My family and another family are going on vacation for 5 days together but the family is vegan

[Anonymous]

My family is not vegan. How should we handle the meals? Is it okay (not rude) to eat with just my family for some meals? Should we find places to accommodate both families? Can I assume that vegans can find something on the menu to eat at any restaurant? Maybe I am overthinking this.

[Anonymous]

Try to find restaurants that can accomodate both families if you can.

Don't assume that restaurants can find something at any restaurant. Vegetarians usually have 1or 2 options (I am vegetarian) but they might have cheese in them.

I would talk to the other family and come up with a plan.

[Anonymous]

I think advance communication and a plan is key. That includes conferring with my own family, depending on ages, about what they prefer. Then talk with the other family. Can you agree divide dinner responsibilities across nights and agree that so many will be vegan, but maybe 1 night you will make something non vegan and they fill in with something they can eat? Agree to go separate ways sometimes?

[Anonymous]

This is dumb. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. This sounds like you are going to have to think too much the whole time. Cancel.

[Anonymous]

Cancel the trip?

[Anonymous]

Most restaurants will have plenty of vegetable/pasta options. Check the menu ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

I would ask them what they’re thinking

[Anonymous]

You are not overthinking this -- if anything, you were underthinking it when you made vacation plans. It's fixable, though!

Ask them what they want to do about meals -- they may prefer eating in (if that's an option), in which case you can discuss who cooks, what the families like to eat, etc. If you'll be eating in restaurants, they may know all the places with good vegan options, and you can tag along. Or you can agree that you'll have lunch together every day but dinner only twice and breakfast on your own.

But start by asking them what they've found to work best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are not overthinking this -- if anything, you were underthinking it when you made vacation plans. It's fixable, though!

Ask them what they want to do about meals -- they may prefer eating in (if that's an option), in which case you can discuss who cooks, what the families like to eat, etc. If you'll be eating in restaurants, they may know all the places with good vegan options, and you can tag along. Or you can agree that you'll have lunch together every day but dinner only twice and breakfast on your own.

But start by asking them what they've found to work best.

+1 ask them how they usually handle meals on vacation. you can of course opt to eat on your own some of the time if you don't like all their plans.

[Anonymous]

Are your sharing a house? Or going to a hotel with separate rooms?

[Anonymous]

This sounds miserable

[Anonymous]

Just talk in advance. Hey Barb, Looking forward to the trip but I know our eating styles are different. What works best for you? We can each do our own thing, plan some joint meals that would work for all (like a pasta or taco bar)

[Anonymous]

Lots of communication, OP, so there are no misunderstandings or hurt feelings later. Do not assume that every restaurant will have a vegan option or two.

[Anonymous]

This honestly sounds so uncomfortable and a headache to deal with on vacation but hopefully you’re very close to this family!

[Anonymous]

On the bright side, nobody will steal your family’s bacon.