Learn how to use your hands and feet and you won't need any of the other stuff. Nobody ever told you you can't take your hands onto the plane. I am assuming that you already realize that your brain is your primary weapon, and everything else is just a tool. You can walk into any hardware store anywhere in the world and walk out with a serviceable impact weapon, why bring one with you.
What do you carry on vacation overseas?
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Highpower1
Member
I carry a sharp mind and a sense of direction (knowing where I'm going). Keep your cool and remember your in "their" country.
Life Insurance.
Bring only two credit cards with lower limits AND PIN NUMBERS. Most countries know about PIN numbers. There have been several incidents of tourists (especially in Mexico) being kidnapped and tortured for the PIN numbers for their credit cards. They WON'T believe you if your DON'T have PINs for your cards.
Ask if it is okay to bring a portfolio or a briefcase with a ballistic plate, or some other form of bullet proof protection.
Memorize every phone number of every US Consulate in Southeast Asia, and memorize how to call collect in those countries.
Tell every THR member your itinerary, so we can raise stink if you don't report back here in time.
Carry photocopies of your passport. You may have to surrender them at the border.
Have all of your pants altered so that you have deep front pockets, and one internal pocket.
Learn enough of the language so you can ask for basic things, like:
-- Hide me!
-- I need a doctor!
-- Is this dog meat?
-- I need a taxi.
Bring only two credit cards with lower limits AND PIN NUMBERS. Most countries know about PIN numbers. There have been several incidents of tourists (especially in Mexico) being kidnapped and tortured for the PIN numbers for their credit cards. They WON'T believe you if your DON'T have PINs for your cards.
Ask if it is okay to bring a portfolio or a briefcase with a ballistic plate, or some other form of bullet proof protection.
Memorize every phone number of every US Consulate in Southeast Asia, and memorize how to call collect in those countries.
Tell every THR member your itinerary, so we can raise stink if you don't report back here in time.
Carry photocopies of your passport. You may have to surrender them at the border.
Have all of your pants altered so that you have deep front pockets, and one internal pocket.
Learn enough of the language so you can ask for basic things, like:
-- Hide me!
-- I need a doctor!
-- Is this dog meat?
-- I need a taxi.
my take ...
Stay the heck away from guns overseas, likely trouble not worth it.
When I lived overseas a small folding pocket knife and a 2 cell flashlight in pocket was what I had (Europe).
If I were going now, I'd upgrade to a 2 or even 3 cell Surefire with lanyard. Light is blinding - I just drove off an approaching fox with a quick blast from a 2 cell E2E version last night - I really didn't want to have to hurt the poor critter, rabies and all they're actually quite cute. And with lanyard it makes a decent impact weapon.
And I'd probably bring some thunderwear to use as a money belt.
Be safe!
Stay the heck away from guns overseas, likely trouble not worth it.
When I lived overseas a small folding pocket knife and a 2 cell flashlight in pocket was what I had (Europe).
If I were going now, I'd upgrade to a 2 or even 3 cell Surefire with lanyard. Light is blinding - I just drove off an approaching fox with a quick blast from a 2 cell E2E version last night - I really didn't want to have to hurt the poor critter, rabies and all they're actually quite cute. And with lanyard it makes a decent impact weapon.
And I'd probably bring some thunderwear to use as a money belt.
Be safe!
JohnBT
Member
"the only problem with a cane is that i'm 28 and you don't see many 28 year olds w/ canes"
I beg to differ. I've been working with folks with disabilities since I finished an M.S. in rehab counseling in 1973.
John
I beg to differ. I've been working with folks with disabilities since I finished an M.S. in rehab counseling in 1973.
John
being in a comm block country...your "free time" without a govt. guide...or shadow....will be small, and the last thing...they desire is for you to have a bad time.... check the state dept. travel guide...as well as the CDC... for updates and news...and if you need vaccinations...get them NOW, might already be to late, if you have not... having your spending cash...in one pocket...and do OT FLASH IT and your docs and money stash...in another, hotel security is a jke....and expect your room, to be "checked".... while walking....stop every few moments...and do an area search...check for medical evacuation insurance...Travel Med... is the one I use...last time I checked $28 US covered me....for anything for your entire trip....last thing you need.. is medical help, there. IF you NEED a weapon... collect it the first night...at dinner...and leave it there. Check in and out with the US embassy, and realize, you leave your US rights.... the moment your foot touches their soil... be wise, and a gentelman and read on their customs.... demands, will be met with narrow eyes....and in the end.... your aggression will not work. Your gong "in coutry" with ALLOT of sore feelings...about the US....love you?.... right !! night life is fun...but darkness is the time of preditors... and in asia... this is a job...held by many. AND DO NOT mention my name.. Arc-Lite... or speaking of the past wars.... is very dangerious,and bite your tongue...as they take you threw the "historical" war areas...Hanoi Hilton etc...your rights to speak..is ZERO. Question the water, all water....and bring a Water Purification unit with you....as well as everything you need for X days...everything. Arc-Lite oh.... have a good time!!
Dude...what are you smoking?????
I have traveled extensively through Vietnam, China and a little in Russia. There are no "tails" on you. They may ask you to register your passport with the front hotel desk, but that is pretty much it. And your free time is pretty much your own. This last trip to Vietnam (which I just came back two days ago) the wife and I roamed the streets freely and went as we wished. We met many backpackers and ex-pats who also did the same.
As with most developing countries, they pretty much try to protect tourists as they know that is where a lot of the "all mighty dollar" will be coming from and if tourists start floating up in some rice patty, then it will be pretty bad for business.
Just keep your head on you. Don't think your invincible and in the case of Vietnam, don't bother going to Ho Chi Minh's grave or the war museum. Crap like that is pretty much anti-American. And frankly I have no interest in seeing my country put down. Boils the blood fairly quickly in me.
I do suggest going to the Chu Chi tunnels as that is pretty cool crawling through the tunnels and being able to rent full auto AKs, M16, M60s (with the American guns reading "property of the US Army") Kinda nice shooting guns you know were used during the war.
I have traveled extensively through Vietnam, China and a little in Russia. There are no "tails" on you. They may ask you to register your passport with the front hotel desk, but that is pretty much it. And your free time is pretty much your own. This last trip to Vietnam (which I just came back two days ago) the wife and I roamed the streets freely and went as we wished. We met many backpackers and ex-pats who also did the same.
As with most developing countries, they pretty much try to protect tourists as they know that is where a lot of the "all mighty dollar" will be coming from and if tourists start floating up in some rice patty, then it will be pretty bad for business.
Just keep your head on you. Don't think your invincible and in the case of Vietnam, don't bother going to Ho Chi Minh's grave or the war museum. Crap like that is pretty much anti-American. And frankly I have no interest in seeing my country put down. Boils the blood fairly quickly in me.
I do suggest going to the Chu Chi tunnels as that is pretty cool crawling through the tunnels and being able to rent full auto AKs, M16, M60s (with the American guns reading "property of the US Army") Kinda nice shooting guns you know were used during the war.
Phil Ca
Member
The cardboard tube from your fax machine makes a decent sub for a Kubaton. it is the same diameter and just a few inches longer.
The padlock with a metal chain dog collar will suffice as a flail and additionaly can be used to lock your luggage to a chair or post, or an overhead rack on a train.
The maglite is inexpensive and is usually sold with a belt holder. If you bring a couple and leave one in the original packing it will make a nice gift.
the lexan body of the LED flashlight from the CC Crane Company in Fortuna has a wrist lanyard and is tough to destrop. I have smacked mine on a 2x4 several times and it still works. about 30 bucks Do a search on the company name. They also sell a small AM/FM/SW radio that every O-Seas traveller should carry.
Do a check on the Black Flag Cafe and World's Most Dangerous Places for additional travel hints and advice.
For a hospital in the former Saigon there is Columbia-GIA DINH International Clinic. In bangkok there is the Adventist Hospital. There used to be an Adventist Hospital in Saigon but it was overtaken by the new regime in 1975 I believe.
On one of my few visits to Saigon I had just returned from R&R and had to wait for a chopper ride the following day. I had bought several bolo knives in the PI that I mailed to myself at my unit. I kept one with me for personal protection until I got to my unit and my weapons. (M14-E2 and M3A1 grease gun)
BTW, do not inderestimate the force that a strategically placed stick or sticks as in chopsticks could be used against an enemy. Your best bet is to play by the rules, stay out of dives and do not wander off alone.
In Korea in 1964 I had to produce a small pocket handgun to protect myself once. I was confronted by a workman who went into a martial arts stance when we drew near on a path by a canal in Seoul. The small handgun was not legal for me as a soldier to have but I am still alive unscathed after 40 years.
The padlock with a metal chain dog collar will suffice as a flail and additionaly can be used to lock your luggage to a chair or post, or an overhead rack on a train.
The maglite is inexpensive and is usually sold with a belt holder. If you bring a couple and leave one in the original packing it will make a nice gift.
the lexan body of the LED flashlight from the CC Crane Company in Fortuna has a wrist lanyard and is tough to destrop. I have smacked mine on a 2x4 several times and it still works. about 30 bucks Do a search on the company name. They also sell a small AM/FM/SW radio that every O-Seas traveller should carry.
Do a check on the Black Flag Cafe and World's Most Dangerous Places for additional travel hints and advice.
For a hospital in the former Saigon there is Columbia-GIA DINH International Clinic. In bangkok there is the Adventist Hospital. There used to be an Adventist Hospital in Saigon but it was overtaken by the new regime in 1975 I believe.
On one of my few visits to Saigon I had just returned from R&R and had to wait for a chopper ride the following day. I had bought several bolo knives in the PI that I mailed to myself at my unit. I kept one with me for personal protection until I got to my unit and my weapons. (M14-E2 and M3A1 grease gun)
BTW, do not inderestimate the force that a strategically placed stick or sticks as in chopsticks could be used against an enemy. Your best bet is to play by the rules, stay out of dives and do not wander off alone.
In Korea in 1964 I had to produce a small pocket handgun to protect myself once. I was confronted by a workman who went into a martial arts stance when we drew near on a path by a canal in Seoul. The small handgun was not legal for me as a soldier to have but I am still alive unscathed after 40 years.
...cool, guess the tails quit wearing signs....not seeing means not seeing.... Ya... Nam, China, and Russia real paradise...free and easy...and loving your dollars. Poster..check the State Dept. Travel Advisory... check the CDC... and watch people who call you dude. Arc-Lite
Kilroy
Member
I only go to Germany...
..and within two days of arrival, have a P7M8 to carry while I am there. Deep cover of course, and always very covertly. Back up is a Spyderco Civilian and Endura. Long key chain (dog collar) with some keys on each end for an impact weapon.
..and within two days of arrival, have a P7M8 to carry while I am there. Deep cover of course, and always very covertly. Back up is a Spyderco Civilian and Endura. Long key chain (dog collar) with some keys on each end for an impact weapon.
sm
member
I have only been out of the country ( U.S.) once, to Jamacia. This was years ago, and carried my Gerber Knife onto the plane and everywhere else. I also had 3 other knives in my luggage.
Used my brain and kept my wits. Still kept a magazine handy to roll up, and always a glass of some kind handy. I didn't drink, my new bride at the time did, so besides the non- alcohol I drank ( like coke and tea in bottles) I might have wine bottle or such handy on a table, Red Stripe beer bottle -is kinda hefty and I was not the only one with one in a back pocket on the beach. IN case the wifey wanted a beer of course.
Now I have had to travel here in the States, I drive. Between the res and non res permits I am legal in a LOT of states. On rare occaisons where I am not allowed like a courthouse, Fed or State Bldg, Hospital....I still drink from a glass bottle, refill with water is normal for me, so I keep a few Coke bottles in the truck...just in case...and head on in the bldg. and snag a magazine, newspaper once I am in.
Passengers always notice at least one empty coke bottle on my truck seat - handy...[Preacherman can attest to this] there is a reason...
Used my brain and kept my wits. Still kept a magazine handy to roll up, and always a glass of some kind handy. I didn't drink, my new bride at the time did, so besides the non- alcohol I drank ( like coke and tea in bottles) I might have wine bottle or such handy on a table, Red Stripe beer bottle -is kinda hefty and I was not the only one with one in a back pocket on the beach. IN case the wifey wanted a beer of course.
Now I have had to travel here in the States, I drive. Between the res and non res permits I am legal in a LOT of states. On rare occaisons where I am not allowed like a courthouse, Fed or State Bldg, Hospital....I still drink from a glass bottle, refill with water is normal for me, so I keep a few Coke bottles in the truck...just in case...and head on in the bldg. and snag a magazine, newspaper once I am in.
Passengers always notice at least one empty coke bottle on my truck seat - handy...[Preacherman can attest to this] there is a reason...
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