We won’t tell you that traveling alone can be dangerous. That’s mom’s job.

In fact, traveling without a companion can be a profound and rewarding experience.

But whether you’re traveling on business or for pleasure, solo travel does come with its challenges.

Here we give you some practical advice about how to do it as safely as possible in 2007 and beyond.

Trains

One of the latest trends in crime is that it has increased in places where you might not expect it. European trains are a great example. The image of rolling through the European countryside while staring wistfully at the farmsteads trundling by is an iconic one for most. But travelers on European trains would be wise to pay attention on their journeys.

As more travelers venture further east in Europe, there has been a particular boom in crime. Sometimes with the collusion of corrupt train officials, thieves are targeting solo travelers. It has been reported that some are even using chloroform-soaked rags to incapacitate travelers — and they are taking everything but the clothes off the travelers’ backs.

Also, beware routes leaving Amsterdam, which are often targeted by pickpockets because of the high prevalence of passengers who may have imbibed too much.

So how can you travel solo more safely?

First of all, make friends. Whether it’s with other passengers or the train’s porters, if you’re traveling alone, it’s a good idea. With other travelers, it’s usually as easy as striking up a conversation. With the train’s workers, especially in less-developed parts of Europe, a small tip in exchange for keeping an eye out can be a good idea.

Cabs

Taxicabs are often the most convenient method of transportation in many cities. But cabs can present some extra security risks for solo travelers in particular. For example, in India, solo travelers should avoid just walking out of the airport into the street looking for transportation. This is a great way to become prey not only for pickpockets, but for unscrupulous cab drivers as well. Instead, go to the designated taxi stands inside most Indian airports. This should result in a safe, registered cab with a standardized pre-paid fare. Go outside and you’ll almost certainly pay more; and worse, your arrival isn’t guaranteed.

As a corollary to this, avoid hailing cabs off the street, especially in Mexico City. Criminals have been known to impersonate cabs, pick up unsuspecting tourists, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs. While this can certainly happen to groups, it’s more prevalent among solo travelers. Instead, use designated taxi stands at hotels and inside (or just outside in some cases) airports. Also, when being dropped off after taking a reputable cab from your hotel, make sure to get the number for the taxi company so you can call them for a ride back.

Airports

In airports, the airlines aren’t the only ones who might lose your bags at the airport; if you’re not careful, you might. One common airport crime for which solo travelers are especially at risk is what is commonly known as the “Mustard Trick.” In this one, perpetrated by two thieves, the first “accidentally” gets mustard (or any other messy substance) on the victim’s clothing. While the first thief distracts the victim by helping clean up the mess, the second will make off with the solo traveler’s unattended bag. To prevent this scenario, always keep your bags right between your legs whenever you set them down, even to do something as simple as making a phone call.

Also watch out for the escalator trick, which occurs in both airports and sometimes, in heavily trafficked shopping malls. In this scenario, the perp reaches across to the oncoming escalator and nabs a victim’s purse or bag. The hapless victim is left going the wrong way while the thief gets away. In this case, always keep shopping bags on the opposite side of your body from the oncoming escalator to make it difficult or impossible for the thief to reach over. Generally, being aware of your possessions can actually help ward off potential thieves, as an alert traveler is always a tougher target than an inattentive one.

Go Local

A solo tourist sometimes sticks out like a sore thumb, and unfortunately, a big target. So be a solo TRAVELER instead. Try to blend as best you can by taking cues from those around you. This doesn’t necessarily mean going as far as wearing traditional dress, but for men, avoiding baseball caps, shorts, and tennis shoes can go a long way toward making you look more like a local, instead of an American. For women, avoiding extremely revealing clothing is probably best. In both cases, taking note of those around you, and following their lead, is the best way to blend.

And speaking of locals, why not hang out with some? One of the greatest benefits of traveling alone is the opportunity to meet new people. Besides the large number of tour companies that place travelers with families in many countries, thanks to technology, today there are a growing number of ways to establish international connections.

If you’re into Romanian folk music, check out a local Romanian folk Internet radio station. Try emailing them. If you have a passion for Romanian food, try a Romanian food blog. You might be surprised at the number — and helpfulness — of emails you may get in return.

Use Your Instincts

Lastly, trust your instincts. If you are a solo woman and don’t feel comfortable getting onto an elevator at night with a stranger, don’t do it. What’s more important… feeling a little silly for being “overly cautious,” or being sorry that you didn’t listen to yourself?

Additional Resources

If you’re a frequent solo traveler, consider joining a group like CSTN (Connecting Solo Travelers Network) which offers not only advice and tips on solo travel, but additional resources and consistently-updated news. Visit CSTN on the web at www.CSTN.org

A mostly-free resource is “Amazing Singles,” whose best feature is their collected list of singles travel providers. Check it out at Amazing Singles.com

For more tips on Women’s Travel, click here.

For tips on solo travel, check out Solo Travelers Connecting to Cut Costs and Go It Alone, Together.