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TRAVEL TIPS

Are you a vegetarian?

With a little planning, sticklers for a vegetarian diet need not starve

Vegetarian and travelling abroad? Ask the experienced traveller who has often settled for toast and salad or nibbled on lettuce to keep the hunger pangs at bay.

Mercifully, with vegetarianism catching on big time in the West, finding something nutritious to eat is no longer a hassle. And, even if it is hard to find a vegetarian eatery, a little bit of pre-planning will help you enjoy your holiday without having to go on a forced diet.

The first hurdle most people face is airline travel. If you are a staunch vegetarian, who does not eat egg or animal products (like gelatine) in any form, inform the airline beforehand. Then, they can conjure up a meal of rice and vegetables for you. The problem arises when you inform them just before boarding the flight. Then, you might have to settle for just bread, tofu, yoghurt and cut fruit — a sad start to a holiday.

Once you are on board, choose sensibly from your pre-plated meal. Check with the airhostess in case of doubt. Skip jelly and any pudding, for they most likely will contain gelatine and egg, unless otherwise mentioned. Bread is a definite yes, so are butter and jam, but keep away from mayonnaise, unless it is eggless.

Some airlines don't serve vegetarian meals, but make it up by serving large portions of vegetarian snacks. Grab this lifeline.

Once you land in a foreign country, you can scout for the nearest McDonald's or any other joint offering you veggie fare like French fries and salads. But, you will have to compromise on one front. Don't be particular about eating in a place that serves only vegetarian food; settle for one that serves both types of food. Or, hunt for that elusive eatery that has separate kitchens.

If you are looking for healthy food, then use your resourcefulness to scout for an Indian, Chinese or Italian eatery. If not rice and roti-dal, you can at least tuck into sautéed vegetables, pastas and spaghetti in tomato sauce.

If you are staying in a hotel that offers you complimentary breakfast, opt for corn or wheat flakes with milk, hash potatoes and toast.

However much you plan, meals on a holiday can never come close to home food. To keep your energy levels up, pack along some dry fruits such as almonds, cashew and raisins. Or, buy some cups of instant soup from a store. Heat water in your room, and voila! a cup of nutritious soup is ready.

When booking your hotel, check if they provide refrigerators or microwave ovens in the rooms. Many hotels abroad allow you to use them at a nominal charge. When travelling with kids, it is a blessing to be able to heat soup and warm milk without having to rush out to the restaurant for everything.

Most important, learn to chill.

While travelling, relax your rigid standards a bit. You might have to eat food that you don't like. But, don't let that get to you. After all, a holiday is much more than just food.

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