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Top Self-Defence Tips for Solo Female Travellers

Written by Self Defence Hub
Posted 30 December 2024

Travelling solo is one of the most empowering experiences a woman can undertake. Exploring new destinations, meeting people, and stepping out of your comfort zone offers unmatched personal growth. But while adventure calls, it’s important to prioritise safety. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend trip or a month-long backpacking journey, preparation is key to feeling secure. Here are some self defence tips for solo female travellers.

At Self Defence Hub, we’ve worked with countless women who want to feel safer while travelling alone. That’s why we’ve compiled these essential self-defence tips to help you stay safe, confident, and prepared wherever your travels take you.

What Is Self-Defence and Why Does It Matter?

Self-defence isn’t just about physical techniques—it’s a mindset. It’s about building confidence, situational awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. For solo travellers, these skills are invaluable.

When you feel capable and empowered, you’re less likely to be seen as an "easy target". Self-defence helps you not only protect yourself but also enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

packing for solo female tavellers sm

Preparing Before You Leave: Safety Starts at Home

Preparation is the first line of defence. Before leaving, consider these tips:

  • Research your destination: Familiarise yourself with safe areas, local customs, and emergency numbers.
  • Pack strategically: Keep essentials like a small flashlight, pen, writing pads and your passport within reach.
  • Pack light: Staying light with your luggage means more time to take in your surroundings rather than focussing on your luggage. Also, if you need to leave a space quickly, you're ready quicker.
  • Share your plans: Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust and check in regularly.

Websites like Smartraveller by the Australian Government provide reliable travel safety tips for Australians.

Choosing Safe Accommodation When Travelling Solo

Your accommodation is your home away from home, so it should feel secure.

  • Check reviews: Look for feedback specifically from solo female travellers. Read the poor reviews and get an understanding of where they are coming from and if this is a safety concern.
  • Secure your space: Choose rooms with double locks and avoid ground floors for added security. If you are able to, having something like a door alarm (like this one from Amazon - not affilliated with this business) will alert you if someone is opening the door to your room and also help provide you additional time to prepare.
  • Stay connected: Note the hotel’s emergency procedures and have their contact details handy.

Navigating Public Transport with Confidence

Public transport can feel daunting, especially in unfamiliar places.

  • Stick to reputable services: Use official taxis or rideshare apps with tracking features.
  • Stay alert: Avoid distractions like headphones or texting in crowded areas.
  • Sit with others: Choose seats close to the driver or other passengers.

Staying Aware in Public Spaces and Crowds

Crowds can be chaotic, making them a hotspot for petty crimes.

  • Keep valuables secure: Use crossbody bags with anti-theft features.
  • Be unpredictable: Avoid setting a clear routine when moving around daily.
  • Look around: Most petty crimes are done with more than one person. They usually see a "target" and have a plan of attack. If you see the same faces hovering around you that might indicate you're being targeted.
  • Maintain a safe distance: If someone makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and move away.

obvious solo female taveller

How to Blend In with Your Surroundings

Standing out as a tourist can attract unwanted attention.

  • Dress locally: Match your attire to the local culture and climate.
  • Move with purpose: Walk confidently and avoid appearing lost.
  • Learn the basics: Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can be a lifesaver. 

The Importance of Trusting Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t dismiss it. Trusting your gut can often prevent you from staying in unsafe situations.

Simple Everyday Tools for Protection

You don’t need to carry a weapon to feel protected.

  • Small Tactical Torch: These are great because they are designed to confuse the eyes in dark situations and also are made of very duable materials so you can use them for self defence. You can purchase them here.
  • Keys: Simple but effective self defence tools, video below on how to use this effectively.
  • Apps: Safety apps can share your location with trusted contacts in real-time.

 

The Best Moves for Beginners

Self-defence moves don’t need to be complex to be effective. A few key techniques can make all the difference:

  • Palm strikes: Target the attacker’s nose, temple or eyes.
  • Hammerfist strikes: Useful for close-range situations. You can also view these in the videos above.
  • Escape techniques: Learn how to break free from grabs or holds by doing a self defence course.

These techniques are covered in detail in our Half Day Workshop (ideal for those travelling) or 2-hour workshop, both are great starting points for anyone new to self-defence.

Staying Calm in High-Stress Situations

Staying calm might sound impossible in a threatening situation, but it’s crucial.

  • Control your breathing: Deep breaths help you focus and stay composed.
  • Assess your options: Look for exits, people nearby, or objects that can help you defend yourself.

 

The Role of Practice and Workshops in Building Confidence

Practice makes perfect. At Self Defence Hub, we recommend workshops and private lessons for solo travellers.

  • Half-Day Workshops: These sessions dive deeper into practical skills and build your confidence in real-life scenarios. Learn more here.
  • Private Lessons: Tailored to your needs, private lessons allow you to ask specific questions and develop personal strategies. Details here.

 2hr course hero

Empowering Yourself with Workshops and Lessons

The value of self-defence training extends far beyond physical safety. It boosts confidence, sharpens your instincts, and equips you to enjoy your adventures to the fullest.

Trusted Sources for Travel Safety Advice

For the latest travel advice, visit:


FAQs

How can I stay safe while travelling solo?

Preparation is key. Research your destination, trust your instincts, and invest in self-defence training to build confidence.

Are self-defence tools legal to carry while travelling?

It depends on the country’s laws. Always check local regulations before packing items like pepper spray (illegal to carry in Australia)or keychain tools (also illegal to carry in Australia).

What’s the best way to get started with self-defence?

I highly recommend the Half Day Course which covers the basics of stand up self defence and ground self defence, or book a private lesson for a more personalised approach.

Can self-defence training help prevent assaults?

While no method guarantees complete safety, self-defence training can make you a less likely target and help you respond effectively. More often than not, criminals target people they think are "easy". This means that if criminals think someone won't make a scene, make noise, put up a fight then they are more likely to target that person. If they think someone will fight back, draw attention to or make lots of noise then they are more likely to move on to someone else.

How often should I practice self-defence?
Consistency is key. Attending workshops regularly and practising at home keeps your skills sharp.

What if I freeze in a dangerous situation?
Freezing is a natural response. Training can help you learn to stay calm and react instinctively.

Conclusion

Solo travel is a gift that should be embraced without fear. By taking proactive steps to prioritise safety and learning self-defence techniques, you can enjoy the journey with confidence. At Self Defence Hub, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to take the first step? Join our workshops and feel empowered to explore the world safely.

Google Reviews

"Andre is a fantastic teacher! my sister and I did a private self defence lesson and cannot recommend this enough. had fun and learnt so many practical tips, especially to prepare for going overseas. Thank you Andre!"
Sophie Bridges 

"What an incredible experience! Did the 2 hour workshop and came out feeling so empowered and capable. Andre was AMAZING and was so supportive and caring and made me feel so safe and powerful at the same time?? 10/10 would recommend!"
Freya Wadlow

"I recently attended a half day workshop run by Andre and absolutely loved it. Andre was an extremely knowledgeable and engaging teacher, and I left the workshop feeling empowered and confident. I cannot recommend this enough, it was such a valuable workshop (especially for solo travel)!"
- Justine

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