The World Vegan Travel Podcast
The World Vegan Travel Podcast
Vegan in Vegas | Heat, Shows, and Shockingly Good Nachos
Think Vegas isn’t vegan-friendly? Think again. In this episode, Brighde shares her honest and entertaining travel diary from a six-day summer trip to Las Vegas—complete with plant-based nachos, world-class shows, and practical tips for navigating the city’s chaos with compassion and ease. From jaw-dropping entertainment like Cirque du Soleil to high-end vegan dining and unexpected pitfalls (hello, surprise Caesar salad), this guide is packed with insights for anyone planning a Vegas trip with their values in mind. Whether you’re here for the food, the flair, or the festivities—this episode has you covered.
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Welcome to The World Vegan Travel Podcast, where we explore the world through a vegan lens. I am Brighde, co-founder of World Vegan Travel Tours. Our mission is to inspire and guide you on how to explore the world as a vegan.
We bring you a diverse range of episodes, from sharing our personal vegan travel experiences to showcasing the journeys of others. We also conduct interviews with passionate individuals and organizations who are dedicated to promoting veganism and protecting the rights of animals, both human and non-human, in travel destinations across the globe.
Get ready to be inspired to embark on your own vegan travel adventure with us. Let's dive right in!
Today’s episode is part travel diary, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide for anyone curious about visiting Las Vegas as a vegan traveler.
Now I’ll be honest—Vegas was never high on my travel wishlist for a return visit (I went for a couple of nights 13 years ago where I had a little taste of it). The experience I had was good, but I didn’t really want to go back . But Seb and I were invited to a wedding of a dear friend that turned out to be one of the most joyful, sparkly, and surprisingly delicious trips we’ve done in a while. So today, I’m taking you with me: from swanky rooftop bars and absurd immersive art installations to plant-based buffets and sweaty monorail rides.
We’ll start with a story-style recap of the trip—what we did each day, where we ate, what worked and what didn’t—and then wrap up with practical tips, my hot takes about Vegas, and strategies for making Vegas work if you're vegan having spent a week in Vegas..
Let’s dive in.
We flew to Vegas on the 6th or so of July - not the best time of year to go weather wise.
We had a direct flight and we flew into Vegas in the evening, arriving around midnight. We breezed through baggage claim (thanks to pre-cleared customs in Vancouver) and checked into the W Hotel, which is part of the Mandalay Bay complex..
💍 Day 2 – Nachos, Bachelorettes & the Best Kind of Vegas Mischief
Day two in Vegas was where the real fun began. It was also the perfect example of how, with a little planning, a vegan traveler can eat well, celebrate big, and still feel like they’re part of the action—without compromising values or flavor.
We started the day bright and early, meeting up with friends—Maija, Eddie, Adrienne, Kevin—for breakfast. A bit of backstory: this entire Vegas adventure revolved around Maija and Eddie’s second wedding. They’d already had a magical ceremony in Rovaniemi, Finland, but wanted something playful and iconic to complement the Arctic Circle romance.
Vegas, naturally, was the perfect opposite—and the perfect excuse for a reunion with old friends and honestly, I am so pleased we decided to go to this one, rather than the Finland one if I had to choose.
After breakfast, we went back to the hotel for a short reset—and to gather our bag of tricks for the afternoon’s surprise: a mini bachelorette party for Maija.
🥑 Lunch at Nacho Daddy — Vegan Menu Goldmine
Before the festivities could begin, we needed to fuel up. Enter Nacho Daddy, just on the Strip—a spot that’s quickly become a Vegas must-do for vegan visitors.
Let me just say: if you love Mexican food, and especially if you’re in a group of mixed eaters, this place is gold. They have an enormous vegan menu, and I’m not just talking about “we can leave the cheese off.” I mean full-on thoughtful vegan dishes.
Seb ordered vegan fajitas—sizzling peppers and onions, warm tortillas, guac, black beans—the whole spread. I went for the tempura avocado tacos, which were crispy, creamy, and totally indulgent with a side of black beans and . It’s a great example of a place that balances flavor with inclusivity. The servers were knowledgeable and took care when confirming dietary preferences.
Tip: If you’re headed to Nacho Daddy, go hungry. Portion sizes are huge and very shareable—so consider splitting if you’ve got plans later.
👑 The Bachelorette: Sparkles, Scavenger Hunts & Speakeasy Magic
Now, onto one of my favorite parts of the entire trip: Maija’s mini bachelorette adventure.
We surprised her with a gift bag including all the Vegas essentials: a sparkly tiara, a tongue-in-cheek “Bride-to-Be” sash, and most importantly—a custom scavenger hunt full of playful dares and cheeky missions to complete around the Strip that we would try to do after the dinner..
These included:
Getting strangers to pose in silly photos
Finding an Elvis impersonator
Snapping a jackpot slot machine selfie
It was the kind of night that leaned into Vegas kitsch in the most joyful way and actually, I will add a link to the shownotes for the Canva project that we created incase you ever need ideas for a Bachelorette party
Our first stop was the 1923 Prohibition Bar, a speakeasy hidden away inside the Venetian. Velvet chairs, jazz music, moody lighting and very quirky decor—it felt like stepping into another era. This spot was such a good contrast to the Strip’s sensory overload. It was perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a mellow nightcap if you want a break from the madness.
🍜 Dinner at TAO: Drama, Prosecco, and a Buddha the Size of a Truck
From there, we made our way to TAO Asian Bistro & Nightclub—one of the most photographed and over-the-top dining spots in Vegas. Think: candlelight, red velvet, and a gigantic Buddha statue that dominates the room.
It’s definitely theatrical, and while we all loved the vibe, I’ll be honest—there was something slightly off-putting about using a sacred figure as a party prop (all three of us agreed having all lived in Asia)..
That said, the vegan food was fantastic and possibly the best value we had on the trip. We had:
Garlicky ginger tofu
Charred Brussels sprouts off the charcoal grill
Aromatic chow fun noodles (though we did check they were egg-free—pro tip: always confirm, even when it's marked vegan!)
Fresh vegan sushi rolls
We ordered a bottle of prosecco to keep the celebration flowing—because Maija loves prosecco. Throughout dinner and throughout the night, random strangers kept coming over to congratulate her. It added a layer of joyful chaos that just made everything better.
💃 Late-Night Scavenger Hunt Shenanigans
After dinner, it was time to tackle the scavenger hunt properly.
Maija was a total star—posing with costumed performers, kissing Chippendales models on the head, drinking frozen margaritas, and plating slot machines. It was goofy and lighthearted but nothing too crazy and everything was optional. I think we are just too mature for anything too raucous.
☀️ Day 3 – Poolside Bliss, Caesar Salads (Sort Of), and a Cirque Spectacle
By day three in Las Vegas, we were starting to find our rhythm albeit slightly hungoverAnd after the glitter and giggles of Maija’s bachelorette adventure the night before, this was the reset day we didn’t know we would need.
🏖️ Mandalay Bay Cabana Life: Worth Every Penny
We started the day at Mandalay Bay Beach, where we’d rented a private cabana for our group of ten. . Now, I know “pool day” sounds basic, but in Vegas? With that searing desert sun and heat pushing 42°C (107°F)—a shaded cabana is not a luxury. It’s survival.
Here’s the thing: Vegas pool culture is a whole thing. Every resort tries to outdo the next with wave pools, lazy rivers, DJs, and bottle service. But the Mandalay Bay setup strikes a good balance between relaxed and lively.
Our beach bungalow cabana came with comfy loungers,ice, a dedicated server, fruit and snacks, cold drinks, a mini fridge, and a safe spot to stash bags and tech. We had easy access to the wave pool and lazy river, and enough space to spread out.
🍕 Lunch from Slice of Vegas: Tasty, but a Vegan Hiccup
As we lounged poolside, Seb ordered lunch for the group from Slice of Vegas, a pizza and comfort food spot inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. They have a fantastic list of vegan-friendly options, including pizza with plant-based cheese, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
Unfortunately, my order—a vegan Caesar salad—arrived looking suspiciously not vegan. Full of what looked like parmesan and it was not labelled vegan (as all of Seb’s dishes were) .The good news? Seb had ordered a veritable mountain of food, so I wasn’t left hungry. And I got a full refund for the salad mistake when I went back later. This is great advice, but we sometimes forget to follow it ourselves.
Always double-check that your food is actually vegan when doing takeout before you walk away—even at places with vegan menus.
🎪 Evening with Michael Jackson ONE – Cirque du Soleil at Its Most Dazzling
After some much-needed downtime back at the hotel (a nap, maybe a second shower, and definitely a few liters of water), seven of us headed out for one of the most anticipated parts of the trip: a Cirque du Soleil show.
We chose Michael Jackson ONE, housed inside the Mandalay Bay Theater. Now, I’ll say upfront—I have complicated feelings about Michael Jackson as a cultural figure. But as a production? This show was phenomenal.
Here’s what stood out:
The choreography was explosive—like music video meets acrobatics.
TheCostumes and props were imaginative and playful, blending signature MJ iconography with Cirque’s surreal visuals.
At one point, drones took over the ceiling in an aerial lit display that was genuinely gasp-worthy.
Vegas really does entertainment better than almost anywhere else on Earth. The scale, the tech, the skill—it’s unmatched.
And after two hours of edge-of-your-seat moments, we all agreed: this is what you come to Vegas for. Not the casinos. Not the vegan food. But this.
🍸 Nightcap at 1923 – Back to the Speakeasy
After the sensory overload of Cirque du Soleil, we slipped back into our favorite little hideaway: the 1923 Prohibition Bar that was in the Mandalay Bay complex also had a branch..
We ordered mocktails, unwound, and swapped favorite moments from the show. There’s something deeply satisfying about finding that one place you can return to again and again during a Vegas trip—and 1923 was ours.
🌀 Day 4 – Comfort Food, Surreal Grocery Missions & a Neon-Drenched Night
By the fourth day in Vegas, we’d really settled into our groove. And after all the sparkle and ceremony of Maija’s bachelorette and the Cirque show the night before, Seb and I were ready for a slower, weirder, and more indulgent kind of day just the two of us..
This was the day we let Vegas fully wrap us in its outrageous, hyperreal embrace—with jalapeño poppers for breakfast, a deep dive into a corporate art conspiracy, a splurge at a luxury vegan restaurant, and a final sensory overload in downtown Las Vegas.
💤 Slow Start, No Guilt
We slept in. And when I say slept in, I mean Seb didn’t wake up until almost 11:00 AM. Luckily in Vegas everything is open late, and timelines are flexible—you can absolutely plan for slow mornings and still have full, incredible days.
🍔 Brunch at The Modern Vegan: Indulgent and Just a Bit Odd
Once we finally emerged from our hotel cocoon, we headed to The Modern Vegan, just a short ride off the Strip. It’s one of those places that gets recommended constantly in vegan travel groups when visiting Vegas, so I was eager to see what the fuss was about.
Let’s start with the food: huge portions, full-on comfort food, and unapologetically junky in the best way.
Here’s what we ordered:
A strawberry milkshake that was thick, sweet, and perfect for the Vegas heat
Mac and cheese as a side that was surprisingly spicy—creamy and rich, though the portion was almost overwhelming
Jalapeño poppers, crispy and exactly what you want when you’re leaning into indulgence and filled with queso
A vegan Philly cheesesteak hoagie that Seb devoured
The vibe, though? Slightly mismatched. The interior didn’t quite deliver the cozy, retro-diner aesthetic I’d imagined. It felt a bit like a vegan sports bar that had lost its way. We did love it!
🛒 Grocery Run Meets Sci-Fi Dream: Omega Mart by Meow Wolf
After lunch, we made our way to AREA15, a giant immersive art and entertainment complex west of the Strip.
Our mission: Omega Mart by Meow Wolf.
And oh. my. goodness.
It’s impossible to accurately describe Omega Mart because it’s part art exhibit, part escape room, part narrative-driven sci-fi fever dream. You enter through what looks like a normal supermarket with very stange products—and then very quickly discover that it is absolutely not a normal supermarket.
The shelves are lined with absurd products like:
"Nut-Free Salted Peanuts"
"Plausible Deniability Laundry Detergent"
"Memory Spray"
But the real adventure begins when you scan your Boop Card (which is actually only an extra $3(, a kind of digital passport that allows you to immerse yourself more by completing various missions.
We crawled through glowing freezers, explored conspiracy boardrooms, climbed into hidden tunnels, and tried to piece together the dark lore of Dramcorp, the fictional megacorp that runs Omega Mart.
It was part satire, part sci-fi, part brain-melting installation. And yes—it was confusing, hilarious, and exhausting all at once. We spent hours exploring every glowing corner, and probably could’ve stayed longer if we hadn’t developed sensory overload. It was intense and also busy (you are with all the other players at the same time)
Travel Tip:
Omega Mart is a must-do if you love weird, immersive art. Book your tickets in advance, wear comfy shoes, and bring water. If you’re even slightly into sci-fi, storytelling, or dystopian humor—this will blow your mind.
🍋 Dinner at Crossroads Kitchen: Elegant, Intentional, and Pricey (But Worth It)
From full-tilt surrealism, we went straight to elevated dining at Crossroads Kitchen, the Las Vegas outpost of Chef Tal Ronnen’s iconic plant-based restaurant.
Located inside Resorts World, it’s refined, moody, and designed for long, elegant meals. The lighting is low, the seating plush, and the service top-notch. The kind of place where you’re happy to spend a few hours talking about everything you just experienced.
Here’s what we ordered:
Seb chose the classic vegan lasagna, which lived up to the hype—but, he admitted my homemade version might be better (score!).
I had the vegan chicken piccata, served with angel hair pasta in a lemony, caper-rich sauce—absolutely beautiful. ALso, enormous!
We shared the garlic green beans,
Dessert? A brownie sundae for Seb and a delicate peach pavlova for me—light, summery, and just enough.
Vegan Fine Dining Insight:
Crossroads is definitely a splurge meal, but for a special occasion—or just a reset from fast food vibes—it’s so worth it.
🌈 Neon Dreams at Fremont Street
The night wasn’t over for us. After dinner, we grabbed an Uber to Fremont Street—the old heart of Vegas, now transformed into a pedestrian-only explosion of light, sound, and street performers.
The LED canopy overhead is enormous, and pulses with hourly shows—the one at 8pm just after we arrived was Katy Perry-themed, complete with animated firework visuals and booming bass. It’s like standing inside a moving music video.
All around us:
Breakdancers
Human statues
Roller-skating Elvis impersonators
Dancing gorillas
It was kitschy, chaotic, and completely addictive.
We took a thousand photos, wandered into weird shops, and even considered ziplining above the crowd—but decided against it (next time, maybe). The people-watching was next-level, and the vibe was part block party, part carnival, part fever dream.
Tip:
Fremont Street is great at night—but it’s not quiet. Expect loud music, big crowds, and a kind of overstimulating energy that somehow feels fun rather than overwhelming—if you’re in the right mood.
Absolutely! Here’s a richly expanded and narrative-driven version of Day 5 – Sequins, Vows & Skyline Views, crafted for your podcast episode. It maintains your tone—thoughtful, fun, opinionated—and weaves in helpful commentary for other vegan travelers or destination wedding guests.
💒 Day 5 – Sequins, Vows & Skyline Views: A Vegas Wedding Done Right
By day five, we were fully immersed in that particular brand of Vegas magic: the kind that blends heartfelt moments with high glamour, all under skies so bright they practically hum. And this day? It was the reason we came. A second wedding for our beautiful friend Maija and her partner Eddie of 5.5 years—set in a city made for sparkle.
If you’re ever in town for a destination wedding, or planning one, build in recovery time. The city is designed to keep you buzzing 24/7, but no one wants to feel frazzled on wedding day.
👰 Graceland Chapel: Where Kitsch Meets Charm
At around 1:00 PM, we headed to the ceremony venue with Eddie, the groom to: Graceland Wedding Chapel, one of the oldest and most iconic chapels in Las Vegas. And yes, it’s that Graceland—complete with Elvis impersonators on the menu, if you want to pay extra..
The venue itself had all the charm, warmth, and cheeky Vegas character you'd hope for: traditional pews, soft lighting, flowers at the altar, and just enough sparkle to remind you where you are.
The ceremony was short—like most Vegas weddings are—but it was deeply personal. Maija looked stunning in a sequin-and-beaded gown. Maija is that friend who is always dressed beautifully! Eddie was beaming, and the love between them was palpable.
Standing there, watching them reaffirm their commitment in this glitzy, unconventional setting, I realized something important: Vegas weddings can absolutely be meaningful and memorable—they just look different. And that’s the beauty of it.
We snapped a round of photos under the Graceland sign but not for long as it was so hot!
🍸 Post-Ceremony Toast at Four Seasons
After the ceremony, the small group reconvened for an informal reception in the Four Seasons Las Vegas lobby bar. The Four Seasons, which is tucked inside Mandalay Bay, is a whole different vibe from the casino floor chaos. .
The wedding party was intentionally small—maybe 13 people total. Maija’s sisters and their children, a couple of longtime friends (us included), and a deep sense of intimacy. No centerpieces. No DJ. No drama. Just a round of drinks, some heartfelt toasts, and a lot of laughter.
🌇 Evening at Skyfall Lounge: Vegas at Its Best
After a break back at the hotel (and yes, another nap—this is Vegas, after all), we dressed up again and met the group at Skyfall Lounge,. It’s attached to Mandalay Bay, but feels like an entirely different world: sleek, moody, and perched high above the city with unreal 180-degree views of the Strip.
Let me say this now: if you want that "wow, I'm really in Vegas" moment—go to Skyfall at sunset.
The atmosphere is grown-up but approachable. There’s no loud club music, no chaotic crowds—just ambient lighting, elegant cocktails, and that view. The Strip glittered below us like a spilled jewelry box, and the warm desert breeze made even the rooftop seating feel luxurious.
We ordered cocktails (mine was a mocktail, and surprisingly good), and snapped what felt like a hundred photos on a balcony as it got dark.
Yes, the drinks were $20+ each, but for that setting? Totally worth it and a nice low key way to celebrate Maija and Eddie’s wedding. We left the venue that night and agreed, that we were so pleased we choose to attend the Vegas one as we had so much quality time with the married couple!
🎰 Day 6 – Vegan Buffet Bliss, Flamingos & the Wildest Show in Town
By day six, we were in that deliciously weird headspace where time feels elastic. Vegas will do that to you. It’s like a snow globe of lights, laughter, and late nights—and at some point, you forget what day it is or when you last drank water that didn’t come with bubbles or a lime wedge.
But despite the whirlwind, we still had some unforgettable highlights left. And this final full day turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly fun ones—thanks to a perfect brunch, a cheeky burger, and a show that was possibly one of the most absurd things I’ve ever seen in the best way possible.
Let’s begin with what might be one of the most vegan-friendly surprises on the Strip.
🥞 Brunch at The Wynn Buffet: Surprisingly Inclusive (and Delicious)
We gathered early—about 9:00 AM—and headed to The Wynn Las Vegas, which has built a bit of a reputation among vegan travelers as one of the most accommodating luxury resorts out there. Interestingly, Seb and I had actually come here 13 years before (when we traveled through the US with Maija)
And let me just say this upfront: if you’re vegan and traveling with omnivores, this buffet is an excellent option.
We had a reservation (thankfully), and even though we arrived just as it opened, the walk-in line was already stretching down the hall. This is not a casual drop-in buffet.
As soon as we mentioned we were vegan, a staff member called over the chef, who personally walked us through the buffet. I didn’t really understand why this was necessary as everything was labelled but he was also able to tell us about what could be modified, what sections to avoid, and where the hidden gems were.
Some highlight for mes:
A Just Egg omelette station, fully customizable with sautéed veggies and vegan cheese. Honestly, this was the star dish for me.
A rhubarb tapioca pudding that was creamy and refreshing.
Peach cobbler
Buffet Tips for Vegans:
Make a reservation. Walk-ins = long waits.
Ask for a chef walk-through—they’ll show you what’s possible.
If you're with a mixed group, this is a rare spot where everyone can eat well and feel like they’re not compromising.
I will say alsi: it’s not cheap it was $66 USD plus tip and whole I would nor recommend it if you were dining alone or with all other vegans but if you are with some non vegans, this is a great place.
After brunch, Seb and I decided to take a slow stroll (yes, even in 44°C heat—don’t ask us why) and made our way to the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
Now, this is a classic Vegas stop. It’s inside the Bellagio, completely free, and always rotating with elaborate seasonal floral displays aligned with the season.
👋 Farewells and Sphere FOMO
Later in the afternoon, we said our goodbyes to Maija and her sisters, who were headed to The Sphere to see the Backstreet Boys. Now that is a sentence I didn’t expect to say in 2025.
If you haven’t heard of The Sphere yet—it’s a high-tech, fully immersive concert venue that looks like a massive glowing orb from the outside and offers a totally sensory experience inside. Word on the street is that it’s next-level, and it’s definitely on my list for next time and they said it was amazing.
Saying goodbye was bittersweet—this group of friends is scattered across continents, and being together in the same city, in the same time zone, felt like a little miracle. But we were also ready for one final Vegas blowout with Adrienne and Kevin..
🍔 The Best Burger Surprise: Street Food Win!
As we made our way to our final show of the trip - Absinthe just outside Caesars Palace, after entering the venue, there was upon a food stand with drinks near Caesars Palace—and you know what? It delivered one of the best vegan meals of the entire trip. I was a bit worried about it being outside, but by 7pm it was really quite pleasant outside
Now, I don’t usually love Impossible Burgers (I prefer Beyond)—I find them too oily, too heavy—but this one was different. Served on a chewy, salty pretzel bun, and topped with all the fixings, it was outrageously satisfying. I paired it with a generous pile of loaded (cheese and Impossible Meat) tater tots, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best-value meals of the week.
🎪 ABSINTHE: Circus, Chaos & Champagne Bottles
And then… there was Absinthe.
If Cirque du Soleil is Vegas’ elegant showgirl, Absinthe is her inappropriate, half-drunk cousin who can cartwheel on a champagne bottle while dropping F-bombs and grinding on a unicycle.
Performed in a spiegeltent-style circus tent just outside Caesars Palace, Absinthe is a cocktail of cabaret, acrobatics, burlesque, and unhinged stand-up comedy. And it was phenomenal.
Some moments were jaw-dropping:
Hand-balancing acts that made the crowd gasp
Roller-skating duos on tiny elevated stages
Absurdly talented aerialists who made you forget to breathe
But what really makes it unforgettable is the tone. The MC is brash, crass, and hilariously offensive. This is not a show for the easily scandalized—but if you’re up for a little irreverence and a lot of adult humor, you’ll be howling.
Is it polished? Not particularly.
Is it high-art? No.
Is it one of the most entertaining nights I’ve had in years? Absolutely.
🛏 The Last Night: Hearts Full, Bellies Full, Feet Tired
After the show, we hugged Adrienne and Kevin goodbye. They stayed out, but with an early flight ahead, we did the sensible thing and headed back to the hotel.
As we walked through the glittering lobby one last time, it hit me: this was my first trip to Vegas that felt truly joyful. Not rushed, not transactional—just deeply fun. I hadn’t expected to fall for it… but I did.
🧠 Final Tips, Observations & Hot Takes for Vegan Travelers in Vegas
If you’ve listened this far, you’ve probably gathered that Las Vegas is not the easiest destination for a minimalist vegan traveler—or a budget one. But with the right mindset and a bit of strategy, you can absolutely make it work your way.
Here’s what I learned after six packed days of wedding celebrations, buffets, cabanas, speakeasies, and more junk food than I’d usually admit to eating. Whether you’re visiting for fun, work, a show, or a wedding—these are my top tips for getting the best value, staying sane, and still having an incredible vegan Vegas experience.
💰 1. It’s Expensive — In Both Obvious and Sneaky Ways
Let’s start with the hard truth: Vegas will find ways to take your money. Between resort fees, $8 coffee pods, $30 fridge access charges, and $25 cocktails, the cost of simply existing here can pile up fast.
Hidden fees to watch for:
Resort fees: You’ll pay them even if you don’t use the gym or pool.
Mini-bar fridges: Many are sensor-triggered, meaning if you move a can of soda to make space for your oat milk, you could get charged. Some hotels charge $35 per day just to borrow a fridge.
In-room coffee: The coffee in the room was $8 per terrible coffee!!!You can scout a café nearby that offers plant milk. We did this with the cafe downstairs in the hotel lobby but surprise , that was about 30% more than a Starbucks would have been and the non dairy charge was $1.50.
Pro Tip: If you care about breakfast and morning coffee and done wnt the out, you’ll need to bring your own supplies or factor in daily runs to overpriced lobby cafés. Consider packing some sort of cooler bag that you can fill with ice front he ice machine to keep your non dairy milk cool.
🥦 2. Vegan Food Is Plentiful… But Not Always Healthy or Cheap
Good news: most restaurants have vegan options. Nacho Daddy, Slice of Vegas, TAO, all offered full vegan menus or marked dishes.
But don’t assume “vegan” means healthy, balanced, or even thoughtful.
Challenges we ran into:
Accidentally serving non vegan versions of the dish rather than the vegan one
Junk food overload: Fried, cheesy, heavy, and processed is the norm. Great for a night or two, but not sustainable all week.
Healthy options are rare, especially on the Strip. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a quinoa bowl or green smoothie that isn’t $20 and halfway across town.
What worked:
Splitting dishes: Portion sizes are massive. YOu’re in a restaurant. You can order more.
Buffets: The Wynn Buffet was the best all-rounder. High-end, inclusive, and surprisingly vegan-friendly—with a chef walk-through that made it feel safe and thoughtful.
Consider doing a Grocery run at the start of the trip: The ABC Store and Target on the Strip are great for snacks, fruit, or plant milk. If you’ve got a fridge or cooler bag, self-catering light meals can make all the difference.
🚗 3. Transportation Tips: Trams, Timing & Your Feet
Vegas is physically massive, even if it doesn’t look like it on a map. A walk from your hotel room to a restaurant in the same building can easily take 40 mins minutes.
Best transport strategies:
Use the free trams that connect major resorts (like Mandalay Bay to Luxor to Excalibur). They save time and sweat.
Rideshares over taxis: Uber and Lyft are more transparent with pricing and often quicker.
Plan by cluster: Group your day by geography. For example, if you’re at Resorts World for Crossroads, tack on a visit to The Sphere. If you’re at Caesars Palace for Absinthe, eat at one of the nearby food stands or casual restaurants.
Pro Tip: Budget time inside hotel complexes. It will take longer than you think.. IT’s easy to get in to the casino hotels but not so easy to find your wat out
🛏️ 4. Accommodation: Choose Smart, Not Flashy
We stayed at the W Hotel inside Mandalay Bay, which was pretty nice. Seb had chosen it because it was The part of the marriot so we got pointts. It had only recently been acquired by Marriot so the branding was not yet complete. But it reminded me: where you stay in Vegas really matters.
Things to consider:
Vacation rentals (if you’re not with a group) can offer fridges, full kitchens, and quiet surroundings and a much cheaper price.
Hotel Check-in chaos: Lines at 3 PM are wild on weekends. If mobile check-in is an option, use it.
🧴 5. Survival Kit for Vegan Travelers in Vegas
Here’s what I’ll pack next time—learn from my trial and error:
Plant milk + cooler bag: For breakfast and coffee.
Reusable water bottle: Hydration is everything in 45°C heat.
Portable kettle - you ight not be able to boil water in the room.
Snacks that keep well without a fridge: Trail mix, dried fruit, protein bars,.
Bonus Item:
A small reusable container—perfect for leftovers or snacks you want to save from oversized restaurant portions.
💸 6. Budgeting: Spend Where It Counts
Vegas can feel like a constant series of micro-charges. If you’re on a budget, my advice is: be strategic.
Save on:
Breakfasts (DIY)
Coffee (bring your own) I had brought everything to make my own coffee and tea, but I did not have anyway to keep the soy milk cook or to boil the water.
Transportation (trams + planning)
Lunches (split plates, street food)
Splurge on:
Shows: Cirque du Soleil, Absinthe, Meow Wolf's Omega Mart—all 100% worth it.
One or two special meals: Crossroads Kitchen, a great buffet, or a rooftop cocktail.
🌟 Hot Takes (aka Spicy Truths from a Reluctant Convert)
Vegas isn’t built for eating healthy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. You just have to be deliberate.
The Strip is exhausting. Stay nearby, visit when you want, and retreat when needed. A few hours rest in the afternoon will really set you up for the evening of fun!
Vegan options are everywhere—but quality varies. Stick to places with dedicated menus and perhaps just spend your food budget on specific places. The others are likely not good value..
Go for the shows, not the food. Seriously. Build your itinerary around entertainment, and you’ll leave happy.
You’ll spend more than you think. But with the right focus, it can still feel worth it.
🧠 Final Reflection
Before this trip, I didn’t consider Vegas a “ destination for us.” I thought it was all slot machines and tackiness. But what I discovered is that if you plan smartly, say yes to the right things, and skip the fluff—you can craft a Vegas experience that is never boring, tons to see and do.
You don’t have to love the chaos. You just have to learn how to navigate it.
And if you’re heading to Vegas for a celebration—or even just out of curiosity—I hope this episode helps you do it better.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode and discovering the world of vegan travel with us. And don't forget to add Las VEgass to your must-visit list!Thanks for tuning in to this episode and discovering the world of vegan travel with us
To learn more about World Vegan Travel and everything we have to offer, head on over to our website at worldvegantravel.com. And if you're hungry for more content from us, be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources.
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