How to Make Dining Buddies While Traveling Solo

Traveling solo comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The bonuses include not having to answer to anyone and completely changing your schedule at the last minute depending on your mood and your mood only. The downsides are not having anyone to watch your luggage when you need to use the airport restroom, and sitting alone for dinner at restaurants. For those who have difficulty conceptualizing the latter, here are a few ways to make friends for those lonely dinners.

Find a Meetup

Meetup.com is the dashboard for tons of local events, language exchanges, wine tastings and any other activities that pique your interest. Meet like-minded individuals who share your hobbies or find a dinner party or local food tasting to get the conversation flowing.

Browse Facebook Events

Along the same lines as Meetup.com, Facebook not only detects your location but also will suggest nearby events you might enjoy. From fairs to concerts to expat or traveler gatherings, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with both locals and fellow travelers.

Sit at the Bar

If you’re visiting a big international city and/or staying at a big-name hotel, you’ll be surprised by how many other solo travelers are in your midst. Pony up at the hotel bar or the neighborhood’s local watering hole and chat up the people around you. If you’re there on a slow night, start a convo with the bartender who may have suggestions for where to go for more of a crowd.