How to Dine Alone in a Restaurant when Traveling

Tips for Making Going Out to Eat By Yourself an Enjoyable Experience

Oct 3, 2009

Business travel is often solo travel, and with it come many meals alone. Instead of room service, enjoy a restaurant meal alone by bringing a book and being prepared.

When traveling alone, it's tempting to pass by the bustling restaurants full of patrons and order room service to eat alone in the hotel room. However, there are ways to cope with – and actually enjoy – dining out solo.

Take in the Sights and Sounds of the City

Choose a restaurant with a central location, such as on a busy downtown street or overlooking a popular area. Request a table with a view and take advantage – watch people walking by, take in the sights of boaters or sailors, and enjoy the scenery.

In addition, dining alone can be an interesting social experiment. Listen to the conversation at the next table and try to guess where they are from or what their relationship is.

Get an Insider's Perspective of the City From the Locals

Take a seat at the restaurant bar and talk to the locals- many times, town residents dining alone will sit at the bar and be willing to engage in conversation. Find out what is unique about the city from someone with an insider's perspective. Or talk to the bartender about the area, famous people whom might be living nearby, and about sights and other restaurants that might otherwise be missed.

Read the Latest Bestseller When Dining Alone

Frequent business travelers often bring ample business-related reading. Instead of reading proposals or other work-related materials, bring a good book or magazine to the restaurant and enjoy the reading. What's more, with no dining companion, solo diners can feel free to read books or magazines they might not otherwise want their coworkers to see them reading, like celebrity gossip magazines.

Indulge in a Good Meal When Dining Solo

Dining alone can provide the opportunity to do something that otherwise might be frowned upon, such as ordering extra garlic or anchovies, or a dish that a spouse or significant other might find unappealing. In addition, take the opportunity to order a special drink or dessert and celebrate.

Take Time to Enjoy the Solitude

Dining alone doesn't have to mean being lonely. Instead, enjoy the solitude and consider the perks of eating in a restaurant alone: there's no one to argue with, frown at that second glass of wine ordered, or to talk with their mouth full across the table. In addition, there's no need to engage in small talk or talk business after a long day.

It might be tempting to pick up the cell phone and talk to someone while dining alone; try to resist and enjoy the present company.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers. Business travel is often solo travel; stay safe by never giving out hotel room numbers, keeping control of luggage, staying alert and aware, and other practical tips.

The copyright of the article How to Dine Alone in a Restaurant when Traveling in Business Travel Tips is owned by Teresa Shaw. Permission to republish How to Dine Alone in a Restaurant when Traveling in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.