Need advice: Safety when traveling abroad

Hello all,
This is my first post at Backcountry Forum, and I'm excited to be in the community! I realize that a topic similar to this one has been posted, but I'm looking for advice with specific situations.

My girlfriend and I would like to plan a backpacking trip overseas (havn't yet decided where; have been considering Peru). I've only traveled abroad twice before, and have very little experience securing my possessions. I was hoping for a little advice with the following:

1. Is steel security mesh worth the money? For those who don't know, this is a steel-wire mesh that wraps around your bag and can then be secured to a stationary object (see http://www.rei.com/product/709208). It's rather expensive, and I don't want to buy it unless it'll be worth the money.

2. Is it safer to stay in a hostel or hotel in a foreign country (where valuables can be locked away) and hike during the day, or is it safe enough to bring a tent and plan to camp for most of the trip? Has anyone tried either or both of these kinds of trips?

3. Can anyone recommend countries that offer interesting backpacking and hiking opportunities that are mostly friendly to Americans?

I realize that the answers to my questions are going to depend greatly on the country of excursion. I'm hoping to get personal stories from people who've traveled abroad in this capacity, and can share from experience things they wish they had (or had not) done. Any input is appriciated. Thanks so much!

1. Safety mesh. Leaving your gear unattended is not safe. The mesh won't slow anyone up much.

2. Whether it is safe to camp depends on the country - and sometimes the area of the country - and may change daily. As for hotels and hostels, small, valuable items are not safe if left unattended anywhere.

3. Just about anywhere in Europe is safe as houses. Latin America - it depends on both the situation and on you. I've camped in northern Mexico a good bit. But I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who cannot communicate or who is uncomfortable with danger or violence. If you are comfortable with it, dangerous folks recognize it and move on. If not, you are prey. As for stories, I will just say that I've found the campesinos to be friendly and helpful. It's just that you can run into other people who are neither.

4. Top dollar gear marks you as a mark. Grubby, cheap gear makes you less visible. Learn how to carry money and passports securely on your clothing at all times. Inside carry pockets are good as long as you are not seen fishing around in them.

5. Touristy places attract predators. It's safer off the beaten track - as long as the reason it is not beaten is not because of bandit activity, an illegal economy or guerrilla warfare.

If you want to go backpacking and hiking, as opposed to just budget traveling and sightseeing, I recommend New Zealand. It's been years since I've been there, but I lived there for a while as well and in general, they like Americans, as long as you aren't some obnoxious yahoo who waves the flag and finds fault with everyone else on the planet, like some American tourists do.

There is crime everywhere, but some places are worse than others. One of our members had all his gear stolen in Hawaii. I lived there for years and that place is really bad for property theft. I wouldn't walk away from anything there I wanted to ever see again.

I also lived in South America, but it was a long time ago. You need to be aware of the political situation in each country you travel to. Peru shouldn't be too bad. I'd stay away from Venezuela and Bolivia (where I lived). The political situation in both is anti-American for the most part. I'd definitely avoid Columbia-there is an ongoing insurgency that has been going on for years and it is a major drug trafficking country.

For a few clues; see what the CIA says.

Peru

I agree with TomD that NZ is a great place to head out especially if you haven't done alot of foreign traveling (recently.)

Safe, secure, nice folks, great trails like the Abel Tazman, many places to put a tent and if none, then lots of hostels. The scenery on either island is incredible. You need to be careful wherever you travel, but you've got great odds of no problems in NZ.

A couple of things about NZ-don't forget the seasons are opposite-Summer is mid winter here. You have to be prepared for bad weather-all year round. It is not California where once summer comes, the weather is stable. A bad storm can run up on you in an hour or so in the mountains. Situational awareness is very important. People have died from hypothermia there even with the hut system because they lacked proper gear.

Also, I don't recommend trail runners, but I am sure plenty of people use them. Even on the tracks, the terrain can be rough. I had a brand new New Balance lightweight boot come apart on me from being soaked during river crossings. Speaking of which-do not ever take your boots off when crossing a river or stream in the mountains- you will almost certainly cut your feet up.

New Zealand and Australia..epic trips i would love to do! That reminds me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew

BF

I might get to do some "trekking" in Tanzania this summer when work takes me back to Sydney.

At least I'm going to try to make it work.