Business travel can be challenging, with hours spent in airports waiting for delayed flights and days away from your family and friends. It’s not easy to keep yourself active and positive, precisely the qualities your company wants you to have. We synthesized a list of useful tips for how to efficiently manage your time while eating alone on a business trip.

Choices

One of the most relevant things you can do to when dining alone is to make the right choices when selecting a restaurant. Take time to evaluate what your favorite dining experiences are: do you like a crowded place where you can enjoy the presence of many people, or do you prefer an intimate, quiet place with excellent services. If you are waiting in between courses, you may look for restaurants that have diverse programs of live music built into the experience. While in your hometown, treat yourself and visit your ideal dining destination as on your night out alone. As expected, small towns and airports don’t have so many options, so you will have to make the best of what you find.

Of course, choices aren’t only about the restaurant you’ll be dining in. Once you’ve decided where to eat, make sure you find a suitable place to sit. This little aspect can have a significant impact on your dining experience, especially when you are alone. If you are slightly uncomfortable when dining alone, be assured that is a common feeling and always remember that you might not be as alone as you imagine.

Having troubles deciding where to eat? Ask Tina and she’ll gladly make a suggestion.

Conversation

When dining alone, getting into a conversation with the wait staff (if they’re willing) seems like a good idea. People usually enjoy meeting others from new places and discovering about what it’s like there.

If you find yourself in a new city and you have questions about the menu or the surrounding neighborhood, you can obtain some valuable information from the local waitstaff. Don’t forget to be thankful if you get a useful tip.

If the circumstances are right, there is also the possibility to start a conversation with your dining neighbors. Make sure that you aren’t over friendly or force yourself into others’ conversations, but remember that a lot of people welcome the opportunity to meet new people.

It’s necessary to have a positive attitude and be sure to listen and ask the right questions as people often like talking about themselves.

If the art of conversation is not your strong point, you could bring a laptop or some reading material to fill your time until your food arrives.

Get out early

If you’re feeling somewhat uncomfortable when dining alone, you can ask for the check before you finish your meal. This is a good way to reduce the amount of time you are spending to sit alone at the table. You can pay for your check as soon as you finish your dinner and leave right away.

Eating alone in a public place is something that few prefer, but by following these tips, you can have a relaxed and pleasant experience.

If you’re in a hurry, you can always take the leftovers home for a later treat.

Streamline the trip

Book a car service to handle your transportation and ensure that you’re in and out quickly and you won’t waste any time. If your business travels take you somewhere in Southern California, make sure to use the services of Concierge Limousine, a leader in the ground transportation industry. You can count on this reliable company to be outside your restaurant when your dinner is over, waiting to take you to your next destination. Don’t waste your time trying to get a taxi or call a ride-sharing service; with chauffeured car services, you’ll be picked up whenever you need, any time, any place, 24/7.

With a good understanding of our corporate clients’ unique and important requirements, Concierge Limousine, Inc. guarantees your satisfaction.

Also published on Medium.