Q: Isn’t it awkward eating out alone every night when traveling solo??

A: Only if you make it awkward!

Let’s be real — the biggest thing I DO sometimes miss when I’m traveling alone is a dinner companion! A person across the table to share the ups and downs of our day. But, nothing says you HAVE to spend every night alone at a table set for four. On those occasional lonely solo travel days, I usually end up getting takeout and spending the night calling loved ones from my room. But, it’s worth highlighting that that’s only SOME nights. Other nights I get incredibly excited to try the hottest or yummiest restaurant in town. There’s also something kind of fun about getting a bit dolled up just for yourself! I like to mix my trips up a bit with some nights out and some nights in, not too dissimilar from my everyday life at home.

Remember these tips when eating alone as a solo traveler!

Pick a restaurant with a bar area

You’ve probably already done this if you’ve traveled alone for work! If you’re worried about what other people in the restaurant might think of you eating alone, or if you’re worried about taking up a four-top table on a busy Saturday night, eating at the bar might be your best play. It’s considered incredibly normal behavior to eat alone at a restaurant’s bar. That being said, part of what feels so liberating about solo travel is pushing a bit further passed your comfort zone and shaking up your daily normal! I love eating at the restaurant bar because it’s an easy way to learn more about the locals, i.e., the bartender! If it’s a slow night, chances are the bartender would love someone to talk with too.

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!

Whether it’s the bartender, someone else at the bar, or someone sitting at a nearby table, I highly recommend keeping yourself open to sparking convo with random people around you. Again, you tend to learn the most about a place by talking to locals. Or who knows, you could meet another tourist who just had an EPIC day that you want to replicate! As a personal example, while road tripping through the midwest in Wisconsin, my brunch waitress inspired me to alter my travel itinerary completely! Having grown up in the area, she said I could NOT miss a beautiful drive up to northern Minnesota’s boundary waters; keep in mind this was a good five hours out of my way. Turns out (unsurprisingly), she was right. I explored Voyageurs National Park (which I previously didn’t know existed!), saw life-altering fall foliage and ended up having some of my most memorable days up there! Never would’ve happened if I kept quiet and to myself during that meal.

Bring distractions

One thing I always make sure to bring with me when eating out alone is a stocked purse. A charged phone, a book, an iPad, an extra charger… no shame here! Sometimes there really is no one to talk to, and you’ll be thankful to have something to do in between the waiter coming by. I also find it’s the perfect time to sit and research/get excited about the next day’s activities!

At the end of the day, I think eating out alone is like anything else — it gets easier with practice!

How do you feel eating dinner out alone as a solo traveler?