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

[Shooter45]

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!

[Aloha_Shooter]

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?

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".

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.

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

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.

[hatidua]

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.

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.

[ChunkyMonkey]

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.

#MonkeysLiveMatter!

and bring perm marker. I X the sides too.

[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.

[hatidua]

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.

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.

[Ready Room]

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.

[DireWolf]

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 . 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.

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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[rondog]

I have zero desire to leave this country, ZERO.

[GilpinGuy]

I have zero desire to leave this country, ZERO.

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.