Not a question, more a discussion.
 

I used to work in the alcoholic beverages industry and alcohol was a major part of my life. Wine with dinner, beer with friends, socialising in bars.

But for various reasons i have almost completely stopped drinking. Has a glass of champagne, the occasional glass of good dark beer. Perhaps a drink once or twice a month.

But traveling, major dilemma. several weeks travelling in winter time. Single traveller who hates sitting in quiet motel rooms. What to do on dark nights ? its weird i used to love bars but sat drinking soda water whilst everyone around you is getting drunk does not appeal.

Still feeling weird about that.

Discuss !!

I travel solo and try to do extensive research for the areas I'll be visiting...I look for concerts, talks, etc. I've found some interesting events to attend.

I travel solo occasionally as well. Although I do like to drink some beers, I don't drink much when I'm alone. Just doesn't seem like a good idea.

My solution is to have a somewhat late dinner, read a bit and go to bed. I'm often in bed by 9pm.

That way I can be up with the sun, and out strolling the beach very early in the mornings. I'd rather be awake when it's light out.

Normally during the summer months I would be out cycling, hiking, I am travelling for several weeks mid December and thinking oh dear bed by 9.00pm !

its the adjustment that is strange. Being on vacation but being tucked up in bed early seems a bit alien !

Go do things at night. Go to a movie. Go ice skating. Look for activities open at night.

Most people do something other than sit in bars at night. Not sure what it is we do - it varies - but sitting in a bar is something I rarely do on the road. You need new habits.

A coffee house comes to mind as a place you can hang out in the evenings without alcohol; well, some serve wine, but you get the gist.

I agree with those who say to find some other activities to do at night. I also look for concerts, exhibits, museums that are open late, etc.

I also like to spend a very full day and usually have a late dinner.

If I'm in a safe, walkable city, I'll take a leisurely walk in a populated area, or perhaps sit in an outdoor cafe and people watch.

I've never spent time, at home or away, sitting in bars.

P.S. You should probably post this in the Lounge. You'll most likely get more responses.

"P.S. You should probably post this in the Lounge. You'll most likely get more responses."

But many more lectures!

Yeah, no kidding! Who knew that frequenting bars would draw such opprobrium in 2012??

I'd have echobeach's back in the Lounge, for what that is worth...lol.

And I learned a new word today.....thanks NewbE :-)

I often travel solo but I never hang around in bars at night anyways (and I do drink).

I agree with the suggestions above to find a coffeehouse, museum, go to a play, concert, movie, art opening. But I also don't mind just going out to dinner somewhere nice, then back to the hotel room to read or watch TV.

i love bars and drinking but a blood disorder and medication means keeping alcohol and fatty food to a minimum. Major life style change as previously most of my social life hinged on pubs.

virtually vegetarian and teetotal now :<( . Always been fit, hiking, cycling, adventure sports but the evening centred on drinking !!

I do lots of things - mostly w/ no connection to alcohol. Movies, shopping, late night gallery openings, museums, theater, concerts, special events/festivals, jazz clubs/comedy clubs (no need to drink alcohol). All are perfectly OK solo . . .

(I do drink - dark beers, single malts, wine -- but not all that often nor more than 1 or 2 in an evening)

I travel solo a lot. If the streets are fairly populated, I love to walk around in the crisp air (you mentioned winter.) I also like to sit in a bustling hotel lobby with a book or journal and write or plan the next day. I always seem to meet people and strike up a conversation there. I make plans to see concerts, etc. at nighttime, too, as others do but never feel bad about turning in early or having a late dinner alone.

Most towns and certainly cities will have a number of live theater opportunities. Even little theater can be entertaining and fun and the experience often beats watching tv alone in a hotel room.