Traveling alone is a great way to get the most out of your trip and travel experience - You can go wherever you want and do whatever you like without taking anyone's desires or opinions into account. However, one aspect of traveling alone that tends to hold women back is eating alone at restaurants or cafes while they're on the road. And as a female solo traveler, it can be especially daunting.

If this sounds familiar, don't worry! Eating alone doesn't mean you're lonely, and it definitely isn't uncommon or weird. In fact, eating solo can be a great opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet, as well as a chance to try something new.

If the thought of eating alone in public still makes you uneasy, you'll be happy to know that there are several ways to make the experience more enjoyable. With the right advice and these solo travel tips, you'll be a pro at dining solo in no time!

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Helpful Tips for Eating Alone While Traveling Solo

Avoid peak hours

If you're worried that dining alone will make you stand out or feel awkward, avoiding the busiest times of the day. 

Avoiding peak meal times will make you feel less overwhelmed, since the restaurant will be less crowded. You won’t have to wait in line for too long and as an added benefit, you won’t have to compete for the attention of the wait staff and you'll find a better table!

Sit near the window

When you're scouting out a seat, look for one near the window, so you can people-watch while you eat.

This is a great way to get some entertainment and avoid any awkwardness you might feel about being alone. You'll be able to enjoy the scenery and a nice meal at the same time.

Bring a book to read with you

Having something to occupy your attention while you eat can help take your mind off any self-consciousness or awkwardness.

I also recommend bringing a journal to write down any thoughts or observations you have while you're out and about. It can help you get in tune with yourself even better.

Don’t skip out on cafes or food trucks

I know what might be thinking - food trucks and cafes are not proper high quality dining!

However, nowadays this is not the case anymore. The casual atmosphere is less intimidating than a full-blown restaurant and the food is usually just as good (if not better) than in some restaurants.

Especially, food trucks can offer some very unique sandwiches and lunch food. And most of the cafes have incredible brunch options. So give them a try!

Take time to appreciate the meal

The best part about eating alone is that you can savor every bite of your meal without feeling rushed.

Mindful eating is a great activity in itself. You can take your time to fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of the dish, and be fully present! This is an experience that you don't get when dining with others, so make sure to savor it.

Focus on the positive side of eating alone

Believe it or not, there are so many benefits to dining solo!

Focus on the positivity of your experience, like how it gives you the chance to enjoy some time to reflect or try something new. Fully embrace the fact that the reason why you’re doing it is because you’re the main character of your life and 

It also puts you in control of where you eat, what you order, when you eat, and how much you spend!

Remind yourself that there is nothing wrong with dining alone and that in fact, many people find it an enjoyable way to eat while traveling. Just relax, focus on the positive aspects of the experience, and enjoy your meal!

Don’t overthink it

The most important thing to remember is not to overthink it!

Eating alone doesn't have to be a big deal, and it's definitely not as weird or awkward as you might think. And believe me, people are more concerned about their own meals and interactions than about what you're doing.

If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, remind yourself that other people don't really notice you or care about your dining experience. Remember that the only thing stopping you from enjoying a meal solo is your own mindset, so try to relax, be confident, and enjoy the food.

You got this, babe!

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Traveling solo doesn't always mean eating alone

Just like I always say, even when you're traveling solo, you're never actually alone unless you want to be. There are so many opportunities to meet people as a solo traveler!

If you do decide that you would enjoy some company to share a meal with on your trip, there are tons of methods that you can use to find fellow travelers or locals who are interested in meeting up for a bite:

Join a food tour

A food tour is an easy (and delicious!) way to meet new people and try different foods from the local cuisine. You'll be able to walk around with a group, learn about the area's food culture, and sample some of the best dishes that the city has to offer.

Take a cooking class

A cooking class is a great way to spend time with other travelers, especially if you're keen on learning more about local cuisine and culture. You'll be guided by an expert chef or simply a local who loves cooking so much that wants to teach you the basics of cooking while tasting some delicious food along the way!

Search for communal tables

Communal tables are another great way to grab a bite with fellow travelers. 

They're usually located in popular tourist areas and act as an informal meet-up spot for people who want to make new friends or learn more about the area.

You can find places like that by typing “communal tables” + your location in Yelp search, and voila! It will instantly show you the places where you can share a table with other people.

Eat with a local

Eating with a local is an amazing method for meeting someone new and learning more about the area that you're exploring. It lets you break out of your comfort zone, step outside of your travel bubble, and really get a taste of the local culture. So why not give it a try?

Platforms such as VoulezVousDiner or EatWith make it easy to find locals who are interested in sharing a meal with you in their homes. This is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, home cooked meal while making a new friend at the same time!

Just don’t forget to arrive on time, be polite, bring a small gift for your host and don’t stay until too late.

Join food meetups

If you're looking for a more structured way to meet people and try new foods, then you should definitely check out food meetups in your area! These usually can be found through platforms like Meetup.com or Cuochsurfing and are a great way to connect with other foodies in your city.

You can search for meetups that focus on specific cuisines, cooking styles, or dietary restrictions. Or, you can simply browse the list of upcoming meetups and see which ones look like they'll be fun. 

Don’t forget, eating alone doesn't have to be a big deal! Despite what you might think or what your friends and family might say, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a meal alone. Eating alone while traveling solo can be intimidating at first, but once you get used to enjoying your own company and exploring the culinary delights of a new city, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated in the first place.

And when you do decide you'd like someone to share a meal with, now you know that there are plenty of ways to meet new people to try new foods with while traveling solo!

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Remember that we're here to help! Our customized travel plans, mindset coaching, and empowering one-to-one support can help you feel more confident, boost your knowledge about solo traveling and encourage you to enjoy every bite along the way, in any city you're in. So why not start today? Take a look at our services and see how we can help you take that first step and make that dream of traveling solo a reality!

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