londonfire Loc: NY to NC

Referring to our experiences returning stateside when lots of Global Entry machines have ‘out of order’ signs on them. We sometimes get to baggage claim after our non GE friends.

miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida

I have a CANON travel bag for my equipment and I have never had a problem, now I do not carry a tripod, but if is isn't huge, put it in your regular luggage

11bravo

Global entry highly recommended. First time I used, machine wouldn't scan passport. Not a problem; just took it to the agent monitoring the people using the machines at the front of the row. He scanned, asked if I needed a customs form (didn't, had filled one out on incoming flight), and even if no automated processing, was still done in 5 minutes with immigration, no queuing. Now they also have global entry line for customs, where, in most cases, just waived though. Last time used, was done with immigration and customs in 5 minutes, including time to answer machine's questions. No need to queue, and was waiting for my luggage before the belt even started, and my luggage is high priority due to frequent flier status. Previous entry without global entry: 45 minutes waiting for immigration agent to verify passport and automated machine paper, and I was in the US citizen line. Good for 5 years; don't leave home without it.

11bravo

You don't specify where you are going, how long you are going, and how you are going (guided tour, self-travel?). I take a couple of international trips a year, couple months each time, self-travel.

Valuables (cameras, laptop, valuables) go in a carry-on suitcase, NEVER checked. Just bought a Samsonite Tru-Frame Hardside Spinner 20 from Amazon to replace my old no-name hardsided carry-on (purchase decision helped by Amazon review by a pro photographer, then personal correspondence with him). I carry a Panasonic FX1000 bridge camera, a Nikon P7800 backup camera, plus a Olympus TG4 tough pocket camera, all packed in their own camera bags inside the carry-on, along with a number of extra batteries (take extra batteries, they CANNOT be in checked luggage, only carry-on). Laptop gets taken out prior to check-in in case carry-on is weighed, everything in pockets put in carry-on; pockets refilled and laptop back in carry-on once through security. Carry-on goes in overhead (due to frequent flier status, usually one of the first to board, unless it's a bused gate). Hard side, plus camera bags and laptop bag protect "delicates" (pelican cases also will work for those with extra lenses).

I don't travel light, but I also stay several days at each location. I've found that most hotels will store your bags for a couple of days, especially if you're coming back for a day (hub and spoke mode: check out, couple of days later, return late in the evening, check back in, leave next day). Internally, travel by train or bus. I'll leave the laptop in the hotel room (in China, NOT fancy hotels, think Motel 6 equivalents), but it's an old Thinkpad T430, bought refurbished, though it, plus an external drive, holds trip's photos). Obviously, regardless of where you are, don't leave valuables laying out in plain sight. IF I'm paranoid, I'll put laptop and backup camera in locked, large checked in bag, not carry-on.

Given I'm carrying a bridge camera, it goes with me, but the backup stays in the room. Stopped taking a tripod years ago. Use "hand held night shot" mode for both those and inside museums, though will also handhold with corresponding noise due to high ISO, but enough for me. In Italy, DON'T leave anything in car, including trunk (even leave glovebox open so "nothing here" can be seen from outside). My shoulder camera bag over the shoulder, hanging in front of arm. In my youth, did carry a camera backpack with film Canon camera and multiple lenses, while traveling through Europe, Asia, and Middle East. Not a problem, but when traveling public transport, always in front of me, not on back. Can use those tie wires that come with every electrical cord to secure bag zippers. Situational awareness is key. Be wary of being dog-packed, especially by beggar kids, and be especially alert of those approaching you with a cardboard sign held horizontally in front (hides their hand underneath, busy searching your bag as you're trying to read the writing). Just push through, forcefully if required, any such packs.

Spend a weekend here carrying around the gear you THINK you want to take, then cull accordingly. That bag NEVER gets lighter as the day and trip progress, and large bags attract more unwanted attention. I'd take a small pocket camera, even a mobile phone, for those times (out to dinner) you don't want to carry your full kit.

Note serial numbers of all equipment before departing, and keep a copy with you. Leave your passport in hotel safe, carry a copy with you when out and about (OK, I don't follow my own advice here, but I carry a front belt bag that I do keep a hand over on public transportation).

Most important thing is to enjoy the trip and the experience. Photos are nice, but it's the memories that count.

old left, Samsonite right


Packed, extra batteries under laptop, between extending handle legs

MrGNY Loc: New York

I use a Peak Design backpack, holds D7500, 4 lenses, flash, filters, IPad Pro, headphones, GoPro, cables batteries and a sweatshirt. The bag will slide under the seat in front of you or go in over head. The tripod goes in checked luggage.

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

Lots of good advice - one item I didn't see mentioned is a tip given to me by a Customs Agent a while back. There is a form you can get from US Customs in advance and complete. It includes the serial numbers and description of the gear. You file a copy with Customs and keep a copy with your gear. When you return, there are no issues about "How do we know you didn't buy this expensive ?????? and are trying to smuggle it in?"

Keep a photocopy at home - handy for insurance purposes as well.

anotherview Loc: California

Good suggestion. I faced a similar situation when crossing into Mexico at the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican inspectors wanted to tax my photography gear because of its quantity, which suggested an import of goods for sale. I jumped to full alert from my passiveness when they presented this suggestion. I suppose my heated reply objecting to a tax showed them my innocence. They passed me through inspection.

But looking back now in light of having a list of all my gear, I can see that this list might've become needed. The agents of bureaucracy everywhere like pieces of paper with pertinent info.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Yes, I agree, use the K.I.S.S. method of travel, Keep It Simple Silly.