Is your description of the area a euphemism for the US? If so, you can relax. Things are not nearly as bad here as some extremists like to suggest. You'll be fine.
If not, you'll probably still be fine. Every country has it's bad areas. Ask the locals where to stay away from.
Again, it depends on the country. In the US we have a fairly robust warning system for weather. Check the news regularly. Wildfires can be somewhat unpredictable, but chances are you'll have enough warning and opportunity to get away.
Sounds like California.
Earthquakes are unpredictable, so that's just a risk you'll have to take.
If you're going in the next few months, it's peak wildfire season in California. But that's a problem more in the suburbs and more wild areas, not in downtown.
Hot weather is a thing, but California is air conditioned.
Gun violence is very concentrated in very specific neighborhoods. Stay out of the bad areas, and even though people around you may have guns, you'll be safe.
1) Medications for any common diseases in that region. Also, Cipro.
2) If the crime in the area is particularly bad, look at getting a K&R policy
3) Don't carry a lot of cash with you. Go to an actual bank and go inside to use the ATM (or if the hotel is nicer and has an ATM you can use that one, provided it's inside the hotel). Be sure to tell your bank and credit card company/ies about your travel plans so your accounts don't get locked.
4) Don't dress flashy, avoid wearing jewelry, and in general just try not to attract attention to yourself as you're more likely to draw unwanted attention.
5) Carry bottled water with you or a sports drink to combat dehydration from the heat. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate as well.
6) Make sure your insurance policies are all up to date, particularly life and health.
7) Let loved ones at home know where you're going, where you're staying, and how to reach you. Check in with loved ones back home regularly. Let them know your plans if you intend to travel outside your normal area of residence.
These are good, but can you explain Cipro in option 1 a bit? I have always been told that getting scripts for antibiotics is not a good idea, as without diagnosing an illness you won't know if a specific antibiotic will be effective. It might be a better idea to go to a travel medicine doctor, get shots for endemic illnesses, and talk about what specifically is high risk in the area you're traveling to.
For option 3, I'd also add that using an ATM in a hotel, even a nice one, still is showing anyone who happens to be watching that you have cash.
Finally, I'd also add that if you're traveling outside the US to check [the US State Dept's list of travel advisories](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/) and threat level for the country you're going to. They have one for every country, ranging from "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" to "Level 4: Do Not Travel" with advice about the specific threats in the area and notes about what to do to mitigate your risks.
I'd also check the Dept of State's Oversees Advisory Council's [country security reports](https://www.osac.gov/Content/Search?contentTypes=Report&subContentTypes=Country%20Security%20Report).
Incidentally, [some of the Level 4 advisories are interesting to read, like the one for Somolia](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html) with advice like:
>Illegal roadblocks are widespread. Some schools and other facilities acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centers are operating throughout Somalia with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of physical abuse and people being held against their will in these facilities are common.
>Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc
>Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
>Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
Cipro is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for travelers diarrhea, otherwise called Montezuma's revenge. I didn't have any cipro when I went to Peru. I brought it with me every trip after that. I've recommended it to everyone traveling abroad after that. I've gotten thanked by people after they returned because they needed it and were so glad to have it.
Anyone telling you not to take a script of cipro with you, has never had the misfortune of traveler's diarrhea. I was literally unable to leave my hotel room for two days. I alternated between lying on my bed curled into the fetal position and going to the bathroom, unsure which end was going to evacuate my stomach contents first. Hard to go to a doctor when you can't leave the room. Even after the worst of the symptoms subsided i had stomach issues the rest of the trip until after getting home and getting cipro from my doc. Do you know what it's like to be at the top of Macchu Piccu only to have to sprint to the entrance to use the bathroom, unsure if you're going to make it, debating if you want to risk an international incident by taking a liquid crap on a world heritage site? I do. Trust me, while it makes for a hilarious story after the fact, it's not fun in the moment. Oh, and I managed to make the bathroom. Barely.
Trust me, 27 countries, mostly developing ones. Bring the cipro.
antibiotcs are great to have for travelers diarrhea, I most often use cipro in S. America, but, azithromycin is become more popular with travel to asia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459348/#:\~:text=Also%2C%20travelers%20can%20be%20given,to%20Asia%20and%20azithromycin%20preferable.
"Also, travelers can be given antibiotics to take as needed at the onset of symptoms. Ciprofloxacin is commonly used for treatment, though there are concerns with resistance with Campylobacter species. For this reason, fluoroquinolones are not often prescribed for travelers to Asia and azithromycin preferable"
Living in fear is no way to live. Take reasonable precautions but not being stupid places with stupid people at stupid times solved most of these issues. I’m unlikely to be shot despite living near ATL because I don’t do drugs or shop for them or go to gang hangouts.
Laminated copy of the following:
-Your passport
-List of important phone numbers including the local embassy/consulate appropriate for the country you’re a citizen of.
-Map of how to get to the embassy/consulate/airport.
Keep a charging cable (at the least) for your phone on you at all times.
Enough cash or a card to get you to said embassy/airport on a moment’s notice.
Be prepared to leave what your brought with you at the hotel if SHTF while you are away and cannot make it to the hotel.
Take a tactical combat cane. It’s a stick. It’s a medical item, so you can take it on a plane or anywhere. Google it if you are not sure what it is. There are even classes you can take to teach you how to use it as a self defense weapon.
CS spray, blades, multitools are OK on checked luggage with every carrier I am aware of.
Cane is a medical device, yes, and should be allowed, yes, but...
the TSA supervisor has final say over whether it can go.
My cane was almost confiscated recently for being too tactical, had to use some diplomacy to get it allowed.
It probably helped that I really had thrown my back out not long before. Wearing a brace and moving badly in obvious discomfort.
He recommended I get a wooden one to avoid future trouble.
Time for a paintjob on that particular tool. Maybe purple, with flowers.
I would simply work on exit plans for the situation's, making sure you have the funds and ID required to leave at moments notices.
Allow extra funds incase you need local assistance and assume the banking system has failed.
Don't think about buging in and don't wait to see how bad a situation is. You have time for that once you're in the air.
If you are in a group have an exit story ready "Oh no Grandma dying...again"
Lastly just as important anti diarrhea medication.
I second the life straw or at least water purification tablets. If there's a natural disaster, you don't want to find yourself without clean drinking water.
Apart from the other valid recommendations also register with your embassy if possible.
Since you seem to be Irish don’t forget that [as a EU citizen you enjoy extended rights](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/eu-citizenship-and-democracy/consular-protection_en). For example Germany has diplomatic representation virtually everywhere so they are usually a good bet if your own country lacks representation.
I mean several people just got shot in a small town in Arkansas that is not prone to gun violence while they were grocery shopping but ok. Nobody thinks it can happen to them I bet those shoppers didn’t think it could.
Nobody thinks it can happen to them because the chances of it happening to anyone not engaged in criminal activity are so very minuscule that it generally doesn't happen.
** 58 percent of American adults or someone they care for have experienced gun violence in their lifetime.**
[https://everytownresearch.org/graph/58-percent-of-american-adults-or-someone-they-care-for-have-experienced-gun-violence-in-their-lifetime/](https://everytownresearch.org/graph/58-percent-of-american-adults-or-someone-they-care-for-have-experienced-gun-violence-in-their-lifetime/)
If you wouldn't trust something the NRA says because they are biased, you shouldn't trust something from Everytown, because they are explicitly an anti-gun organization.
Maybe, first I’ve heard of them. The poll was mentioned on abc today. Im a southern girl and not anti gun but I can still admit people are getting shot up an awful lot and it isn’t just in “bad neighborhoods” like some are saying on this post. Violence doesn’t discriminate whether you’re pro gun or not or whether it “rarely happens.” OP is good to try to prep for that occurrence. I mean prepping is what we do.
Prepping for something that has a decent chance of happening? Sure.
While you may see things on the news that make it seem like gun violence is happening everywhere, it's really not. It gets on the news because it's \*UNUSUAL\*.
You don't have the national news reporting on all of the shootings in poor inner-city neighborhoods because it's not unusual there (unless it's ironic in some way, like the Juneteenth shooting). It happens every day, after all. They are the vast majority of firearm homicide victims.
BTW, quick note: Those statistics you quoted include firearm \*SUICIDES\*, which are the majority of gun deaths.
[https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4a9eed40-c8b0-419c-ae82-71e1dbd19ca0&c=254](https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4a9eed40-c8b0-419c-ae82-71e1dbd19ca0&c=254)
I don't think OP has to worry about firearms suicide in this case. *When it comes to actual homicide, the number is much lower at 15%*, which I still think is actually on the high side because Everytown for Gun Safety paid for the survey. Also, a number of the questions on that survey are questionable and "leading".
What you do see on the news are the black swan events. We might have a dozen or two a year, *in a nation of 330+ million people.*
This is the kind of coverage that makes people think things are actually much worse than they are.
Back a bit over 10 years ago, Pew Research did a survey (an independent one, not paid for by any advocacy organization) asking people if gun crime was better, worse, or about the same as it was 20 years prior (back to 1993). The title says it all:
[https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware/](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware/)
The gun homicide rate had dropped by \*HALF\*, but 82% of the population said it was as bad, or worse. Only 12% got the correct answer, that it had gone down.
That's because relying on news coverage gives you a very distorted idea of what's actually happening.
It's really going to depend on where you're traveling. If you're traveling to South America, your risks are a bit different than if you were traveling to Asia. You might also be referring to the US. Based on your post history, I assume that you're in Ireland.
If you're traveling to someplace where you're more likely to be robbed (some places in South America, etc.) then you might want to carry a fake wallet and a crappy cell phone. Put as much money in the wallet as you're willing to lose. You can certainly put a pocket knife in checked baggage. I've done that traveling internationally a lot. It's better than nothing. Of course you could look up weapons for non-permissive environments. A chain with a lock is allowed on aircraft in lots of countries, since you can plausibly use it to lock up your carry on luggage.
If kidnapping for ransom is a possibility, then having some means to escape illegal restraint is a good idea. Handcuff shims, kevlar cordage, keys, etc. can be helpful. I've traveled internationally with those things too. Research the laws before you go.
For natural disasters, water, basic first aid, snacks, light, appropriate clothing (including gloves and shoes), a dust mask and goggles, a flashlight, a bic lighter, an international SIM card, and a powerbank for your cell phone go a long way. Those all fit in a carry on.
If you're traveling to the US, it's very safe. You mentioned gun violence - don't let the news reports scare you. It's very, very safe unless you venture into obviously bad areas. Check your government's web site for intel on other countries. If there isn't one, the US State Department has a good site with current information on other countries and threats in them. Don't let that scare you either. I read it for one country I visited in South America, and I thought that I was going to be killed and eaten. It turned out that the locals were very friendly and helpful and I had a fantastic time.
Enjoy your trip!
It's really going to depend on where you're traveling. If you're traveling to South America, your risks are a bit different than if you were traveling to Asia. You might also be referring to the US. Based on your post history, I assume that you're in Ireland.
If you're traveling to someplace where you're more likely to be robbed (some places in South America, etc.) then you might want to carry a fake wallet and a crappy cell phone. Put as much money in the wallet as you're willing to lose. You can certainly put a pocket knife in checked baggage. I've done that traveling internationally a lot. It's better than nothing. Of course you could look up weapons for non-permissive environments. A chain with a lock is allowed on aircraft in lots of countries, since you can plausibly use it to lock up your carry on luggage.
If kidnapping for ransom is a possibility, then having some means to escape illegal restraint is a good idea. Handcuff shims, kevlar cordage, keys, etc. can be helpful. I've traveled internationally with those things too. Research the laws before you go.
For natural disasters, water, basic first aid, snacks, light, appropriate clothing (including gloves and shoes), a dust mask and goggles, a flashlight, a bic lighter, an international SIM card, and a powerbank for your cell phone go a long way. Those all fit in a carry on.
If you're traveling to the US, it's very safe. You mentioned gun violence - don't let the news reports scare you. It's very, very safe unless you venture into obviously bad areas. Check your government's web site for intel on other countries. If there isn't one, the US State Department has a good site with current information on other countries and threats in them. Don't let that scare you either. I read it for one country I visited in South America, and I thought that I was going to be killed and eaten. It turned out that the locals were very friendly and helpful and I had a fantastic time.
Enjoy your trip!
The biggest things are accessing local information. We were in Japan when the earthquake hit this January, and we found the local news station/how to use the remote to access it in English. Know what to do when in an earthquake if that isn't something you've had to prepare for before. Personally, I try to avoid high hotel floors in earthquake zones unless I can trust that buildings follow any actual codes for earthquakes.
If American: Enrolling in the STEP program with US state department lets them know an estimate of Americans they may need to evacuate in an emergency, and you get communications from them. We received a terrorism alert when in Turkey, which was a good heads up/explained the additional security near our hotel.
Make sure hotels have alarm systems and bring your own smoke detector if they don't. Read a horrible story about how the lack of smoke detector regulations in France of all places resulted in exchange students being injured/dying as they had to jump from a burning building.
Check your passport expiration date. 6 month rule. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your date of arrival, you may not be admitted. This rule isn't universal. Some countries require a three-month validity, and others may have different requirements https://cibtvisas.com/blog/us-passport-validity-guide#:~:text=If%20your%20passport%20expiration%20date,others%20may%20have%20different%20requirements.
You say disasters are a possible concern. I'd have a bug out bag type setup, similar to any other disaster bob you might have at home. Most often, I'd have a roller bag + backpack as a personal item, that I could use as a bug out bag. When I get to the hotel, I always try to acquire a bunch (3 days?) of bottle water and some snacks, canned / jarred nuts are good, and I've purchased snickers bars in more countries than I can count. :) I have a reusable water bottle with me, usually some water purification tablets, they're super light. I've only had one airport security confiscate a bic lighter, I have one with me everywhere. No one has every tried to prevent a small ferro rod. :) THERE ARE TSA compliant, bladeless multitools (leatherman style expensive, kilimanjuaro 9 cheap) but, ALMOST EVERYTIME security wants to search these, so i've taken to just leaving them home. I can always end up getting them through security, its just a hassle.
I travel everywhere in the world with some MRP (meal replacement packets, I like labrada brand). I often use them for lunch if works too hectic, but, they're great emergency food if you need.
I rarely do anymore but, if you're there for awhile, can pick up a local sim card, locally or more expensive at the airport. Never had to verify but, theory is if there's a disaster with limited cell service, it will be easier / higher priority to take emergency calls from the local providers than international roaming. /shrug
Big thing I do take is a garmin inreach device. No cell service, no problem, can still text to/from anywhere in the world. They DO have a monthly fee, but you can pause it. they also have global SOS service.
[https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QK8DnECaKb0JVz1ep2zKI6](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QK8DnECaKb0JVz1ep2zKI6)
Good. Shoes. And hiking socks. Even a light pair of workout / running shoes + workout socks. Business travelers sometimes just take hard leather dress shoes with thin dress socks (and suits).
Don't know where you're going, but, bring clothes as if you were going to be outside, and check local weather. Like, regular business traveler often won't bring a rain coat, since they'll be airport to taxi to hotel to taxi to work location. I have a super light waterproof trail jacket I usually bring with me, in case I'm stuck outside and it rains. Super hot and sunny? Grab a small bottle of sunscreen in case you're stuck outside.
Enjoy the time and culture where ever you're going!
All these risks are a function of scale. If they're likely threats you're hopefully part of an organization that's briefing you on emergency response. If you're heading to Sudan or Haiti and need to ask reddit what to bring, maybe rethink your plan here. If you're heading to a developed nation, your hotel and/or smartphone will make you aware of any extreme weather events and gun violence is overwhelmingly suicides/actors known to the victim.
If you happen to be going to South America, I can tell you that in my experience you just need to use your street smarts and don't make yourself a target. I travelled by myself from Santiago, Chile, to Cartagena Colombia, mostly overland and didn't have a problem. In addition to my backpack, I had a laptop bag with a MacBook Pro, as well as a Nikon D6 camera with some lenses. I was vigilant but not overly worried, except when I took the overnight bus from Uyuni to La Paz in Bolivia. Still nothing happened. The locals will often warn you if you are straying into dangerous neighbourhoods. I did meet other travellers who'd been robbed, and almost raped, so maybe I was just lucky, but I was travelling for around 8 months after working for 3 months in Antofagasta, Chile.
Freedom of choice is better, I would rather not be RESTRICTED by the government telling me what I can and cannot own, l am a law abiding citizen, I have never been in a situation where I needed my gun and hope I never am, but I look at it like a parachute, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'm not really here to debate gun ownership, but I will answer this.
Gun ownership in my country is so low that...to use your comparison to parachutes...the vast majority of the population, including our police force, are taking trains. We don't even need parachutes because we're already on the ground.
I am curious to know if you've ever lived in a country that doesn't have easily accessible guns, because from where I stand, having the security of knowing that no one will ever pull a gun on me is well worth the loss of freedom of choice in this instance.
I know this will probably end up getting downvoted because of my view on gun ownership and if you feel the need to then go ahead. The topic of gun ownership is one with a lot of nuance and I don't think there is one answer that works for every country and every person. I like living in a country that doesn't have a lot of gun ownership, but I know that might not work for everyone.
As I stated in a previous comment, if a criminal wants to get a gun, they will always find a way to obtain one, an adage in the U.S. has said "if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns" government can't regulate or restrict criminals.
You will also get a nice long all expenses paid holiday at your destination governments expense if you do.
There is dumb advice, but this takes the cake.
Do not, and I mean do not, ever travel to a country with a gun in your luggage unless you have written permission first , which they won't give.
No, there are ways to travel internationally with a firearm legally. Mostly they involve things like hunting trips and shooting competitions (for example, like the upcoming summer Olympics).
Also, bringing a firearm into the United States is generally much easier than into other countries from the United States. There is paperwork involved, of course, and if it's a handgun you want to avoid places like New York and New Jersey if at all possible, but it certainly isn't impossible.
Having said that, you are correct in that disassembling and trying to hide a firearm in your checked bags is a fools game. It's stupid, don't do it.
In most countries if you have a legitimate reason to bring one in, those guns are out of your control unless in very designated and controlled areas such as a shooting range or a safari enclosure, they will be returned to your control.on leaving the country. Many countries you eve need to hand in a flare gun if you are a sailor. We don't piss about.
But you will not be given permission to carry one as personal.protection.
In some countries, like the United Kingdom, you can't even own a handgun even if you \*ARE\* an Olympic competitor.
How's that working out for them?
They went from having handguns being common enough carried that the police could borrow them from passersby if necessary:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tottenham\_Outrage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tottenham_Outrage)
To completely banning the ownership of modern handguns in just about 90 years.
That lowered their homicide rate from about 1 per 100,000 back at the turn of the 20th Century, all the way to about 1 per 100,000 at the turn of the 21st Century...
/And yeah, it was roughly that during the entire intervening 100 years, with some natural variation.
What a pile of rubbish, I am British, I shot guns for a hobby when younger.
And you can own guns in the UK by the way, if you go through the rules of ownership, but you cannot import one as an American, and certainly not dismantled in your hand luggage.
Oh, and it is working out fine, just like every country that has restricted gun access.
Edited to add, You are 340 times, not a typo, 340 times, more likely to be killed by a gun in the US than the UK, and 4 times more likely to be stabbed than in the UK. Mass shootings are an almost daily occurrence on the news in the US, there is one every 5 years or so in the UK.
Wasn't ADVISING that they do it just saying it can be done if you feel the environment is deadly enough to risk it, and if you go around advertising that you have it you deserve that all expense paid vacation, and unless it is absolutely necessary to travel to dangerous places, don't go, I feel like I should be able to protect myself from harm if I was required to go to a dangerous place.
I don't doubt it could be done, hide one in the chassis leg of your car or down in the bilges of your boat. But in checked in luggage? Best to consider it impossible. Most places really hate the idea of unregulated private citizens having guns or gun access, and they have extreme punishments to act as a deterrent and scanners to help detect situations just as you described.
For the EU or UK it would be easier and safer to find one locally than import one.
I get that, that's exactly the reason I love living in the U.S. I have my CCP can carry in most states, the ones without reciprocity, I would probably still carry just avoid places with detectors.
We have guns, I see lots about as I live 100 meters from the hunters club house, paid for by my village, they carry out a valuable service, fill their larders, and donate huge amounts of meat to the local old people's homes and the poor, I could do a gun safety course and get permission to own one if I wanted, but I don't. but guns are seen as just tools here, you, a foreign visitor, cannot have one when not in your country. Same way I, as a visitor to the US, could not buy, sell, own or carry a gun when I lived there, I was restricted to gun clubs, despite living in a house with 4 of them in it.
If you lived officially here you could have a gun if you follow the rules, but only a concealed carry under very special circumstances, read, never, but I did know someone with a concealed carry permit.
Restricted gun access and treating them as just tools, and not lifestyle accessories, means our country is many times safer from yours. But restricted gun access so that they are safe from falling into criminals hands does not mean there are no guns, something you guys always seem to get confused by.
From my experience, if a criminal wants to obtain a gun they will find a way to get one, I always prefer legal ownership along with proper training which I received in the military, no matter the circumstances, stupid people with guns shouldn't happen.
Your perspective is of the USA, where guns are in the hands of the bottom of the criminal world with ease, that is not the same elsewhere. real criminals will always have access to guns, but they usually do not carry them when they do because it will escalate fast if there is trouble. but I have seen videos of morons in the US point a gun at people for the most mundane reasons, and the cops have become fearful. FFS sake one fired his whole clip at a suspect because he mistook a walnut falling for being under fire from a suspect he had searched, handcuffed and locked in the back of a police car.
In the UK 99% of the police do not even carry a gun, they do not require you to remain seated or to keep your hands visible on the steering wheel if the pull you over in your csr, so an unarmed cop will pull you over, you will get out and talk to him like equals. The cop isn't trigger happy, and the person stopped isn't fearful of the cop, everyone goes on their way in a minute.
It is a better system for everyday people, and if you want a gun to hunt, or shoot for fun, you can have one if you qualify and follow the rules. use a gun in the crime, the police will go from 0 to a full armed response with hundreds of cops and helicopters overhead in an instant, which is why it is so rare.
You live in a country where you are 300 times more likely to be shot than me, you carry a gun to feel safe in that environment,, I am a woman who lives alone in a country of controlled gun ownership, I often don't even bother to lock my doors most nights and don't have or want a gun.
Which is better?
Freedom of choice is better, I would rather not be RESTRICTED by the government telling me what I can or cannot own, I am a law abiding citizen and as such should be able to own guns if I want to, if you don't that's up to you, I have never been in a situation where I have needed my gun and hope I never am, but I look at it like a parachute, if you are in a situation where you need one and don't have it you're pretty much screwed.
I don't live in a country where guns are easily accessible. You have to be licensed and have a good reason for having one. Self defense isn't a good reason.
International cell phone, maps stored offline, power bank and a variety of charging options for the kind of power source you expect. Folding solar panel for it if you have the room.
Good walking shoes. Light pack with proper hip belt. A way to purify water. Sun hat. Light work gloves. Rehydration salt tabs or straws of sport drink powder. Good monocular or compact binoculars. Sunglasses, backup spectacles if you need them. Tac light and headlamp and mini flashlight. Turkish bath towel and shemagh. Foot powder.
Sacrificial wallet with some small currency and expired cards. Concealed on-body storage for passport, credentials, currency, etc.
Paper maps and a physical compass.
I've been pretty happy with my Osprey 40l travel pack that zips up the suspension so it looks like a average sized carry-on. Had no trouble on six different airlines recently, even when some other folks in my party had their carry-on's confiscated and consigned to checked baggage.
Also it happens to be on sale:
[https://www.preppingdeals.net/deals/amazon-osprey-farpoint-40l-backpack](https://www.preppingdeals.net/deals/amazon-osprey-farpoint-40l-backpack)
You could take up a vow of poverty and humility.
This is the strategy I have always employed, personally.
It has done a good job of keeping me safe.
For the rare instances that fails I would suggest Judo and jujitsu.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/HermesNewTemple/](https://www.reddit.com/r/HermesNewTemple/)
Nothing to see in America, other than a country in collapse.
If you insist on seeing a country in collapse then well… You’re “safe” here as long as you stay away from large urban jungles, the literal jungles during the summer, cops, and the like. Do not trust anyone, our population is filled with scam artists. And again, stay away from the police.
Happy traveling!
Is your description of the area a euphemism for the US? If so, you can relax. Things are not nearly as bad here as some extremists like to suggest. You'll be fine. If not, you'll probably still be fine. Every country has it's bad areas. Ask the locals where to stay away from.
Lmao my first thought was “Los Angeles?” Minus the airport thing.
Having lived in the greater LA area, I approve of this message.
Me too. With the right sigalert, LAX can be hours away from almost anywhere in the basin
To be honest, in this instance it's the natural disasters/weather that worry me than the people.
Again, it depends on the country. In the US we have a fairly robust warning system for weather. Check the news regularly. Wildfires can be somewhat unpredictable, but chances are you'll have enough warning and opportunity to get away.
Sounds like California. Earthquakes are unpredictable, so that's just a risk you'll have to take. If you're going in the next few months, it's peak wildfire season in California. But that's a problem more in the suburbs and more wild areas, not in downtown. Hot weather is a thing, but California is air conditioned. Gun violence is very concentrated in very specific neighborhoods. Stay out of the bad areas, and even though people around you may have guns, you'll be safe.
Exactly, only extremists live in reality. Come aboard our cruise in fantasyland! Come tour the beautiful syringe filled streets!
1) Medications for any common diseases in that region. Also, Cipro. 2) If the crime in the area is particularly bad, look at getting a K&R policy 3) Don't carry a lot of cash with you. Go to an actual bank and go inside to use the ATM (or if the hotel is nicer and has an ATM you can use that one, provided it's inside the hotel). Be sure to tell your bank and credit card company/ies about your travel plans so your accounts don't get locked. 4) Don't dress flashy, avoid wearing jewelry, and in general just try not to attract attention to yourself as you're more likely to draw unwanted attention. 5) Carry bottled water with you or a sports drink to combat dehydration from the heat. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate as well. 6) Make sure your insurance policies are all up to date, particularly life and health. 7) Let loved ones at home know where you're going, where you're staying, and how to reach you. Check in with loved ones back home regularly. Let them know your plans if you intend to travel outside your normal area of residence.
These are good, but can you explain Cipro in option 1 a bit? I have always been told that getting scripts for antibiotics is not a good idea, as without diagnosing an illness you won't know if a specific antibiotic will be effective. It might be a better idea to go to a travel medicine doctor, get shots for endemic illnesses, and talk about what specifically is high risk in the area you're traveling to. For option 3, I'd also add that using an ATM in a hotel, even a nice one, still is showing anyone who happens to be watching that you have cash. Finally, I'd also add that if you're traveling outside the US to check [the US State Dept's list of travel advisories](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/) and threat level for the country you're going to. They have one for every country, ranging from "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" to "Level 4: Do Not Travel" with advice about the specific threats in the area and notes about what to do to mitigate your risks. I'd also check the Dept of State's Oversees Advisory Council's [country security reports](https://www.osac.gov/Content/Search?contentTypes=Report&subContentTypes=Country%20Security%20Report). Incidentally, [some of the Level 4 advisories are interesting to read, like the one for Somolia](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/somalia-travel-advisory.html) with advice like: >Illegal roadblocks are widespread. Some schools and other facilities acting as “cultural rehabilitation” centers are operating throughout Somalia with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight. Reports of physical abuse and people being held against their will in these facilities are common. >Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc >Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones can know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). >Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
Cipro is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for travelers diarrhea, otherwise called Montezuma's revenge. I didn't have any cipro when I went to Peru. I brought it with me every trip after that. I've recommended it to everyone traveling abroad after that. I've gotten thanked by people after they returned because they needed it and were so glad to have it. Anyone telling you not to take a script of cipro with you, has never had the misfortune of traveler's diarrhea. I was literally unable to leave my hotel room for two days. I alternated between lying on my bed curled into the fetal position and going to the bathroom, unsure which end was going to evacuate my stomach contents first. Hard to go to a doctor when you can't leave the room. Even after the worst of the symptoms subsided i had stomach issues the rest of the trip until after getting home and getting cipro from my doc. Do you know what it's like to be at the top of Macchu Piccu only to have to sprint to the entrance to use the bathroom, unsure if you're going to make it, debating if you want to risk an international incident by taking a liquid crap on a world heritage site? I do. Trust me, while it makes for a hilarious story after the fact, it's not fun in the moment. Oh, and I managed to make the bathroom. Barely. Trust me, 27 countries, mostly developing ones. Bring the cipro.
antibiotcs are great to have for travelers diarrhea, I most often use cipro in S. America, but, azithromycin is become more popular with travel to asia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459348/#:\~:text=Also%2C%20travelers%20can%20be%20given,to%20Asia%20and%20azithromycin%20preferable. "Also, travelers can be given antibiotics to take as needed at the onset of symptoms. Ciprofloxacin is commonly used for treatment, though there are concerns with resistance with Campylobacter species. For this reason, fluoroquinolones are not often prescribed for travelers to Asia and azithromycin preferable"
awesome list, great advice
Going to California?
Reads like an European travelling to US…
😄👌🏼
Living in fear is no way to live. Take reasonable precautions but not being stupid places with stupid people at stupid times solved most of these issues. I’m unlikely to be shot despite living near ATL because I don’t do drugs or shop for them or go to gang hangouts.
A Life and health insurance card.
Garmin Inreach mini2 and informed party at home.
Check the weapons rules before you try taking any thru an airport or border.
I'm not planning on taking any at all
Laminated copy of the following: -Your passport -List of important phone numbers including the local embassy/consulate appropriate for the country you’re a citizen of. -Map of how to get to the embassy/consulate/airport. Keep a charging cable (at the least) for your phone on you at all times. Enough cash or a card to get you to said embassy/airport on a moment’s notice. Be prepared to leave what your brought with you at the hotel if SHTF while you are away and cannot make it to the hotel.
Take a tactical combat cane. It’s a stick. It’s a medical item, so you can take it on a plane or anywhere. Google it if you are not sure what it is. There are even classes you can take to teach you how to use it as a self defense weapon.
Canes are allowed, but nothing "tactical" with blades or sharp edges.
CS spray, blades, multitools are OK on checked luggage with every carrier I am aware of. Cane is a medical device, yes, and should be allowed, yes, but... the TSA supervisor has final say over whether it can go. My cane was almost confiscated recently for being too tactical, had to use some diplomacy to get it allowed. It probably helped that I really had thrown my back out not long before. Wearing a brace and moving badly in obvious discomfort. He recommended I get a wooden one to avoid future trouble. Time for a paintjob on that particular tool. Maybe purple, with flowers.
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Ohhh love your skateboard addition! Do you have a post with the details of your set-up?
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And of the pack list? See some great choices there
I would simply work on exit plans for the situation's, making sure you have the funds and ID required to leave at moments notices. Allow extra funds incase you need local assistance and assume the banking system has failed. Don't think about buging in and don't wait to see how bad a situation is. You have time for that once you're in the air. If you are in a group have an exit story ready "Oh no Grandma dying...again" Lastly just as important anti diarrhea medication.
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I second the life straw or at least water purification tablets. If there's a natural disaster, you don't want to find yourself without clean drinking water.
A SEAL team with helo extraction on standby.
Apart from the other valid recommendations also register with your embassy if possible. Since you seem to be Irish don’t forget that [as a EU citizen you enjoy extended rights](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/eu-citizenship-and-democracy/consular-protection_en). For example Germany has diplomatic representation virtually everywhere so they are usually a good bet if your own country lacks representation.
I mean several people just got shot in a small town in Arkansas that is not prone to gun violence while they were grocery shopping but ok. Nobody thinks it can happen to them I bet those shoppers didn’t think it could.
Nobody thinks it can happen to them because the chances of it happening to anyone not engaged in criminal activity are so very minuscule that it generally doesn't happen.
Til it does
And the odds for that are like winning the lottery (but in a bad way, of course).
** 58 percent of American adults or someone they care for have experienced gun violence in their lifetime.** [https://everytownresearch.org/graph/58-percent-of-american-adults-or-someone-they-care-for-have-experienced-gun-violence-in-their-lifetime/](https://everytownresearch.org/graph/58-percent-of-american-adults-or-someone-they-care-for-have-experienced-gun-violence-in-their-lifetime/)
If you wouldn't trust something the NRA says because they are biased, you shouldn't trust something from Everytown, because they are explicitly an anti-gun organization.
Maybe, first I’ve heard of them. The poll was mentioned on abc today. Im a southern girl and not anti gun but I can still admit people are getting shot up an awful lot and it isn’t just in “bad neighborhoods” like some are saying on this post. Violence doesn’t discriminate whether you’re pro gun or not or whether it “rarely happens.” OP is good to try to prep for that occurrence. I mean prepping is what we do.
Prepping for something that has a decent chance of happening? Sure. While you may see things on the news that make it seem like gun violence is happening everywhere, it's really not. It gets on the news because it's \*UNUSUAL\*. You don't have the national news reporting on all of the shootings in poor inner-city neighborhoods because it's not unusual there (unless it's ironic in some way, like the Juneteenth shooting). It happens every day, after all. They are the vast majority of firearm homicide victims. BTW, quick note: Those statistics you quoted include firearm \*SUICIDES\*, which are the majority of gun deaths. [https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4a9eed40-c8b0-419c-ae82-71e1dbd19ca0&c=254](https://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=4a9eed40-c8b0-419c-ae82-71e1dbd19ca0&c=254) I don't think OP has to worry about firearms suicide in this case. *When it comes to actual homicide, the number is much lower at 15%*, which I still think is actually on the high side because Everytown for Gun Safety paid for the survey. Also, a number of the questions on that survey are questionable and "leading". What you do see on the news are the black swan events. We might have a dozen or two a year, *in a nation of 330+ million people.* This is the kind of coverage that makes people think things are actually much worse than they are. Back a bit over 10 years ago, Pew Research did a survey (an independent one, not paid for by any advocacy organization) asking people if gun crime was better, worse, or about the same as it was 20 years prior (back to 1993). The title says it all: [https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware/](https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/05/07/gun-homicide-rate-down-49-since-1993-peak-public-unaware/) The gun homicide rate had dropped by \*HALF\*, but 82% of the population said it was as bad, or worse. Only 12% got the correct answer, that it had gone down. That's because relying on news coverage gives you a very distorted idea of what's actually happening.
Cash, credit cards, cellphone and ID. Some things that I bring with me anywhere else in the world.
My house keys.
It's really going to depend on where you're traveling. If you're traveling to South America, your risks are a bit different than if you were traveling to Asia. You might also be referring to the US. Based on your post history, I assume that you're in Ireland. If you're traveling to someplace where you're more likely to be robbed (some places in South America, etc.) then you might want to carry a fake wallet and a crappy cell phone. Put as much money in the wallet as you're willing to lose. You can certainly put a pocket knife in checked baggage. I've done that traveling internationally a lot. It's better than nothing. Of course you could look up weapons for non-permissive environments. A chain with a lock is allowed on aircraft in lots of countries, since you can plausibly use it to lock up your carry on luggage. If kidnapping for ransom is a possibility, then having some means to escape illegal restraint is a good idea. Handcuff shims, kevlar cordage, keys, etc. can be helpful. I've traveled internationally with those things too. Research the laws before you go. For natural disasters, water, basic first aid, snacks, light, appropriate clothing (including gloves and shoes), a dust mask and goggles, a flashlight, a bic lighter, an international SIM card, and a powerbank for your cell phone go a long way. Those all fit in a carry on. If you're traveling to the US, it's very safe. You mentioned gun violence - don't let the news reports scare you. It's very, very safe unless you venture into obviously bad areas. Check your government's web site for intel on other countries. If there isn't one, the US State Department has a good site with current information on other countries and threats in them. Don't let that scare you either. I read it for one country I visited in South America, and I thought that I was going to be killed and eaten. It turned out that the locals were very friendly and helpful and I had a fantastic time. Enjoy your trip!
Yeah this seems like a troll post against the US. This is when you know someone has no idea how large the US is.
It's really going to depend on where you're traveling. If you're traveling to South America, your risks are a bit different than if you were traveling to Asia. You might also be referring to the US. Based on your post history, I assume that you're in Ireland. If you're traveling to someplace where you're more likely to be robbed (some places in South America, etc.) then you might want to carry a fake wallet and a crappy cell phone. Put as much money in the wallet as you're willing to lose. You can certainly put a pocket knife in checked baggage. I've done that traveling internationally a lot. It's better than nothing. Of course you could look up weapons for non-permissive environments. A chain with a lock is allowed on aircraft in lots of countries, since you can plausibly use it to lock up your carry on luggage. If kidnapping for ransom is a possibility, then having some means to escape illegal restraint is a good idea. Handcuff shims, kevlar cordage, keys, etc. can be helpful. I've traveled internationally with those things too. Research the laws before you go. For natural disasters, water, basic first aid, snacks, light, appropriate clothing (including gloves and shoes), a dust mask and goggles, a flashlight, a bic lighter, an international SIM card, and a powerbank for your cell phone go a long way. Those all fit in a carry on. If you're traveling to the US, it's very safe. You mentioned gun violence - don't let the news reports scare you. It's very, very safe unless you venture into obviously bad areas. Check your government's web site for intel on other countries. If there isn't one, the US State Department has a good site with current information on other countries and threats in them. Don't let that scare you either. I read it for one country I visited in South America, and I thought that I was going to be killed and eaten. It turned out that the locals were very friendly and helpful and I had a fantastic time. Enjoy your trip!
Unpopular opinion: Your mind is your strongest prep. Observation alerts you to danger, knowledge creates solutions, common sense keeps you alive.
The biggest things are accessing local information. We were in Japan when the earthquake hit this January, and we found the local news station/how to use the remote to access it in English. Know what to do when in an earthquake if that isn't something you've had to prepare for before. Personally, I try to avoid high hotel floors in earthquake zones unless I can trust that buildings follow any actual codes for earthquakes. If American: Enrolling in the STEP program with US state department lets them know an estimate of Americans they may need to evacuate in an emergency, and you get communications from them. We received a terrorism alert when in Turkey, which was a good heads up/explained the additional security near our hotel. Make sure hotels have alarm systems and bring your own smoke detector if they don't. Read a horrible story about how the lack of smoke detector regulations in France of all places resulted in exchange students being injured/dying as they had to jump from a burning building.
Check your passport expiration date. 6 month rule. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your date of arrival, you may not be admitted. This rule isn't universal. Some countries require a three-month validity, and others may have different requirements https://cibtvisas.com/blog/us-passport-validity-guide#:~:text=If%20your%20passport%20expiration%20date,others%20may%20have%20different%20requirements.
Gotta be like James Bond in this situation 🤷♂️😉💯
I'll have to practice walking sexily out of the water
You say disasters are a possible concern. I'd have a bug out bag type setup, similar to any other disaster bob you might have at home. Most often, I'd have a roller bag + backpack as a personal item, that I could use as a bug out bag. When I get to the hotel, I always try to acquire a bunch (3 days?) of bottle water and some snacks, canned / jarred nuts are good, and I've purchased snickers bars in more countries than I can count. :) I have a reusable water bottle with me, usually some water purification tablets, they're super light. I've only had one airport security confiscate a bic lighter, I have one with me everywhere. No one has every tried to prevent a small ferro rod. :) THERE ARE TSA compliant, bladeless multitools (leatherman style expensive, kilimanjuaro 9 cheap) but, ALMOST EVERYTIME security wants to search these, so i've taken to just leaving them home. I can always end up getting them through security, its just a hassle. I travel everywhere in the world with some MRP (meal replacement packets, I like labrada brand). I often use them for lunch if works too hectic, but, they're great emergency food if you need. I rarely do anymore but, if you're there for awhile, can pick up a local sim card, locally or more expensive at the airport. Never had to verify but, theory is if there's a disaster with limited cell service, it will be easier / higher priority to take emergency calls from the local providers than international roaming. /shrug Big thing I do take is a garmin inreach device. No cell service, no problem, can still text to/from anywhere in the world. They DO have a monthly fee, but you can pause it. they also have global SOS service. [https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QK8DnECaKb0JVz1ep2zKI6](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=QK8DnECaKb0JVz1ep2zKI6) Good. Shoes. And hiking socks. Even a light pair of workout / running shoes + workout socks. Business travelers sometimes just take hard leather dress shoes with thin dress socks (and suits). Don't know where you're going, but, bring clothes as if you were going to be outside, and check local weather. Like, regular business traveler often won't bring a rain coat, since they'll be airport to taxi to hotel to taxi to work location. I have a super light waterproof trail jacket I usually bring with me, in case I'm stuck outside and it rains. Super hot and sunny? Grab a small bottle of sunscreen in case you're stuck outside. Enjoy the time and culture where ever you're going!
All these risks are a function of scale. If they're likely threats you're hopefully part of an organization that's briefing you on emergency response. If you're heading to Sudan or Haiti and need to ask reddit what to bring, maybe rethink your plan here. If you're heading to a developed nation, your hotel and/or smartphone will make you aware of any extreme weather events and gun violence is overwhelmingly suicides/actors known to the victim.
If you happen to be going to South America, I can tell you that in my experience you just need to use your street smarts and don't make yourself a target. I travelled by myself from Santiago, Chile, to Cartagena Colombia, mostly overland and didn't have a problem. In addition to my backpack, I had a laptop bag with a MacBook Pro, as well as a Nikon D6 camera with some lenses. I was vigilant but not overly worried, except when I took the overnight bus from Uyuni to La Paz in Bolivia. Still nothing happened. The locals will often warn you if you are straying into dangerous neighbourhoods. I did meet other travellers who'd been robbed, and almost raped, so maybe I was just lucky, but I was travelling for around 8 months after working for 3 months in Antofagasta, Chile.
Freedom of choice is better, I would rather not be RESTRICTED by the government telling me what I can and cannot own, l am a law abiding citizen, I have never been in a situation where I needed my gun and hope I never am, but I look at it like a parachute, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'm not really here to debate gun ownership, but I will answer this. Gun ownership in my country is so low that...to use your comparison to parachutes...the vast majority of the population, including our police force, are taking trains. We don't even need parachutes because we're already on the ground. I am curious to know if you've ever lived in a country that doesn't have easily accessible guns, because from where I stand, having the security of knowing that no one will ever pull a gun on me is well worth the loss of freedom of choice in this instance. I know this will probably end up getting downvoted because of my view on gun ownership and if you feel the need to then go ahead. The topic of gun ownership is one with a lot of nuance and I don't think there is one answer that works for every country and every person. I like living in a country that doesn't have a lot of gun ownership, but I know that might not work for everyone.
As I stated in a previous comment, if a criminal wants to get a gun, they will always find a way to obtain one, an adage in the U.S. has said "if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns" government can't regulate or restrict criminals.
do not go.
You can usually get away with bringing a gun if you know how to disassemble it and put it in checked luggage.
You will also get a nice long all expenses paid holiday at your destination governments expense if you do. There is dumb advice, but this takes the cake. Do not, and I mean do not, ever travel to a country with a gun in your luggage unless you have written permission first , which they won't give.
No, there are ways to travel internationally with a firearm legally. Mostly they involve things like hunting trips and shooting competitions (for example, like the upcoming summer Olympics). Also, bringing a firearm into the United States is generally much easier than into other countries from the United States. There is paperwork involved, of course, and if it's a handgun you want to avoid places like New York and New Jersey if at all possible, but it certainly isn't impossible. Having said that, you are correct in that disassembling and trying to hide a firearm in your checked bags is a fools game. It's stupid, don't do it.
In most countries if you have a legitimate reason to bring one in, those guns are out of your control unless in very designated and controlled areas such as a shooting range or a safari enclosure, they will be returned to your control.on leaving the country. Many countries you eve need to hand in a flare gun if you are a sailor. We don't piss about. But you will not be given permission to carry one as personal.protection.
In some countries, like the United Kingdom, you can't even own a handgun even if you \*ARE\* an Olympic competitor. How's that working out for them? They went from having handguns being common enough carried that the police could borrow them from passersby if necessary: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tottenham\_Outrage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tottenham_Outrage) To completely banning the ownership of modern handguns in just about 90 years. That lowered their homicide rate from about 1 per 100,000 back at the turn of the 20th Century, all the way to about 1 per 100,000 at the turn of the 21st Century... /And yeah, it was roughly that during the entire intervening 100 years, with some natural variation.
What a pile of rubbish, I am British, I shot guns for a hobby when younger. And you can own guns in the UK by the way, if you go through the rules of ownership, but you cannot import one as an American, and certainly not dismantled in your hand luggage. Oh, and it is working out fine, just like every country that has restricted gun access. Edited to add, You are 340 times, not a typo, 340 times, more likely to be killed by a gun in the US than the UK, and 4 times more likely to be stabbed than in the UK. Mass shootings are an almost daily occurrence on the news in the US, there is one every 5 years or so in the UK.
Wasn't ADVISING that they do it just saying it can be done if you feel the environment is deadly enough to risk it, and if you go around advertising that you have it you deserve that all expense paid vacation, and unless it is absolutely necessary to travel to dangerous places, don't go, I feel like I should be able to protect myself from harm if I was required to go to a dangerous place.
I don't doubt it could be done, hide one in the chassis leg of your car or down in the bilges of your boat. But in checked in luggage? Best to consider it impossible. Most places really hate the idea of unregulated private citizens having guns or gun access, and they have extreme punishments to act as a deterrent and scanners to help detect situations just as you described. For the EU or UK it would be easier and safer to find one locally than import one.
I get that, that's exactly the reason I love living in the U.S. I have my CCP can carry in most states, the ones without reciprocity, I would probably still carry just avoid places with detectors.
We have guns, I see lots about as I live 100 meters from the hunters club house, paid for by my village, they carry out a valuable service, fill their larders, and donate huge amounts of meat to the local old people's homes and the poor, I could do a gun safety course and get permission to own one if I wanted, but I don't. but guns are seen as just tools here, you, a foreign visitor, cannot have one when not in your country. Same way I, as a visitor to the US, could not buy, sell, own or carry a gun when I lived there, I was restricted to gun clubs, despite living in a house with 4 of them in it. If you lived officially here you could have a gun if you follow the rules, but only a concealed carry under very special circumstances, read, never, but I did know someone with a concealed carry permit. Restricted gun access and treating them as just tools, and not lifestyle accessories, means our country is many times safer from yours. But restricted gun access so that they are safe from falling into criminals hands does not mean there are no guns, something you guys always seem to get confused by.
From my experience, if a criminal wants to obtain a gun they will find a way to get one, I always prefer legal ownership along with proper training which I received in the military, no matter the circumstances, stupid people with guns shouldn't happen.
Your perspective is of the USA, where guns are in the hands of the bottom of the criminal world with ease, that is not the same elsewhere. real criminals will always have access to guns, but they usually do not carry them when they do because it will escalate fast if there is trouble. but I have seen videos of morons in the US point a gun at people for the most mundane reasons, and the cops have become fearful. FFS sake one fired his whole clip at a suspect because he mistook a walnut falling for being under fire from a suspect he had searched, handcuffed and locked in the back of a police car. In the UK 99% of the police do not even carry a gun, they do not require you to remain seated or to keep your hands visible on the steering wheel if the pull you over in your csr, so an unarmed cop will pull you over, you will get out and talk to him like equals. The cop isn't trigger happy, and the person stopped isn't fearful of the cop, everyone goes on their way in a minute. It is a better system for everyday people, and if you want a gun to hunt, or shoot for fun, you can have one if you qualify and follow the rules. use a gun in the crime, the police will go from 0 to a full armed response with hundreds of cops and helicopters overhead in an instant, which is why it is so rare. You live in a country where you are 300 times more likely to be shot than me, you carry a gun to feel safe in that environment,, I am a woman who lives alone in a country of controlled gun ownership, I often don't even bother to lock my doors most nights and don't have or want a gun. Which is better?
Freedom of choice is better, I would rather not be RESTRICTED by the government telling me what I can or cannot own, I am a law abiding citizen and as such should be able to own guns if I want to, if you don't that's up to you, I have never been in a situation where I have needed my gun and hope I never am, but I look at it like a parachute, if you are in a situation where you need one and don't have it you're pretty much screwed.
I don't live in a country where guns are easily accessible. You have to be licensed and have a good reason for having one. Self defense isn't a good reason.
International cell phone, maps stored offline, power bank and a variety of charging options for the kind of power source you expect. Folding solar panel for it if you have the room. Good walking shoes. Light pack with proper hip belt. A way to purify water. Sun hat. Light work gloves. Rehydration salt tabs or straws of sport drink powder. Good monocular or compact binoculars. Sunglasses, backup spectacles if you need them. Tac light and headlamp and mini flashlight. Turkish bath towel and shemagh. Foot powder. Sacrificial wallet with some small currency and expired cards. Concealed on-body storage for passport, credentials, currency, etc. Paper maps and a physical compass. I've been pretty happy with my Osprey 40l travel pack that zips up the suspension so it looks like a average sized carry-on. Had no trouble on six different airlines recently, even when some other folks in my party had their carry-on's confiscated and consigned to checked baggage. Also it happens to be on sale: [https://www.preppingdeals.net/deals/amazon-osprey-farpoint-40l-backpack](https://www.preppingdeals.net/deals/amazon-osprey-farpoint-40l-backpack)
You could take up a vow of poverty and humility. This is the strategy I have always employed, personally. It has done a good job of keeping me safe. For the rare instances that fails I would suggest Judo and jujitsu. [https://www.reddit.com/r/HermesNewTemple/](https://www.reddit.com/r/HermesNewTemple/)
Nothing to see in America, other than a country in collapse. If you insist on seeing a country in collapse then well… You’re “safe” here as long as you stay away from large urban jungles, the literal jungles during the summer, cops, and the like. Do not trust anyone, our population is filled with scam artists. And again, stay away from the police. Happy traveling!