MUST BE MY LUCK: Riots and Protests where we've gone!!

In the past 4 months, we were in Korea - right in the beginning of President Park's corruption protest, then Hong Kong - in the middle of the Umbrella protest against the chicom, and just last week, we were in Paris, during the riot. It seems where ever we visited, there is some kind of SHTF scenario. The first two weren't so bad, as they were the most polite marching we've witnessed. The Paris one is pretty bad, good thing we flew out to the Riviera on the day the riot hits the city center where we were. Public image for ref only.

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So my question is for other travellers... what do you have in your mini go bag when you are going International travelling? I will post my own pict later on.

I've been thinking about that alot. Just got my passport.

Luckily, there are not a lot of places outside CONUS that I haven't been too... so I'm just fine to stay here...

If you're flying, a mini-go bag would be hard to put together, I'm interested in what you do. Do you pick up a knife in country or just check it (and hope it isn't stolen in your luggage), etc?

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Originally Posted by BigBear

Luckily, there are not a lot of places outside CONUS that I haven't been too... so I'm just fine to stay here...

If you're flying, a mini-go bag would be hard to put together, I'm interested in what you do. Do you pick up a knife in country or just check it (and hope it isn't stolen in your luggage), etc?

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Unlike in Good ol USA, checked in luggage is very safe in most international port/airport. Pocket knife is a must.. But in many countries it's limited to 2.25". Multi tool can be more useful -- not that I could've done anything if our tiny electric car broke down in Paris.

My mini go back is nothing more than EDC, copy of important documents, cash and IFAK.



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Wow... lucky you!

ANYTIME I've flown, my stuff has been stolen/jacked with.

No medic in the go bag?

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Originally Posted by ChunkyMonkey

nothing more than EDC, copy of important documents, cash and IFAK.

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Travelling CONUS with a check bag, I will generally bring an inexpensive folding knife. Inexpensive because a few times I have arrived at TSA and realized I still have it in my pocket and have to throw it away (me so stooped). I have a micro multi-tool in my suitcase that never seems to bother any checker people. I don't have a separate go bag. I carry a 3day pack as a briefcase which is the go bag. All the critical/important ID, keys, docs, backup cash, small flashlight, compressed roll duct tape, etc is in the backpack, which goes everywhere with me. In the event of an emergency, shirt, shoes and backpack. Everything I need to get my butt back to the US and get by for the few days it may take to do it.

In CONUS, the backpack has a surfacebook that is light enough that it goes no matter what the circumstance. Outside CONUS I carry an older "disposable" laptop in case security somewhere decides they want it more than I do, I can walk away from it. All my work files are on memory sticks, one locked. So say if I was in France and the crazy reared up, I would dump the laptop simply because it is heavy and there is nothing valuable or useful on it. But replace with any courtesy water bottles, the plastic laundry bag, a pillow case and the bar of soap. There might be other items depending on the room and location.

Wow, that's a crazy 'travel record'!

FYI: there was a good article and follow-up comments/articles on an "Airport BOB" on Rawles' Survivalblog website: https://survivalblog.com/airport-bob-by-t-h/

I think the question we all really want to know is this: where do you plan on going next? [Coffee]

A couple credit cards, couple hundred in cash, mixed between local and US, passport, and cell phone with the number for the US embassy saved. Know where you are and how to get to the big airport and the embassy from where ever you may be. I try to talk to the RSO at the embassy before getting to the country, but sometimes just end up playing phone tag to make sure they have my name and contact information.

If it is for work, there are op plans and schedules, so I am usually working by somebody else's plans. Still try to know how to get to the airport and embassy from where ever you are.

When all else fails, know how to barricade a room and hang on for the cavalry. Click your heels three times and keep saying to yourself; There's no place like home, There's no place like home...

Could you provide us a schedule Ken so we can all avoid your itinerary? [Coffee]

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Originally Posted by ChunkyMonkey

My mini go back is nothing more than EDC, copy of important documents, cash and IFAK.

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Originally Posted by BigBear

No medic in the go bag?

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IFAK = Individual First Aid Kit

Just FYI. I had to look it up some time ago...I'm not up on all the latest jargon.

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Originally Posted by BigBear

Wow... lucky you!

ANYTIME I've flown, my stuff has been stolen/jacked with.

No medic in the go bag?

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Yes sir.. IFAK as in improved first aid kit

EDIT: from my experience.. Always have a bottle of non drowsy allergy pills, face mask - just in case there is smog/smoke from riot fire etc.. also onion really helps if tear gas cannisters start popping around you.

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Originally Posted by cstone

A couple credit cards, couple hundred in cash, mixed between local and US, passport, and cell phone with the number for the US embassy saved. Know where you are and how to get to the big airport and the embassy from where ever you may be. I try to talk to the RSO at the embassy before getting to the country, but sometimes just end up playing phone tag to make sure they have my name and contact information.

If it is for work, there are op plans and schedules, so I am usually working by somebody else's plans. Still try to know how to get to the airport and embassy from where ever you are.

When all else fails, know how to barricade a room and hang on for the cavalry. Click your heels three times and keep saying to yourself; There's no place like home, There's no place like home...

Could you provide us a schedule Ken so we can all avoid your itinerary? [Coffee]

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HA! Yeah, I actually have collection of US embassy or consulates' pictures from whereever we've gone..as we actually physicallly find them if we stays longer than few days. After 97 Jakarta Riot and evac, that seems to be the minimum one must do. You are not kidding on the riot magnet part. We are going to Israel then Indonesia this fall - if you see something on the news..that's probably us again.

Jerusalem and Jakarta, check, they are now off the list.

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Originally Posted by cstone

Jerusalem and Jakarta, check, they are now off the list.

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Hahahaha


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Don't travel outside the U.S. anymore, but when I did it was on Uncle Sugars orders and we were being deployed.
Although when I was stationed in Germany and traveled Europe then I always carried a small bob with a first aid kit to include nitrile gloves.
No weapons only my trusty Gerber multi tool. They tend to frown upon firearms stuffed in ones bag without the proper permits, which could be next to impossible to get for a foreigner.

Basically already covered with the addition of extra Rx for my meds. When my younger son went to Israel as a teen the tour operator accidentally froze his insulin (the staff was responsible for holding any meds). He had a copy of his rx, got a replacement very quickly.

I also carry spare eyeglasses. I use a small backpack as my carry bag, keep my passport/i.d. on my person.

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Originally Posted by foxtrot

If you are traveling to places like Barcelona, you need to have a copy of everything important in your wallet AND you need to fully expect to be pick-pocketed. Never let your hand leave your wallet or put it somewhere where they'd never look - e.g. your sweaty ass crack [Sarcasm2]. It's literally that bad, more likely than not you will lose your wallet.

This is what happens when CJ systems provide wrist slaps and the public is disarmed.

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I prefer a front pants pocket, with a dirty sock stuffed in on top...

embassy pen, kevlar gloves, ballistic shooting glasses, goretex lined watch cap


https://countycomm.com/products/stai...assy-pen-rev-2

When I traveled I had a Boy Scout three blade knife (2" blade, awl, bottle/can opener) in my checked baggage that I carried in my pocket once baggage was retrieved, I carried my passport and $500 in Amex travelers checks in a plastic holder worn around my neck under my shirt. I always had a small amount of first aid stuff (bandaids, ointment) in my carry on computer case and antihistamine, face mask, pain killers, sewing kit, elastic bandage, etc.. in my checked bags.

Never had to use any of it. Now I keep a three day survival kit for two in the truck with blankets and a change of clothes.

N95 type dust mask.
Kendall 1" waterproof tape
Gauze
Advil
Aspirin
Bonine
Leatherman Micra
Passport card (the one that looks like a drivers license, costs $10 on top of the passport fee - only good for land crossings but contains all pertinent info)
Xerox of all documents kept separate from documents
Amex/Visa/Mastercard
U.S. dollars in uncirculated condition (yeah, condition matters a LOT in some countries)

Above and beyond that, very downmarket looking luggage and clothing. If you want to make yourself a target, get that Louis Vuitton luggage set and as much rap-inspired bling as you can, tell the mugger hello.

For everyone who has or recommends a N95. How many know how to fit it properly? Long facial hair is a no go, i suggest a small electric razor in the same bag. One can have a short goatee or mustache, however full on beard, long goatee, that N95 is a placebo.

I was traveling every few months throughout Europe and the Middle East. Usually only had my carry on bag but I always had my hygeine equipment, 1 change of clothes, and a set of hiking boots to get into once I landed. Always had two different credit cards in case one got locked but also carried $2-3k in small bills and big. You can buy your way out of a lot in some of those third world holes and we did a lot. Have enough to buy your way to another secure country, then you get use your Visa to get a flight and boogie!

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Originally Posted by BigBear

If you're flying, a mini-go bag would be hard to put together, I'm interested in what you do. Do you pick up a knife in country or just check it (and hope it isn't stolen in your luggage), etc?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChunkyMonkey

Unlike in Good ol USA, checked in luggage is very safe in most international port/airport. Pocket knife is a must.. But in many countries it's limited to 2.25".

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Depending on the country, I will pack a good sturdy pocket knife in my checked baggage or purchase a kitchen knife "for cutting fruit, cheese, and sausage" in country.

Monkey's been in different airports than I have. You don't see many US airports where it's considered normal to completely cover your bag in plastic wrap to prevent thieves from getting into your luggage whereas you will see those plastic wrap kiosks in the main lobby of many European and Asian airports.

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Originally Posted by cstone

Could you provide us a schedule Ken so we can all avoid your itinerary? [Coffee]

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This. My international trips tend to be expeditions of one kind or another so I usually pack first aid kits, water filter, paracord, etc. but I'd like to avoid trouble if possible so knowing his itinerary would be very helpful.

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Originally Posted by Aloha_Shooter

You don't see many US airports where it's considered normal to completely cover your bag in plastic wrap to prevent thieves from getting into your luggage whereas you will see those plastic wrap kiosks in the main lobby of many European and Asian airports.

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Only place I've seen here in CONUS that does that is Miami with a cling-wrap twirlie in each terminal. In light of how often the baggage monkeys leave the luggage out in the rain at MIA, it's probably a good idea for more than just theft.

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Originally Posted by hatidua

Only place I've seen here in CONUS that does that is Miami with a cling-wrap twirlie in each terminal. In light of how often the baggage monkeys leave the luggage out in the rain at MIA, it's probably a good idea for more than just theft.

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#MonkeysLiveMatter!

and bring perm marker. I X the sides too.

Well its set... flying out to Cuba in couple months. As much as we dont want Presidente Raul there, no riots or revolution til we are back please.

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Originally Posted by ChunkyMonkey

Well its set... flying out to Cuba in couple months. As much as we dont want Presidente Raul there, no riots or revolution til we are back please.

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As long as La Bodeguita del Medio (birthplace of the mojito) doesn't run out of rum, I doubt there will be any riots in Cuba. And I would strongly suggest taking a Sharpie to the aforementioned establishment.

I always pack a small GHB in my checked bag. I have even packed a large fixed blade knife (Ontario Tru Spec) in the box..."it's a GIFT" never any issues. My brief case is a 5.11 messenger bag and it is always packed with goodies including a huge locking carabiner that would easily double as "brass knuckles". The only time I ever had it secondary checked is when they saw one of my Datrex Life Boat bars. They actually couldn't find it in the bag and I had to show them where it was and simply explained what it was...no problem. I also carry a 6" Phillips screw driver as another defensive weapon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by foxtrot

If you are traveling to places like Barcelona, you need to have a copy of everything important in your wallet AND you need to fully expect to be pick-pocketed. Never let your hand leave your wallet or put it somewhere where they'd never look - e.g. your sweaty ass crack [Sarcasm2]. It's literally that bad, more likely than not you will lose your wallet.

This is what happens when CJ systems provide wrist slaps and the public is disarmed.

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This is very good advice (the hand-on-wallet or inside-clothing pouch, not sure about the digging wallet out of ass thing...), although if you stay away from very low or very high high-density areas/tourist-hotspots - like La Rambla in that particular city - the threat level is usually slIghtly lower...

I've found that a very small/limited IFAK, small high-lumen tac-light w/ intant-on/off, a roll of coins (local currency is best, but this is not for spending and a roll of quarters works fine, hint, hint...), and constant condition orange when in public (possibly the most effective part) is a pretty effective defensive travel kit that can go most anywhere without causing problems if you get searched (random searches by local authorities can be an issue in some locales, have seen people randomly pulled out of a crowd for this on more than one occasion)....

Also (and I realize this sounds cheesy, but is true nevertheless), remember that the mind is the most powerful weapon, and with the proper will/intent, one with the ability to turn nearly anything else around you into a weapon as well...


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I have zero desire to leave this country, ZERO.

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Originally Posted by rondog

I have zero desire to leave this country, ZERO.

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I did a lot of travelling when I was younger and there's a lot more I'd like to see, but I hear you. The way things are these days, there's a lot of the US that I haven't seen yet, so I'll stick with that. I've spent some time in Mexico and Central America years ago and felt pretty safe (but kept my guard up, of course). These days? F-that. There are cool ass places to visit abroad with low-risk of riots and shit going down, but I'm cool with exploring my own country first.

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Originally Posted by GilpinGuy

I did a lot of travelling when I was younger and there's a lot more I'd like to see, but I hear you. The way things are these days, there's a lot of the US that I haven't seen yet, so I'll stick with that. I've spent some time in Mexico and Central America years ago and felt pretty safe (but kept my guard up, of course). These days? F-that. There are cool ass places to visit abroad with low-risk of riots and shit going down, but I'm cool with exploring my own country first.

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Glad I'm not the only one! It's not just the anti-American hatred, but the expenses too. If I could afford it I'd feel differently, there's a lot of this world I'd like to see. Can't justify friggin' thousands of $$$$ just for vacations though. I'd be happy to explore the US in an old beater motor home, lots to see here.

Ron, they're is a thing called travel hacking that may be of interest to you. The short explanation is that you do all of your regular spending on credit cards that give you rewards with cash back and/or miles and can use the rewards to travel for damn near next to nothing.

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Originally Posted by rondog

Glad I'm not the only one! It's not just the anti-American hatred, but the expenses too. If I could afford it I'd feel differently, there's a lot of this world I'd like to see. Can't justify friggin' thousands of $$$$ just for vacations though. I'd be happy to explore the US in an old beater motor home, lots to see here.

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You're not. We have no desire to be anywhere that requires one to rely on an airline and U.S consulate to evac one from the area.