Allow at least one month for adequate health preparation before departing on an international trip. Sometimes it may take two to three months to ensure that all required and recommended vaccinations are given in their proper sequence. Immunization against Hepatitis A, for example, can take 6 months before full protection is afforded. Check the immunization requirements of the country you are visiting. Certain countries might require vaccinations against various diseases before you are allowed to enter, or before you are...

Always carry a small kit with some basic medical supplies and first aid equipment in your hand luggage. Your kit should include: Disinfectant or Antiseptic cream/lotionGauzeCotton swabsAdhesive bandagesMedical TapeSoap (preferably antibacterial)Isopropyl Alcohol (small bottle or towelettes)ThermometerWater purification tabletsScissorsTweezersSturdy plastic bagCollapsible scale (doubles as a splint)Small rubber tube (can be used as a tourniquet)Elastic bandageSmall, sharp blade If traveling with children be sure to also include: Children's strength aspirin, pain reliever, cold and allergy medicineOral rehydration tablets for children Remember to...

Check with the AirlineBe sure to check with your specific airline to make sure that they allow pets on their flights. Most major airlines should. Minimum RequirementsMost airlines require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly. They also have a limit of one kennel per passenger. You are allowed to carry two animals in the same kennel if they are of the same species and of compatible size, weigh less than 20 lb. each, AND are between...

The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Hawaii (Annie Schlechter) Set on 9,000 acres of lush landscaping along the shores of Kauai’s Hanalei Bay, none of the rooms at the St. Regis are far from the water. The resort’s 251 rooms and suites have views of the gardens, mountains, and bay, and the sleek, comfortable accommodations are outfitted in ivory and taupe with splashes of color. The 300-thread-count linens make naps a priority, but the infinity pool is hard to resist, as...

The Scenery of Coast Guard Alaska The Weather Channel's newest show "Coast Guard Alaska" profiles the lives of those who patrol the waters of Alaska to keep boaters safe. Let's take a look at some of the scenery in Alaska -- we think you'll find these images breathtaking. Sitka Harbor Nestled in the southern part of the state, Alaska's Sitka Harbor is home to some really pristine views. Be sure to catch Coast Guard Alaska on The Weather Channel! Sitka,...

For much of the country, winter 2011-2012 has been a forgettable one so far. The evidence is all out there. Last week, we released our winter scorecard which graded out various cities across the country based on how much snow they had seen through January 31. View our interactive map at this link and you will see that an overwhelming amount of locations received grades in the D and F categories. Winter scorecard: "The Flunkies" | What happened to winter?...

Low temperatures can be deadly after prolonged exposure. Frost bite (freezing of a part of the body) and hypothermia (lowering of the body temperature below 98.6F) are the most common medical problems people face at very low temperatures. Visitors to cold climates should take special care to avoid consuming alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol doesn't warm you up; it's a depressant and it actually lowers your metabolism and therefore your core body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Nicotine constricts the...

Meteorologists' Happy Places January can be a cold, gray month. The holidays are over. Spring feels like it's still months away. Conditions are so dreary, you'd rather be inside than adventure outdoors. Instead of wallowing in the bummer that is Winter, weather.com wants to take you to a happy place. That's why we asked The Weather Channel's meteorologists to tell us about their happiest places on earth. Over the next few pages, get an inside look at what makes these...

There are few things more certain to ruin a holiday or business trip than losing your bankroll. Here are six common-sense things you can do to avoid a money misfortune. Carry only as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest in a hotel safe or another secure place.If you need to carry large amounts of money, ask your partner or a friend to carry some of it for you. The likelihood that misfortunes will strike both...

Breakfast (Heather Hansman) Crested Butte, which is pleasantly devoid of chain restaurants, has one of the best small town dining (and drinking) scenes. Here’s where to fuel up all day. Camp 4 CoffeeCamp 4 is a much loved CB institution for its espresso, baked goods, and breakfast burritos. There are three locations, but the spot on Fourth Street, with it’s license plate décor and tiny patio, is by far the most charming.http://www.camp4coffee.com/ IzzysIf you want something slightly more substantial, check...

Durango (Durango Mountain Resort) Long term ski town living takes more than just access to pow and a few cheap bars. Which is why we think we could settle down in Durango for a while. By most ski town standards, Durango, Colorado, doesn’t hold up to the dramatic proximity of, say, an Aspen or Telluride, where slopes stare you in the face just leaving the grocery store. But what makes this southwestern town (pop.16,000) so dreamy is what it’s not....

Coffee Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC, has few lifts, and it's not known for nightlife, lodging, shopping or even ease of access. What it is known for is a lot of dramatic, serious terrain. A few tips to maximize your trip. There's caffeine and inspiration at Jita's Cafe on 11th Avenue every morning. A mix of professional ski guides, ice climbers, ski bums, and other ski town characters come by for the best coffee, espresso drinks, baked treats...

1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia You've picked 'em: the best resorts for nightlife. Here's where to drink, dance, and celebrate the ski season. Many good restaurants in Whistler offer a place to settle in for the evening. 2. Aspen Mountain, Colorado The bustling town of Aspen keeps things rowdy all night long. 3. Vail, Colorado Vail Village and Lionshead offer many apres spots: try Garfinkel's for cheap drinks and dancing. 4. Park City, Utah The nearby town of Park City...