I always travel with the awareness of where its safe. Sometimes it happens no matter how careful you are , a car breaks down on a highway, or some other chance occurrence unplanned for. I was in a a small town in New Mexico a while back and a car broke down with two of us in it and we had to hitch hike in the early morning hours and we found out what hell was like when we were attacked by a bunch of morons . Luckily we made it through, but it brought the awareness to me that carrying a gun is a good way to stay safe. I don't carry a gun , but I constantly think about it.