Let’s talk about something that, for many women stepping into solo travel, brings up a complex mix of feelings: eating alone.

If we were sitting together right now, having a coffee (which I really wish we were), I’d probably tell you that this was one of the things I dreaded most when I first started traveling on my own.

It’s not that I hadn’t eaten alone before, I mean, we all grab lunch on our own sometimes or stop for coffee while running errands. 

But there’s something different about walking into a restaurant, especially a nice one, on your own, being shown to your table, and sitting down solo. At the same time, everyone else around you seems paired up or in groups. 

It can feel… awkward. Exposed. Like everyone’s wondering why you’re by yourself. (They’re not, by the way, but I’ll come back to that.)

The good news? It gets easier. 

And more than that, it can actually become something you enjoy. A little ritual. A pause in your day. A time to reflect, observe, or just be.

So if you’re a solo woman traveler over 50, here’s what I’ve learned through trial, error, and plenty of solo meals around the world.

Bring a Book 📕

This one’s a classic. And it works! 

A book gives you something to do with your hands and your attention.  But just a quick note…

if you’re somewhere a little more formal (think white linen, hushed atmosphere), it’s probably not the moment for elbows on the table and flipping pages between courses.

In those places, I go for something a little more subtle.

But to be honest once I got the hang (and it takes practice for sure) of being in a restaurant alone for the most part I'm ok to happily enjoy my meal, sip slowly on my drink and gaze around me and engage with the servers.

Your iPhone or iPad 📱

Let’s be honest, most of us are attached to these anyway. 

Reading the news, scrolling photos, catching up on a podcast it’s all fair game. Again, just read the room. 

Casual café? Scroll away. Romantic rooftop with a view? Maybe tuck it away and let yourself be fully there.

And ladies when it comes to wellness retreats this would definitely be a No, No! But the great thing is...

At retreats its more of a norm to be on your own and not having devices out so you will fee right at home.

Journal or Sketchpad 📝

Now this one… this one I love. Which is odd because at best I'm a sporadic, ad hoc Journaler at best.

But funnily enough I've found one of the few places that I am inspired to journal is when dining alone while traveling.

I’ve had some of my most thoughtful, peaceful solo meals while writing in my travel journal and for some reason when I travel it frees up my mind and I enjoy capturing my thoughts.  

I reflect on the day, jot down funny or moving moments, or just doodle while sipping wine.

Traveling solo leads to all sorts of new discoveries about yourself and this was one of mine.

Pop in a Podcast or some Music 🎙️🎶

This has been a more recent addition to my "dining solo" tools.

Again, its pretty normal to see people with their ear pods in these days in many locations around the world.

I usually pick something that makes me feel inspired or connected. My guilty pleasure a Podcast called Smartless with the actors Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

 It’s like dining with fun, witty, chatty friends.

And I've also added into listening to a playlist.

This one is is a great one for when dining out at lunch... maybe not so much for dinner unless it is something like an amazing rooftop view experience.

Time of Day Matters (and the day) ☀️ 🌝

One thing I’ve learned, which if you're over 50 traveling solo you might find helpful? 

I lean more towards my main meal being in the middle of the day when I travel.

In lots of parts of Europe and Asia, that’s completely normal so and YOU will fit right in!

And dining solo at lunch somehow feels easier, less formal. I’ll plan an activity in the late afternoon, and then either snack back at my accommodation or yes order room service in the evening. 

Zero pressure. Pure comfort.

🔥HOT TIP: And to reduce that stress even further... If you want to dine at a lovely restaurant but still feeling a little nervous make a reservation for earlier in the week.

Chances are it will be both quieter and you may find other solo travelers too and... the staff will be more able to give you the attention you deserve!

Shopping Malls and Department Stores 🛍️

I know, i can see you rolling your eyes but hang in there with me 🙄😊

If I’m in a big city and not sure where to go, I’ll head to a nice shopping mall with restaurants.

This was something I learned back in my Road Warrior business travel days. It was also a safety trick I used. At the end of the day I needed to unwind and eat and I am soooo not a gym rat!

So I would find the closest upscale mall and walk the mall, window shopping then settle down for a meal in one of the mall restaurants.

There are always lots of women out shopping and dining solo between errands, between boutiques so again... you won't feel out of place!

So back to traveling, I’m over 50 so I like to be able to have a stop during to rest up without having to head back to the hotel.

Also, if you chose an upscale mall the restaurants are often top quality and even the food halls can be really interesting. 

Equally if you can still find a “department store” they often have their in-house restaurants which are a perfect go to. 

I’ve dropped some links to a few malls and department stores below.

You’re definitely not the only solo woman diner! 

And what I love about this type of solo dining there is no rush!

Oh and bonus points that there are likely to be nice rest rooms ;-)

As promised here are a few of my fav’s around the world to whet your appetite:

Amsterdam - de Bijenkorf Department Store

This is a perfect rest up and eat point if you’re near the palace. Their kitchen which is like a upscale food hall is light and airy and great food.

​​https://www.debijenkorf.nl/services/restaurants-bar

Paris - Galeries Lafayette Department Store

If you’re in the Opera district then this is the perfect place to catch a breath.

And apart from the shopping the interior of the mall is just stunning and worth the look.

https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/category/best-restaurants-in-paris/

Bangkok - Icon Siam Mall

I pick this mall because it is right on the river and most restaurants have views and/or terraces overlooking the river…

And if you’re in the mood browse the showrooms for your Rolls Royce or Maserati here too ;-)

https://www.iconsiam.com/en/dining/good-vibes-great-view-at-iconsiam

New York City - Nordstroms

Shoes and champagne, the perfect combination. If your feet are giving out on you and you’re up in the neighborhood of 57th Street then this is the perfect place to catch a drink and eye some shoes haha.

https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/about/new-york/restaurants?srsltid=AfmBOorCHT3WC6031tsd6JdLYhPVDYcgRYrl9smoFGfXQmuvtU7C0AAl

Oh and bonus points that there are likely to have nice rest room! 🤫

Next Up Markets 🥦 🥑🍒🌽

Markets are an ideal dining spot for solo female travelers. 

They are one of the easiest places to eat alone and not feel self-conscious. 

Everyone’s eating on the go, and there’s such a buzz of activity that you can just blend right in…

And, you can typically find day and night markets. 

I like to think that I’m not here to eat but soak up the local atmosphere and they are perfect for people watching locals and fellow travelers. 

🔥Hot TIP! All you have to remember is to choose a food stall where you see a line up of locals. That’s a sure sign its good food!

Take A Cooking Class 👩‍🍳

Now fair warning I literally am a hopeless cook and not particularly interested in becoming a Michelin Star Chef but…

I love taking a cooking class when traveling because it ticks two boxes: you get a meal and a shared experience. 

Everyone’s a bit messy, relaxed, and focused on learning something new.

I’ve made lovely connections with other travelers this way many of them solo women like me.

And, I don’t think of myself as an adventurous eater so this pushes me out of my comfort zone to try new things and… 

If its a great cooking class you also learn about the local community, where the food comes from and why, the history.

Take a Night or Day Food Tour 🛺

If the idea of dining solo in the evening still makes you nervous, this is a great option...

And you could start out doing a day tour to get in the groove.

You’re out and about, tasting your way through a city, and the whole experience feels social without having to make a dinner reservation.

You're with other people so you're not really eating alone and you all have a common interest.

Dine With Your Private Tour Guide 🍜

I once had two wonderful guides in Bangkok young women, full of energy. 

As part of our time together, we lunched and had dinner together...

Now I'm not talking about a Tour Guide with a group tour... this is about hiring a private guide (a great option when traveling through Asia).

It felt like eating out with nieces. More and more, especially in Asia, guides include meals as part of the experience...

And they took me to those off the beaten type of places that I wouldn't have discovered on my own and...

They helped me in selecting and learning about the local dishes.

It was such a great experience I repeated with another guide.

It’s such a natural, lovely way to connect and...

I go out of my way to select women as my Private Guides as my small contribution to lifting up women to live their best lives.

You can check out everything you need to know about hiring a Private Guide and how it can be totally within your budget...

https://www.raewyncrist.com/blog/b/women-travel-over-50-Private-Guide-Affordable-Value

Connect with Other Solo Women Travelers

Reach out! There are so many women over 50 traveling solo. 

Join Facebook groups (like mine Women Over 50: Travel Safe, Confident and Connected) and meet up for dinner or drinks. 

Just remember: always prioritize safety, choose public spots, and trust your gut.

Explore meeting with other solo women travelers for dinner who might be traveling like you or...

Fellow solo travelers who live locally at your travel destination.

I have to confess I am a huge introvert so I have not worked my way up to trying this option but...

I have dined with fellow travelers who I have met at Wellness Retreats... so thats my baby step👣

Pick A Spot With A View 🌄

Picking a location with a view is a great way to have something to enjoy and focus on rather than whose sitting around you. 

Let me share a story.

I was in Bangkok again, staying at a place with this jaw-dropping rooftop restaurant. 

I’d told myself back home: I was going to eat there. But when I got there? I hesitated. 

I almost didn’t go. I felt silly, out of place. But I asked the concierge to book me in and I deliberately chose an early time so it wouldn’t feel as intimidating.

That elevator ride felt like forever.

But when those doors opened, I was greeted with warmth.

The staff asked where I’d like to sit what view I wanted and they made me feel like the most important guest in the room. 

They even offered to take my photo as the sun set behind me. 

It was magical. I was so glad I didn’t let my nerves talk me out of it.

And a little insight to all the other diners... they were so engrossed in the sunset views and their food the last thing they were thinking about was staring at me!

Communal Dining Tables 🥘

Communal dining tables are becoming more and more common, especially at wellness retreats or boutique hotels and even restaurants. 

And the people who sit at them? They usually want to chat. 

You’re never the only one at these tables.

Room Service 🛌

Room Service is always an option…

Especially for those days where you’ve been on the go all day and don’t want to sit around waiting for food let alone doing it alone.

Instead you just want to climb into your jammies, kick off your shoes, and eat dinner in peace. 

No shame. In fact, it can feel like such a treat.

Eating at the Bar 🍹

I’ll be honest this one’s not always my first choice. But in the right setting, it’s perfect. 

You often get friendly service, maybe even a bit of banter, and it doesn’t feel like such a big production.

Ask Your Concierge 👨‍💼

Your hotel concierge is truly your travel Bestie.

Tell them you’re traveling solo and ask where they’d send their sister, mother, or best friend. 

They’ll often call ahead and ensure you’re taken care of.

Dining alone is about feeling comfortable, safe, eating great food and enjoying the experience...

This is why when it comes to safety Accommodation is No. 1 and staying in a good hotel means there will be a Concierge to help get the best out of your solo trip!

Check out why a 4-5 star hotel is not only a must but can definitely fit your budget and have that concierge!

https://www.raewyncrist.com/travel-tips/b/5-StarHotelMust

Practice Before You Depart ✈️

So now you have all these great ideas and options how do you get over those nerves?

Don’t wait until your trip to get used to dining solo. 

☕️ Head to your favourite café and have a coffee by yourself. 

🍳 Go to breakfast on your own (you’ll notice lots of others doing the same). 

🥗 Have lunch somewhere familiar where you feel known and welcome.

🤵🏻‍♂️ And when you're ready to take it up a notch, practice asking for a table confidently. I like to say, “Just me tonight, and I’m excited to try something new.” 

It shifts the energy for them and for you.

So Are You Ready?

You don’t have to do it all. Maybe just try one of these ideas on your next trip. Or even this week. Build that confidence one bite at a time.

Because here’s the truth: you’re not really alone when you dine solo. 

You’re with your thoughts, your stories, your freedom. And there’s something pretty powerful about that.

And just in case you’ve lost track here is a list of all the options:

Dining Solo Options

1. Take a book (in the right setting)
   
   

2. Bring your iPhone or iPad for reading or scrolling
   
   

3. Write or sketch in a journal or travel notebook
   
   

4. Listen to a podcast with your ear pods
   
   

5. Dine during the day when it feels more relaxed
   
   

6. Eat at upscale shopping mall restaurants (great for people-watching)
   
   

7. Try local food markets for casual, solo-friendly meals
   
   

8. Join a cooking class for a shared meal experience
   
   

9. Book a night food tour to avoid solo restaurant dinners
   
   

10. Share a meal with your local guide
    
    

11. Meet up with other solo women travelers for dinner
    
    

12. Choose a restaurant with a great view to make it an experience
    
    

13. Ask your concierge for help with reservations and solo-friendly spots
    
    

14. Sit at a communal table (especially at retreats or boutique stays)
    
    

15. Enjoy room service for a relaxing night in
    
    

16. Sit at the bar for a casual and interactive dining option

17. Ask your Concierge for their recommendation

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Women Over 50: Travel Safe, Confident and Connected

So cheers to wheels up to winging your way on your next travel building lasting memories.