Alan1729 Loc: England UK, now New York State.

I've traveled all over Europe except Italy and Greece for years, had no problems. I would say you would be as safe at least as being in NYC. Simple rule don't take more than you can easily carry, don't use a purpose built photo bag, I used a travel bag, don't flash your gear. Start out with a small lens like what used to be the standard lens, keep the big telephotos in the bag. that way you will draw less attention.

In England we used to notice the foreign tourists, the Japanese with their two or three cameras hanging around their necks, the Americans with their long zooms and Germans with their Leica's or Zeiss. The Gaffer tape, not too much sounds like a good idea too. I used to mat-black paint out the name from the camera and the front of the lens. Had two benefits obscured the value ot the camera and I didn't get reflections when shooting through glass. Oh yes always be aware of your surroundings.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

I generally use local guides who know the places to avoid. There are companies, Pacsafe for example, that make bags and straps that have embedded hardened steel to protect against thieves who slash the strap or bag.

Jbone

Someone told me, a long time ago, if you really worry and obsess about losing your expensive camera and its equipment bag when you travel, you won't enjoy your trip. So, you can do two things: rely upon the ubiquitous postcards taken by professionals for most of your "memories" and take an inexpensive P&S camera for the non-postcard shots. jubudu had good advice.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Swallow a GAS relief pill, and take a good quality P&S. There is no way to completely protect your gear.
Why take on the high degree of risk? And BTW: if you're ever robbed, don't chase them. Just be glad they didn't kill you. >Alan

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

So it seems you are saying that we all bought our expensive cameras only to not use them except in the safety of our own homes and neighborhoods and we should just take a cheaper camera on world travels because something MIGHT happen to them. Hmmmm. No, not for me. I use common sense and my senses to keep me safe. As for chasing these people, do you advocate just giving things away. Hell, why not offer them your wallet along with the camera equipment?

I am not advocating some little old lady chasing these thieves but at 73 years old I would still do my best to nab these SOB's. But that is for each person to decide and not someone on a photo forum telling us to simply give it up. You are welcome to your opinion but please don't ever think you have the only and correct opinion.

Dennis

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Buy insurance.

Don

rickster

I got my Camera cut off of me, when 3 guys approached me and my wife in Lisbon, Portugal, only a 1/4 miles from our cruise ship. It was about sundown and pretty deserted on my side of the street. I had the camera hanging around my neck with the stock Canon strap, which cut very easily. Two of the guys tried to get my backpack off, but I held tight. Takeaways, 1. Buy a leather or non-cuttable strap. 2. I have a very light shoulder bag, and keep my camera stowed unless I am using it. It is also very handy for churches and museums where you don't want a big backpack. Three stay where there are some people around.

Bill P

For African cities and landscapes, the same is true. For photo safaris, you obviously you need a longer lens.

Not obviously, I went on one and didn't need anything longer than my 70-200.

but I would have been more careful in Barcelona.

When I was in Barcelona, no problems.

We are all a bunch of worry warts.

Carusoswi

I totally agree with you, Dennis. I am not "nearly" as old as you (68), but I did not complete my kit containing items over which I salivated for years, to leave it home in favor of some bridge camera when I travel. When I travel, I take everything I think I may want to use. When flying, I carry my gear in a Pelican case that is air-approved for the overhead bin. On smaller aircraft, I can safely gate-check that case. I pack two Lowepro backpacs with socks, underwear, whatever, and put them in my suitcase. One is small, one is larger, and I use one of these as appropriate to carry with me during the day.

I respect those posters here who I suspect have made (or are able to make) multiple trips to some of these wonderful travel destinations, and, so, can feel comfortable in leaving their expensive, heavy, whatever gear at home in favor of a lighter or more "disposable" camera.

That is not me. Part of any trip I take (a large part) is capturing photos with the best equipment which I can bring to bear. In my younger years, my wife (and later the children in unison) used to complain that Daddy spent too much time taking photos. Today, they request that I bring my gear when I come to visit, and when they visit me, they want me to pull out or bring up on screen those old photos of scenes/people from the past. My gear back then wasn't the best, but, used within its optimum parameters, it got the job done. I am very pleased with those shots, and my family is very appreciative. Likely, no one would complain if I had used a fixed-aperture Instamatic, but I would not be happy.

The decision on how much you want to carry is personal. If you are avid about your photography, I say carry as much as you can comfortably handle, and take your best. Enjoy shooting.

Additionally, I would like to hear from hoggers here more stories about actual theft that they have experienced (one such post that I noted thus far). I was on a train in London when the passenger next to me went hysterical when her purse was snatched. That is as close as I have ever come to such an experience.

I am sure there is risk, but I am uncertain that it is as pervasive (or more prevalent abroad) as would be indicated by the concerns stated in this thread.

My only experience with theft was at my home when a lawn crew cutting the neighbor's lawn marked my property with a little plant at the curb, then came back that night to cut my outboard motor off my boat. I know they did it, but was unable to locate or have them apprehended, and my homeowner's insurance conveniently depreciated the value of my loss to the point where it didn't make sense to file a claim. The motor (a $2700 Evinrude 25 HP outboard) was locked onto my boat, so, in order to steal it, they had to cut off the transom mounts. This was in the USA. Life happens, but no more or less so while traveling than at home.

What gear you take is your decision, but I would let concerns over photo quality and the desire to use the gear you value most to guide your decision on what to take and what to leave at home. If photography is of lower priority than your desire to simply enjoy the trip, no harm, no foul. Take whatever camera suits you, shoot whatever you care to shoot, and enjoy the trip.

Have fun on your trip and happy shooting.

Caruso

smf85 Loc: Freeport, IL

OP/Tech makes wrist straps, makes the camera a moving target. Also there is less fumbling to get the camera to eye level.

The other thing I had was a DYI neck strap made out of truck seatbelt material. Extremely difficult to cut. Still have it and it’s been with me to some interesting places.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

A good rule of thumb here is to add a rider to your home insurance or your renter's insurance. What! You don't have one. Well get one now before you head out.
Never leave your equipment alone. I will take my camera bag everywhere including into the restroom. It is cumbersome and a nuisance. But it is my "baby."
I never use the propriety neck strap. Why advertise? I use a generic strap or a wrist wrap. It keeps my camera close by even inside a sweater or windbreaker I'm wearing.
Don't advertise that you are a tourist. Wear worn comfortable clothes and have a disheveled appearance. Even buy some clothing in a local store. It is best to look like a native.
Stay away from crowded areas. Pickpockets work best in crowds. Be aware of distractions too. Pickpockets and muggers have been known for staging an argument or jostling others.
Be with a group of people if you can. Stay away from street edges and subway and bus doors. Don't get into a crowded train, bus or elevator.
Travel at day time and avoid unlit or shady areas.
Don't carry a boatload of equipment. You are not going to use two camera bodies, all three zooms, one prime lens, two midrange zooms and a tripod and monopod. If you are laden, you get tired easier, slow down and become less alert.
My wife bought me a smaller camera bag that has wire mesh inside and is RFID protected. It doesn't hold much.
Bring several memory cards and change them daily or every two days. Keep the used cards in your hotel room. Put some duct tape or black electrical tape on the bag so it doesn't look like you have expensive stuff. The bag has a name but I would rather be privately messaged than reveal it here. I'm funny that way. Set up an itinerary and follow it. Stay on top of your watch. Get to everywhere you want to be earlier. Allow yourself to look over the landscape and set up. Even getting to the airport earlier is helpful.
STAY ALERT! Most pickpockets and muggers prefer anonymity and will avoid confrontation. If some one tried to steal my stuff, I wish I had a weapon of some sort. You can't do that but you can have a whistle. That may be just enough to scare them away.
Most of all, have fun and enjoy.
Safe travels my friend.
Post your best here.
I will be doing the same next month when I return from Barcelona, Spain.
Happy Shooting!

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

All three of my cameras have the Pac Safe strap. Steel lined, not getting cut. My purse has the same strap material and the bag is cut proof. I never carry too much so I am distracted and, although the strap is around my neck, the camera is in my hand. Never had a problem so far. If you can find these types of helpful items, it will make your life easier. Remember, going on safari is dirty, cities are crowded and alleys are going to scare the devil out of you.

The Woodpecker

Advice for travelling to a foreign country (with or without camera gear): Do not carry anything that you cannot manage at a dead sprint for at least 1-1/2 miles.

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

I lived and worked in West Africa for twenty years plus. Never had a problem walking around with camera etc. Just be mindful of some areas you may consider worthy of exploration, that poverty can become an issue. One time I heard some folks talking and they said " He's taking our pictures, so he can show them in his country and people can laugh at us". I usually asked if I could 'snap' them. Most times they said yes. If they said no, I moved on.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Interesting. I never gave that a thought. When in NYC, I rarely take photos of people. I mostly photograph architecture. Now, I will be more mindful.