Self-Defense Resources Page

Tips For Women Traveling On Their Own

Know what to expect before you arrive
Research the country you are visiting. Also talk to other women who have traveled there. In some countries women travelers are routinely approached and harassed by men. Harassment, while not always dangerous, can take a lot of the enjoyment out of the experience. If you are aware of what you are getting into before you go, you will be better prepared to handle it.

Respect the culture and follow cultural norms
Find out if women go out on their own at night, if they go to bars and restaurants on their own, and what kinds of clothes they wear. In many parts of the world you will be bothered less if you dress conservatively and avoid wearing shorts, mini skirts, tight shirts, and tank tops. 

Take a self-defense class
Even if you have already taken a self-defense class, a refresher course will help you feel more confident about handling unfamiliar situations. In other cultures it is harder to read cues from people’s behavior and there is often a language barrier so it is especially important to trust your instincts. Use assertive body language and voice to set boundaries immediately if something doesn’t feel right.

If you are going someplace where you don’t know anyone, find a good travel agency
While planning our trip to Greece we discovered Fantasy Travel online. They helped us find comfortable hotels and apartments at a good price, purchase ferry tickets, and even set up transportation to our hotel when we arrived at each island. We never had the experience of arriving in an unfamiliar town, late at night, with no idea where our hotel was or how to get there.

Resources for traveling in Greece
Matt Barrett publishes an invaluable website with lots of photos and information about traveling in Greece. He truly loves Greece and makes all his information available free. You can even email him with questions and he will email back right away. Check out his website: http://www.greektravel.com

Fantasy Travel, located in Athens, was friendly, professional, and treated us like family while we were in Greece. I highly recommend them. Visit their website:  http://www.fantasy.gr