How to Overcome Fear of Eating Alone While Traveling

First of all, it’s OK to eat alone while traveling or otherwise. Try not to feel embarrassed or ashamed about eating alone. Everyone does it, right? Sometimes they do it alone.

Besides, solitude is a healthy practice, and after just a few meals alone, I promise you you’ll feel more confident. In the meantime, here are some tips to ease your way into it and help make it a little less intimidating. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro.

Tips for Eating Alone While Traveling

1. Start Small When Dining Solo

First, try getting coffee alone, then breakfast, and finally have lunch by yourself. Work your way up to the most awkward meal of the day to enjoy on your own: dinner. For some reason, people are ok eating alone during the day, but when it comes to evening meals, the expectations to socialize are higher.

2. Use Your Alone Time Wisely

As I said, solitude is a healthy practice. Doing things alone improves your concentration, lets you unwind, and is good for your overall mental health. Plus, it gives you space and freedom to think deeply and reflect on your travels (or the meaning of life) without distractions or outside pressures. Anyway, that’s part of why you decided to travel solo, right?

3. Bring Some Entertainment or Work to Do

Bring a book to read or a notebook to write or draw in. I often use this time to review photos on my camera that I have taken that day. Since I’m a virtual assistant I will bring my laptop with me and have a working meal. Anything that keeps my eyes from scanning the room, obsessed about whether or not everyone is judging me for being alone, is helpful.

4. Eat at Casual Places

Cafeterias, small cafes, food trucks, food markets, a deli, grocery stores, or street food stalls offer great food, often at a great price. Solo diners frequent these casual places more often, and the people-watching is great!

5. Go on a Picnic

Skip over restaurants altogether until you’re ready and opt for takeaway, then find a bench with a view. Alternatively, if you’re staying in a hostel and can make your own meals, pack up your food and bring it with you to a park, the riverside, or a beach.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Up Space

As someone who has worked in the industry, I can attest that servers are not too enthusiastic about a single diner. Not me personally; I actually like 1-tops. Plus, hosts often ask “just one?” or “dining alone tonight?” when solo diners enter a restaurant. But don’t let any of that deter you from taking up space at a table made for two or more diners! You deserve to be there just like anyone else. *As I defiantly cross my arms over my chest.*

Eating Alone Isn’t Your Only Option

Being a solo traveler doesn’t mean you must always eat alone. When I’ve had enough solitude and crave some socialization during meals, these are the ways that I break the ice with others and enjoy some conversation.

7. Eat At the Bar

Strike up a conversation with the bartender or other people sitting near you. They might also be alone and want some conversation. If you drink alcohol, a beer or cocktail might help loosen you up, too.

8. Go on a Food Tour or Take a Cooking Class

Food tours are a great way to sample enough dishes around the city you’re visiting to make a whole meal of it. All while you meet other travelers! Search for food tours and cooking classes on Viator or Get Your Guide.

FOOD TOUR OPTIONS ON GET YOUR GUIDE

9. Be Available and Approachable When Eating Alone

Ditch the entertainment or work that I mentioned earlier. Project openness and availability instead of burying your nose in a book, and it’s likely someone will approach you.

Feel free to be open to the company of others and decline it at the same time. If someone gives you the ick, take your book or laptop back out, excuse yourself and leave, or just decline the offer altogether.

10. Talk to Other Hostel Guests

Start conversations with others who are cooking and eating alone in the communal kitchen. Complement the food they prepared or ask questions about their travels.

11. Share Food or Ingredients

If you see or overhear that another guest is missing an ingredient while you’re cooking and you have some to spare, offer it to them. It could lead to a dining partner!

12. Ask to Sit at a Table With Other People Eating Alone

Or invite other people to sit with you. Making friends could lead to joining cooking efforts in the future. Or life-long friendships!

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