My goal is nothing less than to change the travel industry. To benefit solo travelers, of course. Sounds pretty grandiose, eh? But I don't think it's that difficult. Out of self interest, the industry should consider paying more attention to the solo market.
Too many would-be vacationers, with money to burn, are staying home because hotels and restaurants make them feel as though they need to show up as a pair. At minimum.
Meanwhile, the number of single adults is growing all the time. From single/never married to divorced, plenty of these people want to travel but don't have a travel companion. And don't view the industry as single friendly.
So many times I walk into a hotel restaurant and see table after table for two occupied by one person. I'm not going to stop and ask these people if I can join them. No, propriety dictates that I avert my eyes and get my own table for one.
But not at a place like Club Med. There, my host would seat me next to other people at a large table, and I might end up having a lively dinner conversation with someone new. At Club Med, you're expected to break the ice no matter where on the property you are.
Continued...
There's somewhat of a similar dynamic at business conferences I attend. People sit at large tables in a ballroom and I feel free to sit myself down next to anyone and introduce myself. It's not a pick-up scene. It's just company for lunch.
Some restaurants are catching on to this. One here in Washington, D.C., sets a table for eight in the middle of the room. It's open to anyone who is open to being joined by strangers. Couples, singles, whomever.
The National Press Club in Washington does the same. If you arrive alone, you have the option of taking a seat at a large table in front of the fire with others.
Have you experienced something like this in your travels? Something that made it easy to be a single guest? I would love to hear more about it.
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