The most deadly animal known to man isn't a poisonous snake, a vicious reptile or a big game cat; it's the lowly mosquito. This killer is most prevalent and dangerous in tropical regions, but lives on every continent on the planet and in almost every country in the world. Alarmingly enough, this animal is most likely to attack you while you sleep. How can you protect yourself? An array of creatures feed on humans and in doing so pass on...

Inexperienced travelers often suffer from altitude sickness while making rapid ascents to higher altitudes. Altitude sickness is usually a reaction of the body to the lower levels of oxygen available as the altitude increases. Symptoms The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, nausea, a high pulse rate (over 110), rapid breathing at rest, loss of appetite and unusual fatigue while walking. More serious symptoms include difficulty in breathing due to high altitude pulmonary edema (excess fluid...

Here are a few simple tips to insure you don't get stuck far from home without a penny, peso or pfennig to your name: Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies. Always include extra money in your budget for unforeseen circumstances. Always take traveler's checks. It's safer to have traveler's checks than large amounts of cash. Be sure not to countersign the checks until the time of use. Keep a separate record of the numbers of your traveler's...

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...