Super summer ideas for all

Sarah Cook recaps some top tips to help you get the most out of your summer as a vegan

Following on from my post last year here is another set of top tips to help you get the most from your summer, including some ideas for how to beat the blues if there is a classic British rainy summertime.

Have a classic picnic

Whether it is just a sandwich and some crisps or a full spread in a hamper, no summer is complete without a picnic. The key to a great one is to have a good range of food that is easy to eat with your hands and doesn’t need a lot of fuss. You just want to grab and go. Some great sandwich fillings that will wow the non-vegans include: tempeh 'tuna' mayo, coronation chickpea or tofu 'egg' mayo. If you buy corn tortillas you can make sure you have a gluten free option. 

If you want something simpler, just grab some vegan cheese like Violife, Sheese or any of the sliced meat alternatives such as VBites from your local wholefood store or large supermarket. And of course you can’t go wrong with classics like cucumber or watercress. You could even try your hand at this carrot 'smoked salmon' recipe – perfect with vegan cream cheese! 

As well as sandwiches, it’s good to have a few other dishes for people to try. My favourite picks are vegan sausage rolls, mini vegan quiches and of course a pot of hummus and some carrot sticks to dip into it. Generally I avoid salads as they can be a bit fiddly to share, but having some raw veg like radishes or some baby tomatoes is great. For afterwards, fresh fruit and soy yoghurt is great, though you can’t beat an adorable vegan cupcake. You could even go Full British and offer scones with jam, strawberries and a vegan cream of your choice (I like using the cream from a can of coconut milk best, but my partner likes to make cashew cream).

Top up your Vitamin D!

Enjoy the summer sunshine responsibly and soak up some vitamin D. Most people can make enough vitamin D from being out in the sun daily for short periods with their forearms, hands or lower legs uncovered and without sunscreen from March to October between 11am to 3pm. However, if you are planning to be out in the summer heat, remember to cover up and use a good sunscreen. You will need at least factor 15. There are lots of great vegan products on the market with new ones arriving all the time. You can also search our Trademarked products for sun care for your skin.

What to do if it rains all the time

Get outside! Even if it’s raining, it will still be warmer than usual and connecting with the environment and the animals in it is very important for vegans. Grab a brolly and go splashing in some puddles. Feed the ducks (remember to feed them peas, veggies or oats and not bread). Head to your nearest wooded area and get under the cover of trees or get down to the beach, grab some chips and enjoy having the pier all to yourself.

If the grey skies are really getting you down you could also cook up a storm in the kitchen and have a carpet picnic inside instead. 

Finally, get out and join in the fun at some of the great vegan events happening around the country this summer.

Going abroad? 

We’re super pleased with our Vegan Passport, so grab yourself a copy from our shop, or download the phone app. This will help you navigate menus, conversations and get the most out of your trip abroad. If you are still planning where to go, have a look at The Essential Vegan Travel Guide for inspiration, while online vegan travel blogs are also a treasure-trove of useful information. There are plenty of specifically vegan offerings for trips and travel, including vegan backpacking groups, vegan B&Bs and vegan tours. 

For more tips on travelling abroad, check out our travel section.

By Sarah Cook

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