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.
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.
Preparation is the first line of defence. Before leaving, consider these tips:
Websites like Smartraveller by the Australian Government provide reliable travel safety tips for Australians.
Your accommodation is your home away from home, so it should feel secure.
Public transport can feel daunting, especially in unfamiliar places.
Crowds can be chaotic, making them a hotspot for petty crimes.
Standing out as a tourist can attract unwanted attention.
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.
You don’t need to carry a weapon to feel protected.
Self-defence moves don’t need to be complex to be effective. A few key techniques can make all the difference:
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 might sound impossible in a threatening situation, but it’s crucial.
Practice makes perfect. At Self Defence Hub, we recommend workshops and private lessons for solo travellers.
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.
For the latest travel advice, visit:
Preparation is key. Research your destination, trust your instincts, and invest in self-defence training to build confidence.
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).
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.
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.
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.
"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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