Tips for traveling with a camera?

[Chronoknight]

I'm about to take my DSLR internationally for the first time. First I'm going to Cancun, Mexico for a week, then to Japan for a month. I'll probably bring my 30D with 18-55 IS and Nifty Fifty to Mexico, and my 7D with a newly purchased 15-85 and 18-55IS as backup for Japan.

But in general, I was wondering if you guys had any general tips for traveling with a camera. How serious of a problem is humidity, and how can I avoid it (for Mexico)? Should I be worried about theft or damage? (my gear is insured though)

[kinghong1970]

simply and painfully said... tourists are easily preyed upon... your best bet is to be street wise.
i found that japan was pretty safe... they leave you alone... but then again, i've not ventured into the shady areas of tokyo or osaka... but in all, most are very respectful...

mexico is a mystery for me... i hear of folks having the time of their lives... i hear of folks getting victimized... but it happens wherever you go.

if you gear is in a backpack, be sure to always keep it closed and perhaps even something to keep the zippers from being opened.

watch out in crowded areas and "opportunity" areas... i hear in paris, the best time to victimize tourists is right when the metro doors close...

when keeping valuables in your hotel, bring a bag that keeps your valuables locked...
at times, i even plant tells inside my bag to see if anyone actually goes through them.

regardless of how great or upper class the hotel may be, given the temptation of opportunity, humanity frequently fails... sadly...

have fun and enjoy.

[dmcgoy]

Humidity is only an issue for the long-term. A week in high-humidity shouldn't cause any damage. Over time, lenses can become home for fungi and the electronics in the camera can go bad. If you are super-paranoid, you can bring a bunch of those little dry packs.

Don't bring a lot of gear on any given day. The more you have to worry about, the more likely it is you'll do something stupid. Hotels often have safes. If you are staying in sketchy places (like hostels), then you'll just have to carry your gear with you at all times.

Always keep your gear attached to you. You don't want someone to pick up your lens bag when you are eating lunch.

[isnap]

I don't know about Mexico but Japan has to be one of the safest countries I've been to.

Man I'm jealous. Have fun! :)

[Doctorh]

I am very thankful to be able to travel overseas three to six times per year. Just keep a watchful eye, I am in developing nations - often in areas of unrest - and I have been very blessed - no problems with equipment! Japan has been a pleasure to travel and so has Cancun.