Over decades of solo and small-group travel, I’ve tried just about everything when it comes to settling into a new city. I’ve winged it. I’ve over-planned. I’ve shown up without a hotel, with only $300 in my pocket and no real itinerary — not something I recommend, by the way.
These days, I’ve traded in chaos for comfort, and I’ve found one small ritual that completely transforms the start of any trip:
I always book a food tour for the night I arrive.
It might not sound revolutionary, but it’s a travel strategy that’s saved me time, helped me meet people, and instantly connected me to the soul of a city. Whether I’m in Europe, Mexico, or somewhere new and unfamiliar, this one habit grounds me.
And if you’re a solo traveler, it might be the smartest thing you do, too. Let me tell you why!
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1. It Solves the “What Do I Do Tonight?” Panic
If you’ve ever landed in a new country after a long-haul flight, completely wrecked by jet lag and unsure where to go for dinner — you know the panic I’m talking about.
Rather than wandering the streets, hoping to stumble on something good, I show up to a food tour that I booked in advance. No decisions, no Googling “best restaurants in X,” no awkward table-for-one moments. It’s all taken care of!
That simple plan removes friction and stress from the first few hours of your arrival, giving your jet-lagged brain a break. Plus, if the food’s great? That’s a win-win! If it’s just okay? You still walk away with local insight and connections (more on that next).
2. It Helps You Make Friends Fast
One of the best things about a food tour is the people you meet. Other travelers, locals, and your guide all become part of your first experience in the city.
On a food tour that first night, there will be people who have already been there for a week and those who have also arrived that day. You might find somebody who will tell you about an amazing thing to do that you didn’t know about yet!
When you’re traveling solo, that instant sense of community is priceless. I’ve had dinners later in the week with people I met on the first night. I’ve gotten insider tips that completely reshaped my plans.
Sometimes, those first connections become friendships. Other times, they’re simply a welcome bit of warmth and camaraderie at the start of your adventure.
3. It’s Like Having a Local Friend Show You Around
Your food tour guide is more than just someone walking you from bite to bite. They’re usually young, tapped into the local scene, and full of great advice you won’t find in a Google search.
The guide for the food tour usually has amazing suggestions for restaurants, and they know about the interesting bars that you wouldn’t necessarily see on a blog post or TripAdvisor. That’s the magic! Instead of relying on online lists that are sometimes SEO-driven or out of date, you’re hearing from someone who actually lives there — and cares about your experience.
Plus, they know how to steer you away from the tourist traps. One of my favorite travel rules: If the menu is posted with photographs of the food, don’t eat there.
Trust the guide. Trust the process. You’ll eat better, experience more, and avoid overpriced “Instagram restaurants.”
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4. It Helps You Plan the Rest of the Trip
This might be my favorite “hidden” benefit: by the end of the food tour, I know what neighborhoods I want to spend more time in, which restaurants are worth a return visit, and what kinds of experiences I want to prioritize.
Sometimes, I ask the guide, “Where do you go?” and then I’ll spend the next afternoon in that exact neighborhood. I’m not just eating – I’m scoping out the rhythm of the city through its food and people. This is a great way to immerse yourself in local life!
And the best part? You’ve only been in the city for a few hours.
5. It’s a Lifesaver for Solo Travelers
I travel solo a lot, and while I love the independence, it takes a lot of work. You’re on your own for every decision, every meal, every moment of safety and logistics. A food tour is a built-in relief valve. For a few hours, someone else leads the way.
When you’re traveling solo, you do get lonely. You have to work harder to stay connected. And physically, it’s more work. There are more safety issues. It’s just different, especially as a solo female traveler.
By joining a group, even temporarily, I get to share a meal, hear stories, and feel part of something. Then, the next morning, I’m back to exploring solo — but with more context, more energy, and more confidence!
My #1 Travel Tip: Always Book a Food Tour for the First Night!
There’s a lot of advice out there for first-time travelers, solo travelers, and even seasoned explorers. But if I could give you one piece of actionable, guaranteed-to-make-your-trip-better advice?
Always book a food tour on your first night!
It helps you eat well, meet people, get grounded, and avoid the stress of the arrival night. It’s simple, strategic, and kind of brilliant — and it’s worked for me in city after city, country after country.
Search for food tours in each destination on Viator, where you can read reviews from other travelers. Make sure to find one that’s led by a local so you can gain that valuable insight I mentioned!
Try it on your next trip! And who knows — maybe I’ll see you there, glass of wine in hand, already planning your next adventure.
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