It sounds wild to me now as a 37 year old who regularly eats alone, but I still remember the first time I went for dinner alone in Thailand and I was seriously BEYOND uncomfortable. But omg genuinely, I left that restaurant with this crazy feeling of strength, which again I know might sound silly – I was eating alone, not saving lives! But it was just a bold move I’d done for the very first time. And one which legit changed me forever.
1. Ignore the 'awks' in your head - no one else is paying attention!
Solo travel, and along with it solo dining, is becoming more common. The stigma that used to surround eating alone in a restaurant still pops up in some places, but for the most part is totally accepted now.
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.
It is YOUR trip and YOU get to design your own experience. Someone gives you a funny look, look them in the eye while scooping up your next delicious, peaceful, empowered mouthful! Then let it go and enjoy!
2. Make reservations when possible, your hungry self will thank you later
3. Take something (almost) worthless 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 pee for example. 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. But of course you don’t want to leave your bag or favourite jacket, so always use a low-cost item such as a thrift store sweater or a used shopping bag so that if it is stolen while you are gone, it won’t leave you destitute or upset!
4. Enjoy the solitude!
Some of us can be so nervous and uncomfortable about dining alone, that we forget to enjoy the solitude it provides us. Use this opportunity to relax and enjoy absorbing the new flavors and surroundings. Eat your food slowly, and savour every bite without extra distraction. Really take it in, maybe even use this time to jot down your adventures and tastes of the day in your journal!
5. And meet new people, if that's your cup of tea!
If you really do feel lonely, that is okay, it doesn’t make you a ‘bad or weak solo traveller’ – remember meeting people is one of the best perks of solo travel! Choose a dining establishment that is known for more interaction, perhaps ones with shared tables for example! Pubs can be popular places to eat when you are craving a good bite along with a little more action. Make eye contact with other travelers, and find a way to start a few conversations. You may even end up with one or more travel buddies this way.
5. Bring something to do
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. Of course our go-to distraction is so often our phones, but I usually try to avoid getting my swanky phone out in public queues etc, instead, Sudoku or a good book can be a perfect activity when you have extra time on your hands while waiting at the dining spot of your choice.
Dining alone is an aspect of solo travel that takes many of us a little time to get used to. Try not to think of it as a negative. Consider all of the advantages to choosing a restaurant, ordering whatever 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.
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