Best way to "save" player data

As you all have probably summed up, I am created an RPG game using flash. As such, there are a lot of variables that go along with the player and the environment. I am trying to figure out what the best way to save these variables would be, so that the player may come back to the game at another time and pick up where he/she left off. I would prefer something that doesn’t involve an sql database, but also something that has some form of encryption. I was thinking maybe something along the lines of XML. There is quite a lot of data that needs to be saved, and then later recalled. If you could let me know what you think is the best way, the easiest, the safest and the most secure that would be greatly appreciated.