Travel light. You can learn to live without most things but being loaded down makes every part of travel a burden.
Be cautious and aware of your surroudings. Criminals take advantage to the fact that tourists are awestruck by the scenerey. Don't keep your money in your purse or back pocket.
Always in a front pocket, and don't cary expensive electronics or jewelry.
Do not wear any jewelry or anything that will catch people attention. Blending in the background is ideal. If you can buy stuff where you are going then forego packing similar stuff.To get a feel of the place you are travelling do not go to tourist spot :D They are their for show :).
Get a really good camera and learn how to use it. Practice before you go so you're comfortable with it, get a good manual and some photography books. And when you're at your destination, get out there in good light (unfortunately that means early mornings!) and take as many pictures as you can!
Just carry yourself & your camera well and the trip is worth it!
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.