I will be stopping in Europe for 10 days before heading to Africa for 6 weeks. I am working in Africa and vacationing in Europe. I have to carry a laptop, video camera, 35 mm camera, and a lot of other electronic gear to get my media work done in Africa, but I don't really need all this weight to carry all over Europe when I won't be working. I have all my clothes and gear in one carry-on sized backpack because I can't check the equipment. My problem is that I am fearing the loss of my equipment (over $5K) if I leave my bag anywhere, walk into the wrong neighborhood, or stay out too late. I need a safe place to drop it off so I can relax and have fun without worry.
The best place to drop off the bag seems to be Paris because I go through Paris twice. I arrive in Frankfurt and leave out of London. We plan to spend most of our time in Italy and France so will only be in Frankfurt and London once, but I will be in Paris in the first and last part of the trip. I believe the museums will not let me carry a big backpack inside and I would worry about leaving the bag at a check in desk. Plus, I would be grateful to not have to haul it all everywhere I go and would prefer a safe place to leave the backpack during day time touring. Any suggestions?