
Karine Lang is the founder of Lang Signature Travel and has more than 20 years of experience in professional event planning. She now uses those skills to plan thoughtful, well‑organized travel experiences — especially for vegans and people with serious food allergies.
Karine lives with a life‑threatening allergy to sunflower products, something that is surprisingly common in vegan food. Because of this, she understands just how stressful eating while traveling can feel. She also travels with her allergy‑alert service dog, Elton, who helps keep her safe on the road.
Her goal is simple: make travel feel easy, personal, and safe, so travelers can relax and enjoy the experience.
Why Costa Rica Is a Dream Destination for Vegans
Costa Rica is one of Karine’s favorite places in the world — and for good reason.
Here’s why it works so well for vegan travelers:
- People generally understand what “vegan” means
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are available everywhere
- Beans, rice, plantains, and tropical produce are daily staples
- Sustainability and nature protection are deeply valued
Karine explains that Costa Rica feels especially refreshing for travelers coming from colder climates, where fresh fruit options can be limited for much of the year.
A Vegan‑Friendly Country That Loves Nature
Costa Rica is famous for its wildlife, rainforests, beaches, and national parks. Hunting is illegal, and conservation is part of daily life. This makes the country a natural fit for travelers who care about animals and the environment.
Karine shares her love for Manuel Antonio, a coastal area known for:
- Easy access from San José airport
- Walkable beaches
- Abundant wildlife like sloths and monkeys
- Manuel Antonio National Park, which combines jungle trails and a stunning beach
Traveling Safely With Severe Food Allergies
One of the most important parts of this conversation is Karine’s honest look at traveling with severe allergies.
She explains that staying safe means:
- Researching restaurants well in advance
- Contacting restaurants before arriving
- Communicating clearly and more than once
- Carrying allergy cards in the local language
Karine reminds listeners that clear communication saves lives — and that it’s okay to ask questions multiple times until you feel confident.
Her service dog, Elton, adds an extra layer of safety by detecting traces of allergens in food before she eats it.
Where You Stay Matters: Accommodation Options in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations, making it ideal for different travel styles and budgets.
Karine talks about:
- Eco‑lodges that feel like treehouses in the rainforest
- Boutique hotels near beaches and towns
- Private villas with kitchens and pools for families or groups
Unlike traditional all‑inclusive resorts, many Costa Rican stays allow travelers to connect more deeply with nature and local culture.
Food, Chocolate, and Coffee Experiences
Food experiences are a highlight of any trip — and Costa Rica delivers.
Karine especially loves:
- Coffee farm tours
- Chocolate tours that explain how cacao is grown and processed
- Learning where food comes from and how it’s made
Many of these experiences are naturally vegan and easy to adapt for allergy‑friendly travelers.
Vegan Group Trip to Costa Rica
Karine is hosting a vegan group trip to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, designed to take all the stress out of planning.
On this trip:
- You only book your flight
- Accommodations, activities, and meals are arranged
- Vegan food is carefully planned
- Allergy safety is taken seriously
👉You can learn more about this trip here
Listen to the Episode
This episode is perfect for:
- Vegans who love to travel
- Travelers with food allergies
- Families, solo travelers, and couples
- Anyone curious about Costa Rica
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Happy and compassionate travels 🌱✈️
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Why Costa Rica is a welcoming destination for vegan and allergy-friendly travel
- How to travel safely with severe food allergies, including planning and communication tips
- What makes Manuel Antonio a great choice for vegan travelers and nature lovers
- The importance of choosing the right accommodations when traveling with dietary needs
- How vegan group trips can make travel easier, safer, and less stressful
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- Vegan Budget Travel with Calen Otto | 200th Episode
- Best Vegan City Food Tours – North America (US, Canada, and Mexico)
