As a black belt in martial arts, as well as a former martial arts instructor, ladies self-defense instructor, and a female solo traveller, I highly recommend that some form of self-defense class be taken if you are a solo female traveller.
It is always beneficial to have some self-defense moves stowed away in your back pocket……just in case.
Should I Take a Self-Defense Class if Travelling Solo?
I know that this is a subject that not many women want to hear about, but my motto is “better safe than sorry”. I truly believe that most people in this world are kind and honorable, but there are the odd bad ones out there. My intention certainly is not to scare you off of travelling solo. That is the last thing that I want to do, as travelling solo is the most liberating thing that you will ever do, and for the most part it is extremely safe. I am also not saying that something bad will happen to you because it likely won’t, but there is always that very slight chance and it is best to be as prepared as possible.
When travelling solo, we are completely dependent on ourselves for our own safety. The best form of self-defense is always first and foremost … AVOIDANCE! For basic precautions to take when travelling solo, or even when travelling with a travel partner, refer to Let’s Get Ready for Takeoff. Together with AVOIDANCE, it is also extremely important that you are aware of your surroundings at all times and show an extreme amount of confidence (whether you feel it or not). Attackers usually seek out vulnerable looking people, which unfortunately are typically solo female travellers, so it is important to always look alert.
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a precarious situation, it is helpful to know some of the following self-defense moves. These self-defense moves are basic and can be learned in depth by taking a women’s basic self-defense class.
Self-Defense Awareness for the Female Solo Traveller
Before I begin, you should be aware that if you are a female travelling alone and you are physically attacked, there is more than a pretty good chance that it won’t be by another female. It is only natural for our male counterparts to out-perform us women with their superior physical strength. Because of this, it is imperative that we always remain calm and out-think our attacker. Here are some self-defense tips to put in your bag of tricks should you find yourself in trouble during your travels:
Self Defense for Frontal Attacks
If you are attacked from the front, it is always important to keep your balance throughout the attack. The last place you want to end up is on the ground! In order to do this effectively, make every attempt to keep your upper body centered over your feet. If at all possible, make yourself more stable by keeping your feet spread approximately 1 foot apart, with your upper body centered in between your feet. This is known as the center of gravity. If you are not centered, there is a very good chance that you will be thrown off balance, and potentially even fall.
If your attacker is close and you are unable to escape, make him become your best friend. Stay as close to him as you possibly can! By doing this you will be in a position to utilize your maximum amount of strength. Imagine yourself picking up a heavy package with your arms out-stretched in front of you. How difficult is that? How much strength do you have just using your arms? The same theory is applied in this situation. Since it is likely that your attacker will have superior physical strength, you will need to use your maximum strength, engaging your entire body as you defend yourself.
JUST ONE TIP: If you are unable to escape, stay as close to your attacker as possible. He has now just become your new best friend.
In addition, the closer you are to your attacker the less opportunity he will have to strike out at you, grab you or choke you. You will be limiting his attack options.
The following are some basic self-defense tips that can greatly increase your chances of escaping your attacker:
- STAY CALM and be patient
- Wait until your attacker is slightly distracted and “shock the system”. See below for various ways to “shock the system”.
- Take advantage of his loosened grip and run like hell
- Make lots of noise when running away to bring attention to the situation. Do not yell “rape”, as most people do not respond to that.
As you may have already guessed, a frontal attack is the easiest attack to defend yourself against.
Self-Defense for Rear Attacks
Being attacked from the rear is much more difficult to defend against, as it is the attacker’s intention to take you by surprise. This is where AVOIDANCE and AWARENESS come in handy. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, the same rules apply as with frontal attacks.
- Maintain your balance
- Stay as close as you can. This is extremely important if attacked from the rear. Since you wont be able to see your attacker, you want to be able to feel him so you know what he is doing. Remember who your best friend is
- Keep your chin tucked down towards your chest to avoid being choked
- Stay calm
- Shock the system
- Once the attacker’s grip is loosened slightly, run
- Make as much noise as possible
Self-Defense for Ground Attacks
If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself on the ground and having to defend yourself, don’t give up hope yet.
- Stay close
- Stay calm and be patient
- Shock the system
- Do not turn over onto your stomach
- While lying on your back, keep your legs bent with feet planted firmly on the ground approximately 1 foot apart. When the attacker’s grip is loosened, or he becomes distracted, thrust your hips into the air while pushing your feet into the ground, with as much force as possible. The goal is to throw the attacker off balance enough so that you are able to escape. This is most effective if done immediately after shocking the system
- Get up and run when his grip is loosened
- make plenty of noise
In all types of attacks, if you are fortunate enough to escape your attacker whatever you do, do not stick around. Escape the situation as soon as feasibly possible.
Shock the System
There are various ways you can shock the system, none of which are for the faint of heart. The trick to shocking the system is to catch your attacker off guard so that his grip will loosen enough for you to escape. It you are able to achieve this, don’t waste time. Run for your life!
- Spit in your attackers face
- Poke or eye gouge
- Punch your attacker in the throat
- Punch or elbow your attacker in the kidneys
- Clap your attacker’s ears with both of your hands as hard as you can
- Hit/kick to the groin. CAUTION: If you choose to shock the system this way, be sure you hit the groin square on, otherwise, you will just make him angry
- Kick the shins
- Stomp on the top of his foot (especially effective if wearing high heels)
- Head butt. This is best when being attacked from the rear
JUST ONE TIP: The most important thing to remember when having to defend yourself as a woman is to “shock the system”
Sensitive/Vulnerable Spots
The body has numerous sensitive spots, which are the spots you want to aim for whenever you are shocking the system. Some of the most vulnerable spots are:
- groin
- eyes
- throat (adams apple)
- ears
- bottom of nose
- shins
- kidneys
- top of foot
If you are able to shock the system in any of these vulnerable areas, you will have a better chance of escaping.
Women’s Self-Defense for the Solo Traveller
This article is intended to outline the bare basics of women’s self-defense that you should be aware of when travelling solo (in addition to the precautions outlined in Let’s Get Ready for Take-off.) If you choose to travel solo, it is always advisable to take a ladies self-defense class so that you can practice the moves, and learn how to effectively perform the self-defense techniques. A black belt is not necessary when travelling solo, however having knowledge of some self-defense basics is not only smart, it is necessary.
It doesn’t matter how adept you are at self-defense, always remember that the best self-defense is AVOIDANCE, AWARENESS and CONFIDENCE.
SAFE TRAVELS! 🙂
Kelly xoxo
PIN TO STAY SAFE!
Michelle
These are great tips. My husband is a police officer and these are some of the same things he teaches me. Of course, it is so important to practice, practice, practice 🙂
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Just One Passport
Exactly…the more you practice the more chance it will become a natural instict
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Sana
I have traveled solo for many years. And I understand the risks of traveling solo for women. Your post explains In detail what to do in a difficult situation. Shock the System sounds pretty effective but I think it would need good amount of practice
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Just One Passport
It does take practice, as well as a lot of courage. We as women don’t typically want to hurt anybody, but if we want any chance of escaping, this is the most important part.
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Jen
Thank you so much for these important and valuable tips. It’s so important to be on guard and prepared – esp when traveling alone. I especially liked your “shock the system” suggestions. Thank you for this helpful post.
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Just One Passport
You’re very welcome. I hope you were able to pick up some tips
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Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
These are great tips! It’s always good to be prepared. My youngest daughter is going to Milan for a semester abroad and will be traveling alone quite a bit. I’ll show her this!
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Just One Passport
It’s always good to know some basic self defense moves…..just in case.
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Stéphanie - Bey Of Travel
Thank you for sharing this blog post, I never had any problems traveling solo as a woman.
But better safe then sorry indeed.
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Just One Passport
I have never had any trouble either but you’re right…better safe than sorry!
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Catherine
I’ve never actually traveled alone, but I love having the knowledge of what to do no matter what situation I’m in. I’ve heard of terrible things happening just walking outside of your hotel room! Great article! Made me thing about what I would do!
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Just One Passport
Exactly….this is a subject that can affect everyone
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SecretMoona
Very good tips not only for female solo travellers but female travellers in general. It’s important to always be cautious when travelling in an unknown location. And if you know some self-defence moves, then that’s even better!
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Just One Passport
I couldn’t agree with you more!
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Aditi Sharma
These are really helpful tips for defending oneself in difficult situations. While I’ve never come across a problematic situation until now while traveling alone, it’s always good to know how to stay safe with these defensive tips. Thanks for sharing.
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Just One Passport
I haven’t had any issues yet but you never know. It’s always best to be prepared
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Reina E Conboy
Very well written post and I laughed-out-loud with the picture you provided! I firmly believe that learning basic self-defense for solo female travelers is important so I’m very grateful you provided this information!
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Just One Passport
Thank you so much. It is such an important topic and not one that we talk about often enough.
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perfectdaytoplay
I am lucky I always travel with my husband everywhere. I do however want to eventually take a self-defense class. This post was extremely informative and yet again reminded me to sign-up for the actual class in the upcoming months. thank you for posting!
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Just One Passport
I believe every female should take some form of self defense
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Albi Mrázová
That is a lot if helpful tips! I didn’t know that I need to stay out of the ground, but thinking about it, it only sounds reasonable. Thanks for sharing
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Just One Passport
There is SO much to know when it comes to self defense everybody should take a class
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WanderlustBeautyDreams
This is so helpful for solo female travelers! I think it’s important to know some self defense tactics because you never know and it’s always good to be prepared for any kind of situation. Thanks for sharing this round up of suggestions!
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Just One Passport
I totally agree. I think all women should have some form of self-defense knowledge.
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bianca8080
This is something I was actually thinking about just today when I stopped some Krav Maga lessons on Group. Considering the number of times I have travelled solo when men making some of the crudest comments you wonder if they have any sisters in their lives. It really makes me wonder if I should consider getting self-defense lessons for just in case. These are definitely some great tips in the meantime.
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Just One Passport
I for one think that all women should have at least a basic knowledge of self-defense. Especially if they travel alone. You just never know what can happen.
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Christina Gavrilas-Pearson
I don’t think enough people think about self-defense. This is a great post but there best recommendations would be to take a class and make it second nature.
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Just One Passport
I absolutely agree with you!
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gofargrowclose
It is a sad world when an article like this is needed. But, of course, better to be prepared than just stick your head in the sand and pretend risks aren’t there. Lots of great suggestions that all of us should learn regardless of whether we are in a foreign country or home.
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Just One Passport
I do believe that most places are safe and most people are good but I also believe that it’s ALWAYS best to be prepared just in case.
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Razena
Thus far I have been fortunate to have never encountered situations where I felt unsafe or in danger because I avoid engaging in high risk behaviors when I travel. However it has occurred to me that not all places are safe and that I do need to know some basic self defense techniques and you have provided some excellent tips.
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Just One Passport
You already know the most important part of self defense -AVOID! It’s amazing so many people throw caution to the wind when travelling.
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oldbirdtravels
Excellent advice. I’m getting my gym in London to help with a class for this very thing. I was in an attempted mugging situation in Sicily with a guy trying to grab my gold chain, (they hadn’t finished cleaning my room when I arrived so had nipped out to the supermarket) I automatically went into a possibly dangerous situation by grabbing it back and shouting like a mad MAN, he was totally shocked and ran away . I know this was foolish in case he held a knife but it was instinctual. Nobody came to help and I was standing in the street with my chain in hand … amazing how fast you react when you sense danger.
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Just One Passport
So true! Adrenaline kicks in. I’m so glad you escaped unharmed but its terrifying
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Anonymous
Excellent tips Kelly, all women need to be prepared to defend themselves if necessary. Of course, ideally, we wouldn’t ever have to defend ourselves against physical attacks. I believe self-defense classes should be mandatory in schools. As a fellow martial artist, I’d love to know which art you practice? I practice Kumdo (Korean sword) 🙂
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Just One Passport
Learning self defense in school would be a great idea. North American freestyle. A combination of karate grappling kickboxing jujitsu. I taught for the longest time then real work got in the way lol
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Adventuring with Shannon
I love this! My dad made me learn self-defense when I was growing up, and I ended up working toward my black belt. I think this is such a great post and important for anyone.
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Just One Passport
Thank you! It’s so important to be aware especially when we travel solo, but also when we are with others, as we are typically distracted when others are around.
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artistember
I’m setting this page as a favorite. i haven’t gone traveling very much, but it’s still useful for day to day.
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Just One Passport
Awww thank you so much. I really try to inspire others to escape their comfort zone and live their best life, whether when travelling or at home xo
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pamelard
I’m all about women being able to and feeling confident enough to go out and explore the world. Great self-defense tips! Thank you!
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Just One Passport
Yes…so many women still dont have the confidence to do it. Especially in my age group
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Alan @ MorePassportStamps.com
Balance is often overlooked in self defence. This is a smart, informative post that I hope everyone sees sooner rather than later. Thank you!
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Just One Passport
I agree! Without balance, it doesn’t matter how strong you are you won’t win
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SherianneKay
Great advice to keep chin tucked to not be strangled. I wouldn’t have ever thought to stay close to the attacker but it makes sense now that it’s explained
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Just One Passport
When I taught martial arts, we would always tell the students to make your attacker your best friend lol
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Sage Scott
Oh, holy cow, you’re a bad ass! And here I was thinking I should get a gun and learn how to shoot it before I did my solo RV trip. Really great tips! (Plus, my college roommate is a black belt and could probably teach me a few things before I go!)
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Jordin
Excellent advice! I honestly would love to take self defense classes just for my everyday life. Having the skills and knowledge would give me some peace of mind that in a crisis I would have some form of preparedness. I have yet to travel solo, but would FOR SURE take classes to prepare myself.
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Just One Passport
A basic self defense class is something that I believe everybody should take.
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Amrita
I totally understand the importance of self-defence while travelling solo. I have travelled to a lot of places without any difficulty yet, but it is always better to be ready than sorry. The tips for surprising the attacker by shock is so useful. And so is the mention of the vulnerable spots. I wish that we all travel safely, but we should also be ready for any unforeseen circumstances. Thanks for sharing this post.
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Just One Passport
Always better to be safe than sorry. The most important thing to remember in self-defense is avoidance!
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Sinjana (@backpacknxplore)
It’s something I shudder to even think of, but it’s important. Thanks for these useful tips for self-defense. Completely agree with you on the better safe than sorry part.
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Carol Kubicki
These are useful tips for any traveller. I like the shock to the system ideas, I will try and remember these if I ever need to! I practice tai chi which comes from martial arts and it does teach you to stand with your feet well placed so you are harder to knock over, always a good start.
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Just One Passport
Balance is SO important and especially for those who are smaller or weaker than her attacker.
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Michelle Segrest
This is a truly helpful and useful article and I truly appreciate your posting it! I especially love the tips on the shock factor like spitting in the attacker’s face or poking them in the eye. I never thought of things like this. Every female traveler should read this!!!
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Just One Passport
Thanks Michelle!
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Marisa
These are amazing tips and seriously so important to learn as you never know what could happen! These are even valuable tips not just for solo traveling but being in your own hometown as well! Thanks for sharing!
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Just One Passport
I agree. The are good for wherever you go.
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Patti Boo
Omigosh, this is a great post! Wow! This is so important to know just in general, not even for solo travel!
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Just One Passport
Thank you! I completely agree it’s good for all women (and men), but especially women to have a little bit of self-defense knowledge
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Jiayi Wang
These are SUCH valuable tips, thank you so much for sharing them!! I never thought of the top of the foot or bottom of the nose as vulnerable spots!
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Just One Passport
They sure are. The top of the foot works best when wearing stilettos lol
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Kanupriyaa
This is a good skill to have in life
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Kelly
These are all great tips for women to take into consideration! I remember taking a course like this while in highschool and have always kept it in the back of my mind when out alone 🙂
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Just One Passport
Self defense is something all women should learn
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Mindy on the Move
This is such a genius and original post! I’ve been wanting to take self defense classes for awhile now as I’m very interested in learning and I loveee this guide and tips! Certainly pinning and saving to refer to as I practice! ☺️💕
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Just One Passport
Thanks Mindy! I strongly believe that everybody (especially women and children) should have some form of self-defense training. It doesn’t necessarily have to be martial arts, but just learn some “street smarts”.
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Appetite for Adventure
Thank you so much for this! I have been doing more solo travel and always think about this but have never done my research. Thanks for actionable tips!
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Just One Passport
safety is even more important when travelling solo. Its always good to know a little self defense
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carolcolborn
Thanks. I take away some nuggets…the list of sensitive/vulnerable spots to shock the attacker!!!
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Kiara Williams
These are always good to know, even in just your everyday life when you’re not traveling. Thanks for the tips, I must keep them in mind.
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Just One Passport
I agree. Everybody should learn a little bit of self defense
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bye:myself
I actually don’t know what I would do if someone attacked me. I think I would panic and scream like a crazy woman. And I have a terribly loud voice. I hope that would shock them since I don’t see myself defending myself in a more sophisticated – and probably efficient way. The best way is to stay safe 😉 So: safe travels to all you wonderful ladies!
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Just One Passport
Lets hope we never have to find out if screaming works. If nothing else, it will alert others.
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Anna Schaeffer
Great tips! I took self-defense classes as a teenager, and I always carry that information with me when I travel, especially traveling alone! Great post.
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Just One Passport
Thank you. Yes, once you learn it, it never seems to leave and it is a great skill to have!
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