Solo Travel and Dining Alone
Whether you are a thousand miles away from home, or wanting to try out a new restaurant close to home, you should not be hesitant if you are dining solo.
For some, the thought of eating alone conjures up the stereotypical image of the lonely person at the corner table, quickly eating an early dinner before pitying eyes fill the dining room. Today, with a whole segment of the population traveling solo, this image is no longer valid. Solo diners often relish this time alone, making the most of their dining experience.
I love to enjoy a coffee and breakfast at a cute bakery. It’s one of the easiest ways to ease your comfort with dining solo.
And yet, some of us are still a little nervous about eating out alone. We shouldn’t be, and if you look around next time you are traveling, chances are you will come across some solo travelers enjoying a wonderful meal in a popular restaurant.
If traveling alone is new to you, meal times are something that will take a little time to get used to. There are a few things to learn that will help you navigate this new terrain. With a few ideas, dining alone may become one of the favorite and most relaxing parts of your travels.
Don’t Feel Awkward
Solo travel, and along with it solo dining, is becoming more common. The stigma that used to surround eating alone in a restaurant is basically gone. Know that there are huge numbers of people throughout the world who are eating alone in restaurants every night, and take confidence in knowing that, although alone, you are in good company.
Make Reservations When Possible
In order to guarantee that you get a seat, make reservations beforehand. It is a tactic to ensure that you are seated soon after your arrival at the restaurant. No need to wait at the bar. This is a much better choice than waiting in line for hours and risking losing your place if you have to use the restroom while doing so.
Take a Low-Cost Item to Save Your Seat With
When you are dining alone during your travels, there will be times when you are not quite finished with your meal, but you still need to excuse yourself to wash your hands or do something else. By taking an item to save your seat with, it will alert the server that you are not yet finished and still need the table. Always use a low-cost item, such as a thrift store sweater, so that if it is stolen while you are gone, it won’t leave you destitute.
Enjoy the Solitude
Some individuals are so nervous and uncomfortable about dining alone that they forget to enjoy the solitude it provides them. Use this opportunity to relax and enjoy absorbing the new flavors and surroundings. Eat your food slowly, and savor every bite without extra distraction. Listen to the surrounding chatter. Dining alone and really experiencing the atmosphere is a feast not only for your mouth, but for all your senses.
Strike Up a Conversation
If you feel lonely, choose a dining establishment that is known for more interaction. Pubs can be popular places to eat when you are craving a good bite, along with a little more action. Make eye contact, and start a few conversations. You may even end up with one or more travel buddies this way. It can be a lot easier to meet people traveling alone.
Bring Something to Do
This is one of my favorite tips, since I rarely go anywhere without a small book or notebook in my bag. One of the worst things that happens while dining alone is growing bored while waiting in line, or waiting for your meal. This can also compound the awkwardness related to eating alone that you may be feeling. To avoid this situation, bring along something to do. Sudoku, a journal, or a good book can be a perfect activity when you have extra time on your hands while waiting at the eating establishment of your choice.
Dining alone is an aspect of solo travel that takes many individuals a little time to get used to. Try not to think of it as a negative. Consider all the advantages to choosing a restaurant, ordering what you want and not having to negotiate with a travel companion. Enjoy your solo dining as a vital and pleasurable part of your solo travel.
Practice makes perfect in this case, and the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel. Try it out at home first at a nearby restaurant and you will find it’s not so bad. You will get the hang of it. After all, you certainly would not want to miss enjoying a meal seated at an outdoor cafe in Paris!!
Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, please share it with others 🙂
Lori
This post addresses dining alone with confidence and honesty. The practical suggestions help normalize solo dining and reduce hesitation while traveling independently.
Yes, so many women hesitate to dine alone. I still get a little nervous about it. In the end, it’s us that think people are looking at us when in reality no one really cares. 🙂 Thank you for the comment.
Find a place with bar seating! I’ve made so many friends by doing this (and even if you don’t – it can feel easier to sit at the bar than to have a whole table).
This is a fabulous suggestion Sarah!!! Thanks for commenting!!
Thanks ladies! I am noticing that I cannot reply to your individual posts. I have to work on this.
These are awesome tips! One lesson I learned on my recent solo trip was that I would just grab something fast or easy to eat instead. With these tips, I’ll be in a better position to linger over a nicer meal at a restaurant instead.
You just have to go for it!
These are such practical tips, Lori! I have often gotten stuck by not having this list. For example, when I go to the ladies room, my server often thinks I’m leaving. Love the idea of leaving something in the seat. I also loved the idea of not feeling awkward. I used to stay in my room because I did feel so awkward.