Should I process my film Overseas??

[canuck7870]

I'm about to spend 5 months in Africa and 5 months in South America. I'll be taking some pro film, but of course I won't be able to keep it very cool. Any recommendations about processing the film (print) there, and then sending them home? Otherwise, I'll have a huge bag of unprocessed films, going through a dozen airports! How about sending unprocessed film home? Any experiences?
Thanks,
Mike

[Asylum Steve]

...in one basket.

On a three week trip to China, I had some of my film processed there (through the hotel I was staying at - they did an ok job) and the rest I kept with me and processed when I got home (mucho airport x-rays but no damage).

Obviously, the best thing would be to find reputable labs on your trip and have the film processed as you go along. That's not a sure thing, though.

You could also Fedex the unprocessed film home throughout your trip (x-ray exposure should be minimal), but that may cost quite a bit, and you'd need to have someone to receive it and store it somewhere.

The third option would be to hold all the film and bring it home with you, and you already spoke of the risks invoved with that.

If it were me I'd do a combination of the three, insuring at least some of what should be very memorable photos survive the trip. Keeping all the film together whatever method you use means there's a chance all might be ruined do to a mishap.