How a 2-week Trip to Tokyo Changed My Mind About Solo Travel

Sophie Dodd is a writer at Travel + Leisure, where she relies on her 10 years of experience as a journalist and frequent flyer to test and review luggage, apparel, and accessories to help you travel better. Courtesy of TeamLab Planets Tokyo I’m sitting alone at a record bar in Tokyo, sipping a dirty martini and willing someone to talk to me. It’s been more than 24 hours since I’ve spoken out loud; body language and the bizarre magic of Google Translate have been my only modes of conversation. As a hyper-extrovert, I’m going a little wild — and it’s more than just the 'tinis talking (if only they would). "I really like the music," I type on my phone, watching my words reappear in Japanese and wishing my personality translated as easily. I slide my screen across to the bartender with a pitifully earnest facial expression, clearly craving human interaction. He offers me a smile and quickly returns to garnishing a cocktail. I want to say, "Where do I go to make friends?" I want to say, "Th

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