You’ve probably heard a fair few horror stories about traveling with camera gear. Lenses getting broken, kit being stolen, hold luggage containing cameras going missing, so it’s no wonder people often leave the bulk of their camera gear at home.
But if you’re traveling to some amazing places (which no doubt you are), you want to be able to capture the moment and scenery as best you can. And that means taking all your best camera gear with you!
Don’t panic though, it doesn’t have to end in disaster. It doesn’t even have to be difficult. You just need to know how to keep your gear safe from breakage, loss and theft. Once you’re used to traveling with your photography gear, you won’t even consider traveling without it again.
So here’s how you can make sure your camera gear stays safe and by your side on your adventures.
Pack your cameras in your carry-on luggage
There are so many different horror stories about airlines losing people’s luggage, and whilst it’s never happened to me, I always make sure to pack my most precious possessions (which always includes my camera gear) in my carry on bag.
If something ever were to happen with my hold luggage, it would be stressful enough losing clothes and toiletries, and I dread to even think about losing my photography equipment too.
Hold luggage also gets thrown around quite a bit, you just need to watch them loading the plane to see that. So if you pack your cameras and lenses in your hold luggage, it’s much more likely that you’re going to have a few breakages.
It’s okay to put non-delicate camera accessories in your hold luggage, like memory cards, battery chargers or even some tripods. Anything that can take a bit of a beating.
Pack spare lithium batteries in your carry on luggage
If any of your photography gear has spare lithium batteries (that aren’t installed in the device), pack them in your cabin bag. This is less about keeping your batteries safe, and more about making sure you adhere to the TSA guidelines.
Plus, lithium batteries can cause hazards if they short circuit, and the last thing you want is to put yourself and the entire plane at risk.
Get a protective camera bag
There are so many different camera bags out there that there’s no excuse for transporting your camera kit in a flimsy bag. Camera bags are made to protect and cushion cameras, and whatever your budget, you’ll be able to find one to suit you.
Whether you want a camera rucksack with padding, or a hard shell, cushioned case, most camera bags will be cabin approved, and will make sure your cameras aren’t bashed around at all during transportation.
Tone down your bag
Some camera bags obviously look like they contain cameras, which is great if you want to feel like a real pro, but thieves will also be able to tell that you’re traveling with expensive gear.
If you can, go for a camera bag that’s a bit more generic. One that looks like a regular bag. This way, you won’t attract as much attention, and your cameras are much less likely to be stolen.
Another good way to deter thieves is to beat up your bag a little bit. This might sound like a horrific thing to do, especially if your camera bag is a recent purchase, but if your bag is a bit dirty, or a bit old looking, you won’t be such an obvious target.
An old bag implies old gear, gear not worth stealing. And you’ll also give the impression that you’re very well traveled, and no one’s going to mess with a sassy and street wise traveler – thieves tend to go for the rich but inexperienced travellers.
Keep an eye out
When you’re using your photography gear to capture amazing shots of your travels, just have your wits about you and make sure you keep an eye out for anyone lurking too close.
It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes tourists will have cameras stolen from their hands before they’ve even had time to click the shutter button. So if you catch a glimpse of anyone suspicious, or anyone hovering suspiciously close to you, secure your camera gear and move on. Find a crowd if you can.
Find a fellow photography enthusiast
You’ve probably been told time and time again not to travel anywhere dangerous, or walk home at night on your own, and this is a rule that you should definitely stick to when out and about with your camera gear.
Thieves will go for those who are easiest to rob, and if you’re traveling with someone else, or even a group of people, you’re instantly not as vulnerable as a solo photographer. You’ll also have a buddy to keep an eye out for you whilst you shoot.
Keep your bag in sight
The easiest way to carry a camera bag is often wearing it on your back, or slinging it over your shoulder, but if you’re traveling through crowds, this is going to make you an easy target for thieves.
If you can, wear your bag on the front of your body, even if you have to wear your camera rucksack like a baby carrier. You might look a bit strange, but you’ll have your camera gear right where you want it: right in front of your eyes.
Use several different memory cards
Memory cards are the easiest thing to lose, and if you’re taking some incredible photos, you don’t want to risk losing them all.
So rather than opting for one 256gb memory card for example, go for a few smaller, 32gb ones. This way, if you lose your memory card on one day, you’ll still have the footage from the other days, and another memory card to see you through to the end of your trip.
Ask for a safe at your hotel or hostel
Most hotels and hostels will have safes available, even if there isn’t one already in your room. Just pop down to reception and ask if it’s possible to hire one.
If you’ve got a safe at your accommodation you won’t feel the need to carry your camera gear everywhere with you. You’ll be able to leave it in the room, reassured that it’s safe.
Make a note of all your gear
Before you set out for your travels, make a note of all your gear, and if you want to be super safe, write down the serial numbers of your devices too.
This way, you can do a stock check every now and then, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of gear. And with the serial number you’re more likely to track down a lost item.
Take out photography insurance
You’ve heard of travel insurance, and probably content insurance, but there are companies that deal specifically with insuring photography gear for those that travel a lot.