Well this topic has come up between friends of mine who do not, and have not travelled abroad, "Do you carry any type of protection?"
My answer to them is "YES", i have my witt, my manors, and my quick thinking and my ability to talk to people.
Usally I get alot of laughs on that one, then the next statement, " I ment a knife or pepper spray"
And the answer is a very big "NO"
To carry a weapon when you are travelling is I think a sign of parranioa, should you really be treking through a strange country when you parranoid? I don't think so, how could you enjoy a trip like that?
Not to mention you the risks of carrying a weapon:
1. You could be held by the customs of the country your leaving when they find it, airport secuity is mighty tight these days.
2. If they don't find it on the way there, someone may find it when you get off and now your starting your trip explaining how that mace got in your bag to 2 very large Police officers.
3. I am going to guess you have taken no course on how to use the weapon other than a warning labels or what you have seen in the movies, so when you pull out you weapon, you will most likley be disarmed and have it used against you by the carrier thug who you just made friends with.
4. Someone may notice it while your in a store, or hostle, or public place and you will prob be arrested for carry a concelled weapon. Ah yes nothing like that phone call home to your parents " Mom/Dad, send money, I am in jail!"
5. If the weapon is noticed by someone who has offered your lodging for the night, you could very well offend them and end up on your ass in the street at midnight.
If I had to recommend something to carry for guys and gals, if you feel unsafe, carry a wistle, or an electronic alarm device that you can get at any secuity store...prob a much better route to take.
FYI