Traveling alone can be incredibly rewarding, but one downside is feeling awkward when eating by yourself. If you’re worried about this, don’t be! Our tips can help you meet new people or enjoy dining with your best companion—yourself.
Have a virtual lunch date
You might feel uneasy about dining solo, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Your phone can keep you connected to friends from home, so technically, you’re never really alone. Smartphones are great for staying in touch, so why not use this time to chat with friends?
There’s nothing wrong with messaging friends or checking social media while you wait for your meal. It might seem rude, but it’s your vacation. And if it helps you feel more at ease, go ahead and have a virtual lunch date with someone from anywhere in the world.
If you’d rather not use your phone at the table, you can always bring a book and dine with your favorite author.
Chat with the staff
Seize the chance to talk to the locals, like the bartenders or servers. They’re often friendly and know a lot about the area. You might be surprised by how welcoming they can be. Once you get to know them, you’ll feel more at home going back to the same café or restaurant, almost like visiting friends.
Take in your surroundings
If you’re eating alone, look around. You might see others doing the same thing. But even if you’re by yourself, why not enjoy the moment? Look at the buildings and nature nearby. Watch the birds, observe people having fun, and couples being affectionate. People-watching can be entertaining. You can imagine stories about the people you see or check out the different styles in the area. Pay attention to your surroundings, and you’ll have a richer experience getting to know the place and its people.
Sit at the bar
Eating alone gives you the opportunity to be the intriguing person at the bar sipping a fancy drink. How mysterious this can seem might surprise you, and you might even find people curious to hear your story. Sitting at the bar means you’ll have the bartender to talk to, so you’ll have someone to chat with while you enjoy your drink.
You don’t have to eat alone
When you eat alone, it’s common for staff to ask if you’d like to join another table. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you to join them, or if you want to join them – you’re probably not the only one eating alone. But remember, you can always say no.
Or, you can be friendly and approach someone else dining solo. It’s simple. Just say, “Hi, I’m xx; I’m from Australia. Can I join you?” Who knows, you might make some new friends to share your experiences with.
