For many people, especially women, traveling alone conjures feelings of fear; however, for the majority of these people, it isn’t the cost, the time, issues regarding safety, or being overwhelmed with the planning details. The majority of fears revolve around not wanting to be lonely or to look or feel awkward when eating out!
The moment they begin to play the trip out in their head, they see themselves at activity after activity that normally people do with a partner. In fact, the idea of eating alone is the one that causes the majority of these would-be solo travelers to scrap their ideas altogether. But traveling alone is an incredible, liberating experience; one in which you’ll get to know the most important person in your life a whole lot better – you!
Having your phone on you (and who doesn’t anymore?) or even a book to read can help alleviate some of your anxiety about actually eating out while on your solo trip. Walking through the door of the restaurant is half the battle already won! Don’t be afraid of sitting at a table, waiting for your food, alone. Lose yourself in a book while you wait, and you’ll find you can’t put it down in between bites either.
Talk with your waiter or waitress. You’ll find that they most likely have interesting stories to tell you about their lives, and what it’s like to live where you are visiting. Go back to that same restaurant every day of your trip, and you’ll find that you don’t feel as apprehensive anymore. In fact, you’ll feel as though you’re simply going to visit friends – and you are!
You’ll also find that you enjoy eating more when you’re able to eat alone and actually indulge in the sensory feel of eating. To taste your food and not have to keep up a conversation about the last episode of the Kardashian’s or whose son played better at the basketball game liberate can be the best freedom in the world.
Finally, simply realize that all those folks that you were at first worried were going to stare at and judge you, well, that they may have been staring, but envying your freedom.