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It's a complete nightmare: you're hungry, unfamiliar with your surroundings, and all that you can find are burger joints and junk food filled convenience stores. You're a vegetarian or vegan on the go and the longer you search the area for suitable fare to appease your rumbling stomach the more tense the situation becomes. You're tired from a long day of traveling or you're eager to begin your day. Soon arguments break out between traveling companions, a sure sign that you are in need of some food fast. Desperation leads to the nearest bag of chips or an unfulfilling candy bar. Often you end up at a restaurant where you order the pasta without the chicken and pay full price for a tasteless plate of noodles.

The above scenario was a familiar part of our travels to various destinations in North America. From New England to Costa Rica my husband and I have searched for fine vegetarian cuisine and after many negative experiences we have finally worked out a system that ensures we will be able to find three square meals a day wherever we might be visiting.

My number one tip is to stop off at the first grocery store that you see and stock up for the journey. Picking up sandwich fixings, granola bars, and fresh fruit ensures that you will always have a food source at your finger tips or just in the back seat of the car. If possible bring along a cooler so that you can carry perishables. Carrying as much of your own food as you can saves you money and allows you to prepare quick meals while you're on the go.

Stopping off at a deli or sandwich shop is another great way to grab a quick meal. You can often find side salads, fresh fruit, and baked goods. If you're lucky you will find an establishment that has a vegetarian sandwich on their menu. If not most places are more then willing to adapt their sandwiches to leave out the meat or the cheese. Speaking from experience you might have to explain to them more then once why you would want a vegetable sandwich but at least you will be expanding minds.

If you can find a natural food store in the area they can be a great source of a variety of vegetarian or vegan options. Many often have cafes or delis attached where you can grab a fresh sandwich or even a warm entre. Natural food stores are also a great place to find recommendations on a few vegetarian or vegan friendly restaurants in the area. If you talk to some of the helpful employees you are bound to walk away with some great suggestions for your next meal.

My final tip is to do a little research before you set out on the road. Use the Internet to search for restaurants in the area where you will be traveling. Many restaurants post menus on their web sites giving you a chance to select a few safe bets where you will be able to order a meal. From experience Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and India restaurants are all usually very vegetarian and vegan friendly. Many of the dishes offered on their menus feature tofu and beans giving you the protein that you need to keep on traveling down the road.

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