5 Myths About Solo Culinary Travel—Debunked

I talk to a lot of people who are curious about solo travel…but not quite ready to take the leap.

“I don’t want to eat alone.”
“I’m not sure I’ll fit in.”
“I want to feel safe, relaxed, and still have fun.”

I get it. And I’ve been there too.

But here’s what I’ve seen again and again: when you bring people together around food, when the planning is done for you and the experience is personal, solo doesn’t feel so solo anymore.

Here are five of the most common myths I hear about solo culinary travel–and why you might be more ready than you think.

Myth 1: Solo travel is only for extroverts

You don’t have to be the life of the party to enjoy a culinary vacation. Our chef-curated experiences offer a built-in sense of community, with space to enjoy things at your own pace. We have a knack for gently pulling people out of their shells—only as much as they’re ready, willing, and able.

Myth 2: Solo = Lonely

Culinary travel brings people together in a way that feels organic and easy. It’s amazing how a shared love of food and travel becomes its own language—one that welcomes you in, no matter your background. When you’re chopping, cooking, eating, and sharing stories with fellow travelers, you’re never really alone.

We have a knack for gently drawing people of their shells—only as much as they’re ready, willing, and able. Many of our solo travelers are surprised by how quickly the kitchen becomes a place of connection. After all, it’s often the heart of any home—and on our tours, it’s no different. Friendships form naturally, and many guests stay in touch long after the final toast.

Myth 3: I’ll have to do everything alone

While we don’t book your flights or trains (unless internal transfers are included as part of your tour), depending on the destination, we can often direct you to people who do. And once you’re with us, it’s no sweat, other than what comes from the heat of the oven. We’ve got you covered with at least half-board and transportation to all our excursions.

Our thoughtfully curated itineraries create space for both meaningful group experiences and downtime to explore on your own. The accommodations we select are so inviting that many guests love hanging out there, even during free time. But we always encourage you to get out there and discover a bit of the destination on your own. We handle the logistics so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Myth 4: It’ll feel awkward by myself

Every tour we offer begins with a welcome cocktail dinner. There’s always plenty to eat, and you can toast with or without alcohol. Think of it as our icebreaker—a relaxed way to ease into the week and get to know your fellow travelers. After that, it’s laughter in the kitchen, shared meals, and collective discoveries that make every moment feel connected and natural.

Myth 5: It’s too much to plan by myself

Any well-organized culinary experience should be stress-free for all those who participate. And solo culinary travel should be just as easy. We bring our full expertise to the table. We plan the food experiences with chefs, cooks, and tastemakers. We collaborate with expert guides and storytellers to craft meaningful excursions. And we test everything ourselves to ensure we’re partnering with like-minded people who are passionate about sharing their culture, their story, and their cuisine with you.

From airport pickup to farewell dinner, we focus on authenticity, sustainability, and ease. Every detail is handled so you can do what you came to do: show up, relax, and savor the experience.

Curious to know what solo culinary travel really looks like?

If you’re thinking about your first stress-free solo culinary vacation, you’re not alone—and you’re not the only one looking for a meaningful way to explore. Check out our guide to stress-free culinary vacations in Europe, where you’ll find inspiration and details on destinations like Uzès, Seville, Parma, Paris, and Georgia.

And while you’re here, check out this story from Judith, who said yes to traveling solo when she joined us for Let’s Eat Uzès. She found connection, discovery, and joy along the way.

Ready to plan your own stress-free solo culinary vacation?

Explore our upcoming tours or schedule a quick discovery call to see which experience is right for you.