So, you're setting out on that trip of a lifetime. You know you're going to be taking lots of pictures, but you're worried about bringing your heavy, clunky Slr camera around for the trip. You might think that you could save a lot of weight by taking along a lighter, point and shoot style camera, but you worry about image quality. A dilemma, to be sure.
Let's tackle these issues on at a time. First off, should you bring the Slr along, or just go with a lighter weight camera? Well, if you're serious about photography, and own an Slr, you might not be too happy with the point and shoot. In particular, with today's digital Slrs, the image capability due to the larger sensor makes the image produces leaps and bounds beyond what a digital point and shoot can do, particularly in high Iso situations where the small sensor noise will destroy your image. Also of concern is the depth of field issue. Slrs can give you an aesthetically pleasing shallow depth of field image, where as the small sensor cameras will have a deep depth of field even with the lens wide open. For population like me, this is the deal breaker.
Canon Speedlite 430ex
Other advantages of the Slr consist of the capability to swap lenses and add accessories, but lets be real: this narrative is about tour photography, and you're not going to want to lug this stuff around anyways. In fact, I suggest that you bring along one good quality, broad range zoom lens, and be happy. The capability of these types of lenses have improved greatly over the years, so you get a lot in a small package. In particular, look for the image stabilized models, as these will get you a lot of extra flexibility with hand holding because you're categorically not bringing a tripod along.
So, if you're packing light, which you should be, you'll have your camera, the zoom lens, a filter or two, the camera charger, and a memory card reader. This is plenty of stuff to lug around already, so please resist the temptation to bring whatever else. You will thank me later.
Of concern for travelers is theft. Basically, this can be treated with tasteless sense measures. Whether always have your camera on your person, or have it locked up safely. If you spend in a good luggage lock system, you will have a fairly safe place to store your camera. Just be cautious, and use tasteless sense. Stowing the camera out of site may be wise in obvious areas, because nothing screams "rich foreigner" like a brand new Dslr.
I hope this has all been helpful for you to understand how you can tour with a Slr camera. Many will be happy to forgo much of this problem and just bring a cheap point and shoot, but for the categorically serious photographer, that Slr can be an extraordinary thing to have. Just play things smart, and don't overpack, and you should soon have some extraordinary images to show for your trip.
Traveling With an Slr - Rules For the Road