Travel advice...pls!

[jwilson]

I'm going to Cameroon, Africa in March for a couple of weeks and was wondering if anyone on POTN had any experience travelling in or around this area. Specifically, some people recommend that I do not take my Canon D-SLRs. Instead they recommend a small point and shoot digital because it's less conspicuous. Not sure if I should take a D-SLR, a digital point and shoot, or one of my 3 film SLRs that have been gathering dust for the past 3 1/2 yrs (I'm actually considering taking one of the film SLRs plus the digital p-and-s. What do y'all think?

Jeff

[condyk]

A lot depends on where you are going and what you are doing. I haven't been to Cameroon but have been to Southern Africa and travelled over extended periods throughout. I would personally feel uncomfortable having a big camera and lots of expensive overt gear and walking around towns and villages because of the 'tourist wealth rub our noses in it' appearance that can give, when many people in African countries are experiencing absolute poverty. I would take my 30D and 17-70mm as they are rather more inconspicuous and I would keep them in a none obvious camera bag to deter possibilities of theft and to be less notiable generally. Crime happens anywhere and I have rarely felt in danger in Africa, other than some areas of JHB. Be subtle and streetsmart and the 300D will be fine.

[KCMO Al]

If you have homeowner's or apartment insurance, I'd get a rider to cover the equipment. It's generally not that expensive but the peace of mind is worth it.