Prep is the key to survival. I was with natives when I visited Rio. But one of them brought a gun to the beach and we learned to never stop at a stop sign at night. If I was alone I would have had to find natives or stay around the American hotels - which would have really stunk. Being a savvy traveler really builds up life skills. But don't kid yourself gangs and kidnappings are real and getting out of trouble is not as easy as you make it. Thanks. Am following.