The Very Best Advice For Women Traveling Alone:

I have some additional advice I would like to incorporate to the list of do’s and don’ts spelled out in the article from the Huffington Post.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/30/how-to-travel-alone_n_7851586.html

All of the recommendation that Huffington Post listed are useful but I didn’t see one mention of protecting the ladies. To me that is more important than not forgetting their parka at home.

1. Most important – DO NOT TRUST ANYONE – there are some very devious/dangerous people out there that focus on women that are alone just waiting for an opportunity to get them in a secluded place to attack them, possibly rape the and conceivably kill them.
2. DON’T GO WHERE YOU DON’T BELONG – Stick to the areas where it is crowded and not off the beaten path. There is always safety in numbers.
3. If you are accosted by anyone SCREAM your head off to attract attention. One thing attackers do not like is attention.
4. Carry a sharpened lead pencil with you. It is not considered a weapon so it is legal to carry. Hold the pencil in your hand if you happen to wonder into a questionable area. If you are attacked, forget about being squeamish, forget about being a nice person; this may be a life or death situation. JAM the pencil into the eye of your attacker or into their neck or throat, then run away. Never stand toe to toe with an attacker; unless your name is Ronda Rousey. If you want to live and see another day; cry when you get back to your hotel room. I know these are very difficult action to take but this will save your life. I would recommend a good self-defense course to everyone. Make sure the teacher has good credentials. Mace will work too but not as well.
5. Be VIGILANT – don’t be afraid to stop walking and look behind you. If you see something or someone that makes you feel uncomfortable, SCREAM like hell and run you little ass off.
6. There are several areas on a man that are extra sensitive; first being his family jewels. If you are attacked and the attacker gets his arms around you, knee him or grab a handful of his nuts, squeeze and  YANK as hard as you can. If necessary, BITE off  a piece of his face. When he releases you, run like hell. If your shoes fall off, leave them there. You can run faster barefooted. Go for the eyes – rip one of his ears off – punch him in the throat. Do whatever is necessary to get away.
7. Take a DEEP BREATH, compose yourself, do what you have to do. Look the beast in the eyes. An attacker is less likely to confront a confident person. They can smell fear.

All of these life-saving techniques may sound barbaric and they are but guess what ladies; if you don’t have the heart and soul to save yourself; it may be you last trip.

I actually deplore violence but taught the martial arts for many year teaching people how to stay alive and well. Many have used what I taught them and are very thankful for having the knowledge on how to save themselves. Self-defense is not for the faint of heart.  The most important element in saving your life is your mental attitude and composure.  Do not panic or freak-out.

Put all of your fears in the closet and do what you have to do to survive.

In case you haven’t noticed, traveling in foreign countries is not the piece of cake it used to be. # 1,  Americans are hated around the world. Travel in the USA if you have the bug.  Stay away from foreign trips. If you do feel the need; take along a companion, if possible ask Ronda if she is available.

This is a very brutal world we now live in and you should be prepared to act if someone knocks on your door. Don’t think it only happens to the other guy or gal.

Bon Voyage