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How to Not Feel Alone While Solo Traveling (Especially at Mealtime)
Solo travel can feel like the ultimate freedom, until you’re sitting alone at a restaurant, staring down an empty seat, wondering if everyone is watching. (Spoiler: they’re not.)
The truth? You’re not really afraid of being alone. You’re afraid of feeling alone. Especially during meals, when social norms and old insecurities love to creep in. But guess what? With a few mindset shifts and a few tricks in your back pocket, eating solo can become one of the most empowering and joyful parts of your trip.
Here’s how to actually enjoy meals alone and silence that annoying inner voice that says you can’t.
Why Solo Meals Feel So Awkward (at First)
Eating alone isn’t new-but doing it far from home, in a new city or country, without a familiar face in sight? That’s next-level. It’s not about the food. It’s about the mental chatter:
- “Everyone’s looking at me.”
- “This would be so much better with someone else.”
- “Why did I even think solo travel was a good idea?”
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But that voice? It’s not truth. It’s just old programming. And we’re here to rewire it.
Step 1: Flip the Script on Your Inner Dialogue
That voice in your head that says “You look lonely”? Replace it with:
- “I look confident.”
- “I chose this.”
- “This moment is mine.”
Try this trick: If you catch your inner voice being critical, imagine it’s talking to your best friend. You’d never let someone talk to her that way-so don’t let it talk to you that way either.
Step 2: Give Your Mind a Job
Idle minds love to spiral. Keep yours occupied with something positive and intentional:
- Bring a travel journal and write about your day.
- Sketch the café scene. Take notes on what people are wearing or saying.
- Listen to a podcast that makes you laugh or feel inspired.
- Create a ritual-like ordering one local dessert per destination and rating it.
You’re not avoiding the moment. You’re choosing how to be in it.
Step 3: Reframe Solo Dining as a Power Move
There’s something inherently glamorous and mysterious about a woman dining solo with intention.
You’re not waiting for someone.
You are someone.
Order the wine. Choose the seat with the best view. Ask questions about the menu. Make eye contact with the server. You’ll find people tend to treat you with respect and even admiration.
Step 4: Have a Few Go-To Comfort
There’s no shame in softening the edges of a new experience:
- Sit at the bar (it’s more casual and social).
- Choose restaurants with outdoor seating or communal tables.
- Bring a book or e-reader for a little company.
- Treat yourself to a food tour or a cooking class one night if you’re craving conversation.
Solo travel doesn’t mean doing everything alone, it means choosing what you want to do alone.
Step 5: Talk to Strangers (If You Feel Like It)
It’s easier than you think. Compliment someone’s outfit. Ask a local for a food recommendation. Say hi to the bartender. Small moments of connection go a long way.
You may not leave with a new best friend, but you’ll leave feeling more connected to the world around you.
Step 6: Give Yourself Grace
Some days, you’ll love the independence. Other days, it might feel a little quiet. That’s okay.
You’re building a relationship with yourself and that relationship needs kindness, patience, and yes, sometimes a room service meal in pajamas while watching Netflix.
