Travel

[JoeyB]

Since my hunting trip got cancelled for a family vacation I started to wonder what people would take on a trip in today’s environment for emergency/protection and having to deal with TSA, U.S. Customs, foriegn customs, etc...

So here you go:
You and your family, wife and 1 child, are traveling OCONUS.
Destination 1: Costa Rica you will be traveling for 10 days, 2 different hotels, one in the mountains and one on the beach. Its summer time and you have to of course follow the local laws and deal with local and U.S. Customs.

Destination 2: Europe. You will be traveling for 14 days, 3 different hotels, at least one border crossing once on the continent. Time of year is summer

You will have a rental car, plus public transportation. Taking day trips around the city/country side returning to the hotel every night.

What would you take with you? What would you pick up in country? What other considerations?

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

Guns, of course , are out.
First thing is a knife. carry one or two in shipped baggage.
If you need to then Buy some local. They don't have to be collectors, but lethal.
Cheyenne pepper in shortened straws with paper plugs in the ends to be blown on an aggressor. always be looking for hand weapons around you. From chop sticks to tightly rolled magizines that can be used effectively in ones face etc.
Just a couple of Blitzzz things,

A list:
Sharpen a couple of CDs -to cut face and throat
a couple of sharp writing pens- when held base in the palm and point off the end of your fingers can be forced into ones throat.
Small piece of 550 cord in a pocket for strangling
A long zip tie if applied quickly and tightened will remove an assailent.
Of course every one needs a good walking staff.
a heavy belt buckle on a thin belt-- is easily removed from you pants.
Blitzzz

[JJ_BPK]

Just to add a couple points..

• GSM Cell phone with a cheap local SIMM card, I've been using Orange in UK & EU. You can pick one up at most international airports after you go thru customs. OR, you can pic one up before you leave, get 20-30 USD pre-loaded into the card. Rates can be .10 @ min local.
• weapons, knives, they are getting very tight, most EU has allowed up to 3 inch blades. Not the UK, they will try to convict even if you have a nail file and use it in defense.. As suggested,, buy local & expect to be confiscated.
• weapons, other, I started noticing college kids carrying carabineers on their day packs(carry-ons), they go thru TSA no problamo!!! A large screw gate is a Fist Full...
• GPS, for driving and POI, do be careful you don't drive off a cliff. In raul areas they tend to be problematic. I've used my Tom-Tom in the UK and had problems, but I will not drive there with-out it..
• If you have the budget, get a bunch of the ultra light shorts/pants/shirts made in the UV and/or bug proof material. They wash in a sink, dry in an hour, and you can pack a weeks worth in a day ruck.
• invest in a good pair of walking sandals/kayak water shoes, well padded, I have an old pair of Teva Raptors(?). Very comfortable on long hot days. They are the only shoes I have that don't stink in salt water.. You will look like a GEEK,, get over it..
• a good supply of local 120v to 240v plug adapters, check each country.
• small in cup water heater, for coffey. All the free-bees you get in the US hotels are slim to none in most other countries.
• extra digital camera media. My Cannon uses the same micro SD card as my phone. Two(2) 2GB cards equal thousands of pictures..
• Extra: small laptop, use as back-up camera film, also the UBS port can charge cameras, phones, gps.. Carry a couple extra blank CD, impress your hosts by giving a copy of your pictures before you leave..
• DO NOT ALLOW WIFE OR DAUGHTER(s) TO PACK MORE THAN 10 PAIR of shoes and accompanying wardrobe,, nuff said??
• no white or black socks with dress shoes..

[JoeyB]

jj: what about black AND white socks with sandals?

[Bill Harsey]

Originally Posted by JoeyB

jj: what about black AND white socks with sandals?

You mean like these? http://www.western-supplies.com/imag...hite-socks.jpg

(image copyrighted, please do not post here)

Good info in thread. I am reading.

[JJ_BPK]

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

You mean like these? Good info in thread. I am reading.

Mr Bill has the right idea.. Cheaper than sun screen..

[rocknrolla]

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

GPS, for driving and POI, do be careful you don't drive off a cliff. In raul areas they tend to be problematic. I've used my Tom-Tom in the UK and had problems, but I will not drive there with-out it..

I had not considered this, but it is an excellent item to have while travelling abroad. I use my tomtom here in the States, and do not leave town without it. Like JJ said, they can have issues at times in dense cities, but generally it isnt a problem. Some points worth noting regarding the use of a GPS:

-If you purchase the GPS here in the States you will have to download or purchase additional maps for EU or intended destination. Once purchased, make sure relevant maps are updated.

-While i have never had any problems with my TomTom, i know friends who have had theirs go critical. It is a great supplement to a local map, never a substitute.

-That being said, these things have tons of great features that will make your trip safer and much, much easier. The last thing you want is to take a wrong in an unfamiliar city and have to pull over for 10 minutes to read a map, especially at night with the kids/wife sleeping beside you. If you take a wrong turn, these things will automatically re-route you and get you back on track. Also, at any time you can search for hotels, medical facilities, police stations, restaurants, and many other "Points of Intrest" near you or along your route.

-Many car rental companies offer these units now at an additional fee if you don't want to go through the trouble of buying and updating one on your own.

Hope this info was of some help. Have a fun & safe trip!

[etgwynn]

beleive it or not, a stout cane such as can be purchased from cold steel is perfectly legal on domestic flights and likely on international flights as well.

the second/third story escape route best used is a jacob's ladder vice a rappel system.

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by etgwynn

beleive it or not, a stout cane such as can be purchased from cold steel is perfectly legal on domestic flights and likely on international flights as well.

the second/third story escape route best used is a jacob's ladder vice a rappel system.

Let me guess.

You missed reading the board rules and stickies, and decided just to jump right in and dispense advice?

Please do as requested and comply before posting again.

Thank you.

TR