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Everything I know about traveling solo I learned the hard way.

There was the time on my first post-college vacation when I booked an "efficiency" room at a swanky East Coast hotel without asking for a detailed description. Turned out to be an un-air-conditioned, spartan room on a grimy top floor where the rooms usually are rented by the week. By unsavory types. With whom I had to share a bathroom. (See Rule No.3 below.)

Then there was the time I attended a far-flung party the night before a flight back home, with no way to get back to my hotel until the next day. (See Rule No.6.)

And the time I put myself in a precarious position in a remote, watery, tropical location. Believe me, the ratio of one tourist to one tour guide is not always a good idea. (See Rule No.5.)

It would be easy to chalk up those mistakes to youthful exuberance, ignorance or innocence (or some combination thereof), but then what excuse would I use next time?

Meanwhile, here's my collected wisdom:

1. Identify a contact in the major cities you'll be visiting - maybe a professional acquaintance, an old friend of your parents or your cubicle-mate's sister-in-law. You don't necessarily have to look up this person or make arrangements to get together. (Although coffee with a local is a great way to get ideas.) It's comforting just to know there's someone to call if you have an emergency.

2. Find safety in numbers. If a sightseeing side trip will mean venturing into unfamiliar territory, consider taking a group tour by minivan or bus. You get to enjoy the ride and meet other travelers while the tour company sweats the details of admission tickets, closing times and road construction.

3. Pay for peace of mind. Don't hesitate to spend extra money on a hotel room in a prime location (rather than a far-flung wing or the annex across the street) or on a taxi ride at night or after a big shopping excursion (rather than the subway/underground). It's usually money well-spent.

4. Make yourself known to the front desk staff, bellhop station and concierge desk so that they'll look out for you. Give a generous tip to those who help you.

5. Embarrass yourself whenever necessary. If the elevator or subway door opens to reveal just one passenger - a man - and you don't feel comfortable riding with him, just step away. Grab the next elevator or train. Your safety and comfort are at issue, not his. In the "trouble in paradise" case, I feigned illness to save myself from an assault. I know I looked ridiculous and hysterical because, well, I was hysterical, but the strategy worked.

6. Watch the clock. When rushed, you may be tempted to let down your guard. Leave plenty of time to catch your flights or train rides.

Contact Linda Zavoral at lzavoral or (408)920-5960.