Navigating Noise as a Solo Traveler (Part 3)
Enjoying a coffee or a meal without music raging in the background
First of all, I acknowledge that cafes and restaurants are communal places where people meet to talk, eat, and enjoy their time. However, it does strike me as very odd that so many cafes and restaurants seem to have turned into daytime clubs with music so loud that I have to wear my noise canceling headphones just to get through my meal. Don’t get me wrong, I occasionally like to go out to places with music, but that is not an everyday occurance.
As a solo traveler and long-term traveler, I often go out for multiple meals a day and sometimes like to read, do work, or simply relax my mind during my meal. There are two approaches I have used to get the staff to turn the music down (or even turn it off completely) while both traveling and in my home country:
Approach One - space out your meal. If you realize that the music is pretty loud and going to affect you, I recommend only ordering part of your meal first. Once you get it, kindly ask the staff if they would be willing to turn the volume down. If you are the only person at the restaurant, you could even ask them if they’d be willing to turn it off completely until other customers arrive. That way, if they don’t turn the music down, you can easily ask for the check and go elsewhere for the rest of your meal.
Approach Two - ask those around you if they also want the music turned down. If the music is so loud that people have to shout to hear each other, then chances are you aren’t the only person who wishes it could be turned down. Especially if those seated near you are fellow tourists, you may have a better chance of communicating with them and asking if they are bothered as well. If they confirm that the music is loud, then this gives a lot more weight to your request. The staff will have a harder time ignoring your request when you say that the people at the next table also would like the volume reduced.
However, sometimes, you just don’t want to bother with going out to eat. Enjoying a meal in the blissful silence of your own room can be a real treat when on the road for a while. I would suggest trying the following:
Download the local delivery apps. These will vary depending on where you are. I found myself using Grab, GoJek, or GoPanda in South East Asia. Note, they may not take your foreign credit card so have some cash on hand just in case.
Pick up food at a local market or store. You can easily get something packed to-go in local markets. Better yet, purchase food from a few places so you can try a variety of items.
Order room service. If you are so inclined and have it in your budget, the joy of not having to leave your room at all may be worth the price tag.
I would also suggest packing these items in your luggage:
Collapsible electric kettle. I mostly recommend this for budget travelers who are staying in places that wouldn’t likely have a kettle in the room.
Collapsible cup. I always bring this on every trip. You can use this as a cup or a bowl.
Spork. The last thing you want is to have tons of food and no utensils. Plus, this helps cut plastic waste. This also comes with me on every trip.
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