Travel Photography Tips & Advice

I've been reading various posts here at POTN and just would like some more feedback about traveling with camera gear.

We're heading to Costa Rica (for my 30th and new years) and of course I am bringing my gear along with me. It will all fit into my ThinkTank Streetwalker Backpack (which will be my carry on) and the laptop will along too though the girlfriend will have that in her carry on.

What I am more interested in is, how to stay somewhat less of a target while I am enjoying taking photos with my 70-200 f2.8L IS lens on my XSi body. I was thinking of bringing along my Lowepro Top Loader Zoom bag which I use normally for photowalks as opposed to bringing my backpack everywhere. Since my main gear will be with me, I dont mind leaving my backpack at the place we're staying.

I'm one of those people who carry my camera everywhere I go, if I don't and I see a photo op which I miss, it turns out to be a bad day. Photography is a hobby/life of mine.

I guess if I insure my gear for the trip, then I would have peace of mind right?

What do you do when you travel abroad with your gear?

Insure your gear for the trip. Problem solved. Lost/stolen/dropped/da​maged - no problem.

Tips for travel photography from my experience:
1) Insure your gear. If the worst comes to the worst - your covered. End of story.
2) Dont act like a tourist. Or at least dont walk around in a daze as a lot of people are.
3) Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a throng of people, be very wary as this is common ground for pickpockets etc.

If you heed these you should be fine.

If you dont (and walk around without taking any notice of whats going on), you are a prime target - as you would be at home!

Thanks guys

I"m looking forward to this trip, 2 nights in San Jose (1 there 1 on way back) and 7 nights in Puerto Viejo

Can't wait to see what sort of photos I get!

I'm getting excited! I'm not sure what sort of inconspicuous bag I can get within the next few days, so my Lowepro Top Loader Zoom AW will have to do. I understand I shouldn't wave the camera around willy nilly.

Now I read about condensation, and the best way to deal with it is to put the camera/lens into ziplock bags so the condensation forms on the bag, not inside the equipment. I dont think there is a bag big enough for the 70-200 but I don't think I'll have much of an issue really. Or will I ?

We get into San Jose in the night so it shouldn't be hot or too humid right? We're staying right on the ocean in Puerto Viejo though we do plan on doing jungle hikes. Any advice for that? Or should I be ok?

I know there isn't much for me to do since we leave in 2 days, but I'll just go and have fun! Hopefully to bring back some excellent memories/experiences and of course photos!