India, May 24 -- Getting pickpocketed is like getting chicken pox: once is enough. But while our bodies can develop immunity to viruses, even the savviest of travelers can fall victim to pickpockets on their travels. In my career as a travel writer, I've traveled solo to 70-some countries, and I've also lived in two cities where pickpocketing scams frequently occur: Rome and Paris. Running into a nefarious stranger while traveling is a numbers game-the more you explore, the greater the probability that you'll encounter one.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to not only avoid pickpockets but to actively repel them. (And no, you won't have to hire a bodyguard on your next vacation.) Below are five common mistakes travelers don...