My experience with misplacing camera equipment is that while doing some workshops in Phoenix I was between classes and went across the street to enjoy some sunshine and a cold drink from Starbucks. Rushing off to my next workshop I didn't realize until after the class that my entire roller bag was missing. At this point I was in a panic! I rushed back across the street to find the bag being guarded by 2 police officers. They explained that unattended bags get disposed of by the bomb squad. Lucky for me they hadn't arrived.
I have a Panasonic and for $65. I got an adapter to use all the lenses I have for my Nikon.
Consider shipping it ahead. I rented a large lens and had them ship to my hotel. When finished with the shoot I returned it the same way.
Have learned to exam my photos with a very critical eye and delete photos that are sub par or that when I look at them I wonder why I even took the shot.
Happy to say that the only thing I have ever had stolen from checked luggage was a silk blouse. I regularly pack my tripod in my suitcase. I have packed a few lenses and even my laptop once. I will say that when I did pack my laptop I prayed then entire time!
Gorgeous color in Oregon & Washington
Seattle - Pikes Market and also the Sky View Observatory (shoot from the 73rd floor and get a 360 view of Seattle and Mt Rainer.
Portland - Both the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden. Also shoot from Pittock Mansion area for a great view of Mt Hood.
The coast - my preference is the southern Oregon coast for the dramatic crashing waves and also close proximity to the California redwoods.
Rent one for your trip and determine if you would use it enough to justify owning. LensRentals will ship directly to the hotel you are staying at. You can then re-box and email fed ex to pick it back up at the end of you time.
Large groups can be a nightmare because everyone has their own agenda and you usually come away disappointed. Small groups are good but I have not problem going by myself unless as previously stated going into an undesirable area - then at least 1 other person.
We are a city of bridges with so many photo ops along the waterfront. Of course as already mentioned Multnomah Falls along the Columbia Gorge and also we are 2 hours (max) to the pacific ocean with many interesting small towns.
My tripod attaches to the side of my backpack and goes in the overhead storage area. I have been traveling with it like that for years and have never had a problem.
I've flown quite a bit with my camera equipment and have never had an issue.
In a case like this I would go with a pano using the equipment you already have.