Most tourists travel in a happy, rose-coloured fog (that includes me sometimes; I'm trying to reform). I'm no expert, but IMO it's not about the stuff you pack, it's about awareness, awareness, awareness ... which is based on research, research, research. Know the players and the program, and common situations that get locals and visitors in trouble; and then start to think about Plan B for these situations. Nothing macho: in the Third World, the best trick is to be someplace else when something bad goes down. My $0.02.