How to Enjoy Dining Alone: 45+ Tips from Solo Women Travellers

16. I travelled on my own for 9 months and was used to doing many things on my own. However, I never liked having dinner on my own. I usually looked for a casual diner or street food as I was uncomfortable eating in a nice restaurant for dinner. In some places, there are places to sit at a bar where one can order small dishes, especially in Spain. The answer? Not easy, but often a stepping stone to a new friendship. In Vietnam, I ordered an assortment of dishes. I realized how ample the portions were and invited a man who had asked me about the wifi connection. 15 years later, we are still in contact! — Diane O.

17.  I eat alone all the time– traveling, and at home. I like it as much as eating with others. Sometimes I get angry if they stick me at the bar because they don’t want to waste a 2-top on one diner. If I protest, and they don’t give me a table, I just leave. But eating alone is not terrible. You get used to it. — Gin R.

18. One night in Vietnam, I headed to a restaurant that was beach front. I was solo traveling. On arrival all tables closest to the sea were taken. One large table had a guy sitting. I asked him if he’d mind if I joined the table. He was reading. He said, “Sure”. As often happens, we ended up chatting the entire evening. This was 2016 and we are still friends to this day. — Monique G.

19.  I prefer it. No one to negotiate when, where, and what to eat. No one with distracting habits, or complaints about the food or their day. I treat it as a time to relax, reflect on the day and think about the possibilities for the following day. I may make notes or journal while doing so. Or just allow my thoughts to wander. Maybe people watch, looking for differences (from home or culture) in the way people dress, eat, or engage in conversation. If I feel like ‘working,’ I might cull and edit photos from the day. Or tap into the restaurant’s Wi-Fi (using my VPN) to research, book travel, manage emails, or surf social media. I tend to enjoy the food more when eating alone as I can concentrate on the meal rather than conversation or the company. — Anne B.

20. I think there are ‘baby steps’ for new solo travellers. And one of them is practice eating or going out for coffee alone in your hometown or nearby. When I was a young woman in my 20s, I practiced doing this with some regularity in a nearby big city. I don’t think twice about doing this now. I also have food allergies and sensitivities. This can be challenging at the best of times but even more so if my new dinner companions want to eat at a restaurant that has limited food options for me. I can socialize at home. When I travel, I want to manage my time so I get the most out of my adventures. And while I occasionally enjoy joining new people for dinner, I don’t want to get stuck sitting at a table eating and drinking when I could be out exploring. — Jackie H.