USB hard drive + Online storage (Score 1)

As a dive instructor, travelling is just part of my job. I do take a lot of underwater pictures and of course, I don't want to lose those valuable pics, specially when you're not sure you'll encounter some subjects again. Of course, when working in remote areas, the internet connexions can be quite a hassle. This is what works for me:
I upgraded my laptop HDD to allow me to store all the original pics in RAW format. while on the road. I also have an 2.5" 640GB HDD for local backup.

- I store the original pics in a folder of my laptop
- I use a synchronization tool to make sure this is also backed up on my external HDD
- I import everything in Aperture (MAC) (Windows users could use Lightroom) ans I start sorting and retouching, keeping about 10-20%
- When done sorting/retouching, I backup my Aperture database on my external HDD. That allows to keep the original files and all the modification I may have done.
- I use Mozy (online backup solution with unlimited storage for an annual fee) to back up my Aperture database.

That way, I can make sure the best pics are saved online. If my laptop and HDD burn or get stolen, at least, I still have the 10-20% good "must keep" pics. If the rest get lost, It's not a really big deal. The best and essential is safe. That way, I can also save the amount of internet bandwidth I need. A few Gigs take forever to upload over a 3G connexion. Of course, If you have a decent DSL internet access, you could store the whole thing online and not just a subset.

The hardest step is to decide which pics are worth keeping or not, but as far as I know, nobody takes only good pictures. You'll have 3-4 times the same subject with different composition or lighting, so keep the best one. Your friends and family will be happy if they only have to watch the 100 best pics you took from your trip. If your slideshow is too long, you'll lose their attention quite fast anyway. In my experience, if the job is done well, you NEVER have to go and search within the 80-90% you discarded. Digital photography is great, but the process doesn't stop after pressing the shutter button. It should be a shoot, sort, retouch (if necessary), backup workflow.