The way things are now i was wondering do any of you make your travel plans to only countries where you can have something for self defense once you get there? Do you avoid places where tourists can't have any sort of weapon legally rather it be a gun or knife or whatever to defend yourself with?

Not me. If I truly feel I need self protection, I simply won't go. There are way too many places that don't put your life at risk, so why put yourself into a possibly dangerous situation unless that is your business.

In general, the best protection is between your ears. Many places that are "dangerous", are dangerous only in certain areas or at times of the day/night that can be avoided. Of course, I'm not going to Lebanon, Syria, or Iraq, for example.

I won't be visiting Detroit, Camden or St Louis anytime soon either.

Don't forget DC after dark.