1st time Traveling Abroad

[HerbieSnap]

I am all set to be in Rome at the end of September then Greece, and Turkey. I have never taken a camera on a trip let alone across the ocean. What do people do with their cameras? Do I take it on the plane with me? What do I do with all my memory cards batteries? Do I just get a big enough carry on bag to store both cameras, memory cards and batteries and chargers? Is getting a camera through customs difficult Any helpful input is needed and appreciated. Many Thanks in advance.... Sher

[LenDog]

I carry the camera, SDHC, and my most important lens (for that trip) in my carry on. The other lenses are carefully packed (remember the Gorilla in the samsonite commercial), along with the batteries and other accessories. I don't pack a battery in my carry-on, though it shouldn't be a problem you'll never know what TSA comes up with next.
I've never had a problem with customs.
On the return trip, make sure you pack all the cards that have photos in your carry-on.

Many will advise against this and recommend you hand carry it all, if you can that's not a bad idea. I just have too much "stuff".

The biggest risk factor is your bag getting ripped off, make sure your gear is insured against theft (as well as damage). Travel insurance should cover these as well as a renters/owners policy. Worst case scenario, you buy a new battery and you can take photos. You can also also buy an new lens or two if you're willing to do so ahead of the claim.

Your biggest concerns really are the pick pockets in Rome, protests in Greece, and making sure the market is open in Turkey.....

[Jim Bryant]

You can make batteries so as long as they are in a zip lock plastic bag. Same with the memory cards. I keep all of mine stored in a Thinktank pixel pocket rocket. One of those can hold 10 CF cards.Always have your camera and accessories with you. You can store it in an overhead bin in your carry on. You might one to get one of those international universal wall plug in sets.

[LenDog]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

You might one to get one of those international universal wall plug in sets.

An absolute MUST, and those 3 Countries will not have the same plug. The good news is that your charger is almost certainly universal voltage, but check for 220 to make sure.