Make Mom Happy

This post is more for the ladies. Traveling solo as a woman has a different set of risks associated with it than if you were a guy. I might catch some flak for that, but I think it's true. For example, I try not to be out by myself after dark and I steered clear of couchsurfing.com because of some sketchy stories I'd heard. 

In preparation for my trip as a solo female traveler, I took a self-defense class. It left me feeling empowered and I know it helped my ma sleep a little better at night. I chose the R.A.D. class offered through my local police department. It was free, open to women only, and met after work. R.A.D. stands for Rape Aggression Defense. It doesn't teach you how to beat people up, but rather how to get out of sticky situations.  The class met twice a week for 3 weeks, 2 hours each time. We learned different types of kicks, punches, how to deflect, and most importantly how to say no, loudly. 

The class ended in a simulation where every woman put on defensive pads and a helmet and had to fight off police dressed as 'attackers' who were also in Michelin Man-like padded suits.  The peace of mind alone made the time commitment totally worth it. Please encourage your female friends and family members to take the course. Even if they aren't traveling, it could come in handy.

Ready to rumble at my self-defense simulation.