Well made it back alive, with camera gear intact and functioning. This trip was a little unique in that we stayed with family, and all tours were simply hiking to the location. Long island in the bahamas has some breathtaking scenery, but you need a rugged vehicle (most roads wash out during hurricane season) and a good machete (most trails grow over within a month) to get to the good spots. I discovered the curse of sand. It really does get everywhere. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN KNEELING DOWN FOR LOW PERSPECTIVE SHOTS!!!! Your camera bag can easily become more of a sand shovel. Customs was easy but they wanted me to take the laptop out every time, three flights to get down there, three to get back, about 8 security checs in all. Overall very successful trip. If you are snorkelling I would recommend a good quality waterproof digitial, the $20 walmart number I bought only ended up saving one pic. well see how the poloroid single use units we brought worked once they get developed. Overall took 2500 shots. Probably a lot of extra there. Im expecting to cull that down to about 200 after assembling panoramas and getting rid of trash. Here is the first:

Hi Mike,

I've done a number of international flights with camera in tow. I always carry my camera, etc in my hand luggage, never check it. The tripod I might risk in my checked baggage. On U.S. flights at least, they didn't like me taking shots from the plane especially take off/landing. They will likely tell you to put it away if they see you. I haven't had those problems on European flights. Go figure.

Enjoy your tropical shoot!

Patti 

I have taken my camera and several lenses on quite a few trips the worst that happens is that it may be subject to hand inspection and tested for explosive residue, happened in Frankfurt.  We just returned this morning from San Francisco nothing was questioned other than that the laptop had to travel down the screening belt outside of the luggage.  The new battery rules were in effect for the return portion and the spare batteries, 4 AA and a spare battery for each of the two cameras we carried did not attract comment or attention either.  Take off, landings and anytime the seatbealt sign is on are times they won't allow photos to be taken, iPods listened to, laptop use etc. for good reason in case of an emergency they don't want these items to be thrown around the cabin injuring passengers or crew.

I would also take the camera gear as carry on to keep it in sight, spare it the treatment that checked luggage receives and I would do the same when at your destination.  In many of the resort areas of the Caribbean  your gear may represent a years income, i.e. the temptation would be similar to leaving a $50,000 item in a Canadian hotel room.

Gerhard 

Mike, goes without saying, a few things:

1. Make sure you have insurance on your items including the laptop if you want to take it along. Personally I would be hesitant leaving the laptop in     a rented room when you are not there. You never know about keys being out and around from before.

2. Extra batteries for that Rebel, makes life a lot easier.

3. Enjoy!