Backpacking safe anymore?

[DerekRob]

I would love to go back packing in Scotland, Norway, china,

and I would just be carrying a tent, camera & a tripod.

but is it safe any more to travel?

[bildeb0rg]

Nothing is safe anymore, but that's the fun of it.
If you hadn't climbed that tree at seven, fallen and broken your arm, would you be the same person you are today?
Like it says in the commercial "just do it"

[DerekRob]

Nothing is safe anymore, but that's the fun of it.
If you hadn't climbed that tree at seven, fallen and broken your arm, would you be the same person you are today?
Like it says in the commercial "just do it"You have a point and that's one of the reason's I'm taking back packing 1. so I can get in shape and do this.

[neil_r]

No, they have won.... lock yourself in your room and never come out again.

[Robert16]

Backpacking in Scotland is safe in general. Glasgow is said to have a worse record for violent attacks per head of population than New York but who wants to backpack around Glasgow? Scotland is a beautiful country especially the Western Isles and the Highlands. No idea what China is like and in Norway they charge about 10 bucks for a beer.;)
In fact, if you come to Scotland, as long as you are not a weirdo, I'll buy you a beer.....or a fruit juice if you're trying to get fit.

[DerekRob]

Robert16, Make it a paleale ann interduce me to nessy you got a deal mate.

I'm not a weirdo but I'm crazy though:P

[Robert16]

Crazy's good

[DerekRob]

Oh yeah,

Hey Robert16, How many castles does Scotland have that is in rumble and ruins?

Because I may be doing my thesis in Scotland at the end of summer 2009.

[midnight_rider]

I would recommend the movie Hostel.
Just kidding, carry your camera and a gun, If it poses you know which one to shoot it with.

[DerekRob]

I would recommend the movie Hostel.
Just kidding, carry your camera and a gun, If it poses you know which one to shoot it with.I don't believe in gun's or killing anyone or anything.

However I will probably carry a tazer and a can of mace.

[midnight_rider]

I don't believe in gun's or killing anyone or anything.

However I will probably carry a tazer and a can of mace.

A poisonous snake or bear may change your perspective.

OP I would not let worry ruin a great trip. If we did that then a lot of amazing photographs would go uncaptured and a lot of lives would go unlived.

[DerekRob]

midnight_rider, True true.

What about the ruins of castles? And if I can do a thesis if I stick with college I would need a good place to eat haggis as well :)

[midnight_rider]

midnight_rider, True true.

What about the ruins of castles? And if I can do a thesis if I stick with college I would need a good place to eat haggis as well :)


Sorry I have not been to any of these places I am here in the US saving up for an African Safari. The only Ruins I have shot were on Cumberland Island and it is called Dungeness ruins ( http://www.cumberlandisland.com/conservancy/mission.asp ) It was awesome I spent a week on the island and never worried about a thing.

[DerekRob]

Sorry I have not been to any of these places I am here in the US saving up for an African Safari. The only Ruins I have shot were on Cumberland Island and it is called Dungeness ruins ( http://www.cumberlandisland.com/conservancy/mission.asp ) It was awesome I spent a week on the island and never worried about a thing.Midnight_rider, I know that Florida has tours on private reseves and it feels like a safari but I'm going on in 10 days and you will see my photo's here when I go. but a real one would be pretty sweet.

By the way you taking elephants when you go? or camels?

[midnight_rider]

Midnight_rider, I know that Florida has tours on private reseves and it feels like a safari but I'm going on in 10 days and you will see my photo's here when I go. but a real one would be pretty sweet.

By the way you taking elephants when you go? or camels?

I do not know yet, it will be a while before I get there but I have to go one day. It would be cool to ride a Camel but I have have to settle for the jeep. I would hate to drop my gear off of an elephant.

[Roy Webber]

I would recommend the movie Hostel.
Just kidding, carry your camera and a gun, If it poses you know which one to shoot it with.
...:)

[GPR1]

Backpacking around China is safe - just use common sense. Enjoy.

[Roach711]

Backpacking has *never* been safe. You have rough terrain, wild animals and iffy water. A simple broken bone can be fatal if you're hiking alone. A rain storm far away can drown you in your sleeping bag if you camp in the wrong place. Of course, if it was easy it would be a pretty lame adventure.

A guy I work with carries a pistol when jogging not for use against people but because there have been reports of rabid coyotes in the area, and we're in the metro Detroit area. However, I doubt that China would permit you to carry a pistol.

People are the least of your problems. You're way more likely to break your equipment than to have it stolen.

[DerekRob]

Roach711, True but I'm pretty sure Scotland will be pretty safe

[Robert16]

There are no rabid coyotes,bears or poisonous snakes. The largest and most ferocious mammal you are likely to come up against is the badger!:D You do get a lot of rain. Not sure exactly how many ruined castles there are but we've got 'em. Lots.

[sjones]

Rabies is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in China, and no, I am not being facetious. Just don't pet any stray poochies. And of course, for China, consult with a physician about proper immunization for malaria and hepatitis, making sure to do so four to eight weeks in advance of departure. Drink bottled water only if possible, and while venturing through any urban centers, be careful crossing streets.

[neil_r]

If you find yourself in Glasgow avoid any conversation where the words Celtic or Rangers are used

[thebishopp]

Check the local ordinances but a flare gun or flare pens may come in handy.

[DerekRob]

Thanks gang,I'm not sure what digital photogrpahy going have me to when I get my asa.

[chauncey]

If you gotta ask this question, I would suggest more investigation about the areas in question.
The State Department tracks this sort of information.

[Roach711]

Roach711, True but I'm pretty sure Scotland will be pretty safe

I would think so too. But then most endeavors are safe if you're aware of the pitfalls.

I'm not trying to rain on the OP's parade, just pointing out that people are almost never the problem when out in the wild.

[Andrushka]

China is as safe as it gets probably - unless you join Falun Gong or want to free Tibet :-) I wondered about in southern mainland China for about 5 days in the middle of the night and never was bothered once... but there was this giant rat chasing a much smaller cat in an alley that gave me quite a fright...

Norway is a wonderful, friendly, gentle country... cant wait to go back to either of these...

to the OP - dont worry about danger - people backpack everyday!

[BPL]

I would recommend the movie Hostel.
Just kidding, carry your camera and a gun, If it poses you know which one to shoot it with.
LMAO!!!! I always carry both when I'm deep in the woods or in the hood.

[DerekRob]

Thanks gang, I'm just hoping photography classes will allow me to do assignments where I would be able to choose what I want to do.

[yogestee]

I would love to go back packing in Scotland, Norway, china,

and I would just be carrying a tent, camera & a tripod.

but is it safe any more to travel?

I believe what DerekRob is referring to is travelling around from country to country, city to city with a pack on his back without any real itinerary, staying in guest houses or hostels spending as little money as possible..

I've done this through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam,, its a lot of fun and a great way to see the country.. I've never been a lover of big cities but travelling through rural areas from village to village is a wonderful experience.. Country folk are more relaxed and accommodating than city folk..

Its safe as long as you take the sensible approach.. Keep an eye on your stuff and take advise from the authorities..

[DerekRob]

I believe what DerekRob is referring to is travelling around from country to country, city to city with a pack on his back without any real itinerary, staying in guest houses or hostels spending as little money as possible..

I've done this through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam,, its a lot of fun and a great way to see the country.. I've never been a lover of big cities but travelling through rural areas from village to village is a wonderful experience.. Country folk are more relaxed and accommodating than city folk..

Its safe as long as you take the sensible approach.. Keep an eye on your stuff and take advise from the authorities..Thank you very much for putting it this way mate, and yes this is what I mean.

So that way I could spend around $600 - $700 a month on trips if I need to do something for my college classes.

[pprice]

I travel all over the word (6 trips a year) and I would say that as long as you know the area you will be in (do your research), and have common sense, you will be fine.

A saying I live by is : "If you fear death, you can not live".

[DerekRob]

Pprice, thanks mate I would do a months worth of research before I head out and I will keep updates with my friends of family so they know where I'm at all times and wear a gps unit for sure.

[yogestee]

Thank you very much for putting it this way mate, and yes this is what I mean.

So that way I could spend around $600 - $700 a month on trips if I need to do something for my college classes.

The biggest outlay will be your airfares.. I can only speak for SE Asia but you can still get a room in a guesthouse for 8-20 USD.. Its pretty basic but most have aircon and a TV but hey you only sleep in there,, you might have to share a bathroom.. Food and drink is dead cheap.. I can get a meal with a bottle of the local beer here in Vientiane for around 3-5 USD,, these are city prices,, cheaper in the provinces.. Bus travel is really cheap and so are the trains in Vietnam..

[DerekRob]

The biggest outlay will be your airfares.. I can only speak for SE Asia but you can still get a room in a guesthouse for 8-20 USD.. Its pretty basic but most have aircon and a TV but hey you only sleep in there,, you might have to share a bathroom.. Food and drink is dead cheap.. I can get a meal with a bottle of the local beer here in Vientiane for around 3-5 USD,, these are city prices,, cheaper in the provinces.. Bus travel is really cheap and so are the trains in Vietnam..Wow really?

so would $600'ish do most of the trip? then for maybe a 2-3 day stay?

[yogestee]

Wow really?

so would $600'ish do most of the trip? then for maybe a 2-3 day stay?

Where are you thinking of going?? After airfares at 200 or 300 USD a day you would live like a king and the local girls will be queueing up!! :p

[DerekRob]

Where are you thinking of going?? After airfares at 200 or 300 USD a day you would live like a king and the local girls will be queueing up!! :pProbably where the china wall is and and where the monks are.

"I will have to use goggle earth and pin point where I would like to go.

and I wouldn't mind the ladies at all :)

[Tdragone]

Bringing a Pacsafe 85 and a monopod and some common sense and you'll be fine if you're physically fit.

In all the hiking/camping I've done I've not had a problem.

Others I work with have.. And they can almost always look back and say "I was gassed and wasn't thinking clearly" when something went awry. If you keep a level head and have EVER been to a city like New York; you'll be okay.

[DerekRob]

Bringing a Pacsafe 85 and a monopod and some common sense and you'll be fine if you're physically fit.

In all the hiking/camping I've done I've not had a problem.

Others I work with have.. And they can almost always look back and say "I was gassed and wasn't thinking clearly" when something went awry. If you keep a level head and have EVER been to a city like New York; you'll be okay.I will not be bringing that setup since I don't own a setup like that.

I'll be bringing a canon 450D and quite a few lens with a mono pod and 2 packs. One pack will be my camera pack and the other will be for my tent unless I do the hotel room thing as yogestee said in one of his posts.

I'm not currently fit right now for hiking but I'm getting there now.

So by the time of summer 2009 I should be able to do it pretty well.