So if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in any type of extreme weather, here are some tips to help you get ready.

Hot Weather
While travelers spending most of their time by the beach or taking short walking tours are at minimal risk for heat illness, activities that exert a lot of energy, such as strenuous hiking and biking, can have a detrimental effect on the body. Heat illnesses depend on three things: environmental conditions, intensity of exercise, and your hydration level.

Before You Go
Acclimatization is key for getting your body ready to handle the heat. Exercise one to two hours a day in hot weather ten days prior to your trip. If you’re unable to do so, make sure you limit the intensity and duration of your vacation activity to 30-90 minute periods and take breaks in between. Wear lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothes to aid air circulation and optimize protection from the sun. Additionally, fluids will be vital to staying healthy and preventing illness. Be sure to drink plenty of water, sports drinks, and have salty snacks on standby. And as strange as this may sound, a good rule of thumb for monitoring your fluid needs is to check your urine volume and color; if it’s dark, you need to hydrate.

It’s also a good idea to learn about common heat disorders, such as heat exhaustion and cramps, and ways to treat them.

Cold Weather
While many of us think conditions similar to Mt. Everest or the icy waters surrounding the Titanic are likely to induce cold-related injuries, environments with temperatures of around 50° F have been known to produce hypothermia — really! That said, we’ll concede that severe hypothermia is rare among travelers, and it often occurs during emergency situations, such as when someone gets lost in a storm, or if a small boat were to overturn in cold water.

Before You Go
Research your destination spot and look for any travel advisories. Find out what is the best clothing and equipment required for your trip, and bring plenty of warm layers and thick socks. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads and bridges. If you’ll be traveling near water, bring a flotation device, learn self-rescue tips, and how to right an overturned boat. The hypothermia caused by falling into cold water can leave you unable to swim within 30 minutes to an hour.

Also, familiarize yourself with how to handle cold-related injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Photo by Moyan Brenn.

Meanwhile, it looks like this could be a long hot summer for air travelers. At least, that’s the prediction of the Wall Street Journal’s Scott McCartney, who writes that customs lines in the U.S. have become excruciatingly long.

If you’re frustrated with flight delays, you’ll probably love this. At London’s Daily Mail, Paul Bentley reports on a British couple that sued their airline – and won – after their flight was delayed by 26 hours.

Last week, we told you about the riots in Turkey and their impact on tourism.  This week, CNN’s Talya Arditi takes a closer look at whether you should travel to Istanbul.

You may think of tuberculosis as a condition from a bygone era, but in many parts of the world – including parts of the world you may travel to – it’s a significant issue. And it’s potentially getting worse. NPR’s Jason Beaubien reports on a new drug-resistant strain of TB that experts say poses a worldwide health threat.

When you’re traveling and family members need to get a break from each other, it’s smart to let everyone go their own way for a couple hours. But at some point you have to get back together – but how do you figure out where everybody went? The New York Times’  Stephanie Rosenbloom reports on tracking apps that can be a significant help to travelers.

Cycling is a great way to visit a new location, but you probably aren’t going to pack your bike for a trip to Russia. But you don’t have to. New York Times blogger Tanya Mohn reports that there is now a bike share program in Moscow’s Red Square.

This is helpful – at Gadling, Meg Nesterov reports that Lonely Planet has rolled out a new tutorial to help you learn Spanish.

If you saw the latest Bond flick Skyfall you probably have wondered how much it cost to build that incredibly elaborate set that was the island inhabited by bad guy Raoul Silva. But guess what? It wasn’t built for the movie – it’s an island of Japan that really exists, and CNN’s Diana Magnay reports that you can visit it.

Learn more about the development of traveling for vacation (and health), the evolution of allocated time off from work, and even the origins of the word “posh” in this infographic from our friends at C4Caravans.com.

When planning any trip, be sure to research the country you’re traveling to. Read up on local laws and cultural norms, as well as any travel advisories that may be posted by your government’s travel website or a general travel agency. As always, practice good safety behaviors when going to new places. And even though many countries do have “safe spots,” it’s always good to know what you’re getting into before naively hopping on that airplane.

Here’s a list of countries where you definitely want to watch your back, or at least have a friend watch it for you:

South Africa
At the southernmost tip of Africa lies the home of Nelson Mandela, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Table Mountain. It’s also the country with the highest rate of rape reported in the world. Additional crimes also include theft, carjacking, and murder, which is also one of the highest across the globe. Violent demonstrations for labor strikes are also quite common, so be sure to avoid any rallies or large gatherings of people. Muggings often occur at airports and on public transportation stations. Be sure to travel in groups if you can and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.

Colombia
As you likely know, South and Central America have been plagued by drug-related crime for eons. Colombia has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world and armed criminal gangs, known as BACRIMs, are common in these areas. Security has improved in many of the tourist and business travel spots, such as Bogota, but it’s still important for travelers to be careful. Don’t walk alone at night or along trails or other tourist areas.

Russia
Gangs and conflict with the North Caucasus region have made this travel destination ripe with pickpocketing, assault, and robbery. So if you’re headed to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, try not to travel alone and stay alert when passing through underground walkways, riding on the subway, and walking through public places. Don’t wear or showcase any valuables, such as jewelry and credit cards.

Honduras
We should note that resorts and popular tourist destinations in Honduras have lower levels of crime and violence than in any other part of the country. However, since Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world and is a hot spot for criminal and gang-related activity, you should still take extra measures when traveling around the country. Armed robbery, carjacking, and other types of aggravated assault are listed among the criminal activity, and you should take extra caution when traveling down roads. If ever confronted by an armed individual, immediately comply and avoid any sudden movement. Avoid driving at night if you can and drive with your doors locked to deter robberies.

Overall, trust your instincts and do you research. The more informed you are, the safer you will be.

Agritourism may not be a term you’re familiar with, but if you’ve ever visited a farm, went apple picking, or stomped on grapes Lucy-style at a vineyard, you’ve experienced it.

Agritourism comes in many different forms—even stopping at a roadside produce stand can fall under the umbrella term—and it’s been a rapidly growing form of sustainable tourism.  Generally speaking, agritourism is tourism that educates the public about agriculture and supports local farms, ranches, and any other type of agribusiness.  

Have a bunch of kids you need to keep entertained? Take them on a farm tour where they can pick carrots, pet animals, go on a hayride, or even pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries and string beans.

If you’re looking for a charming, romantic weekend getaway with the girlfriend, consider staying at a bed and breakfast, and enjoy a morning meal that features fresh eggs from the chickens out back.

Those who like to get their hands dirty can also sign up for a trip with a non-profit organization that connects people with a farm, where they can get free room and board in exchange for helping around the property.

Countries all around the world have been embracing agritourism. Here are some examples of Agritrips that will support local farmers and provide an awesome experience:

• Italy is a destination agritourists have been flocking to for years. It is, after all, one of the best places in the world for visiting vineyards and enjoying freshly made foods. Stay on a farm in Sicily, or learn how they make wine in Tuscany.
• Visit Spain for a stay in a casa rural – a “country house,” in the Spanish countryside. Learn how Spanish olive oil is produced or take part in local customs of the surrounding village.
• Tea lovers will enjoy the tea plantation tours of Taiwan. You can also enjoy the accommodations at many of the smaller farms.
• Grenada is a unique Agritourism destination, due to its abundance of cocoa plantations and spice farms. Learn how nutmeg, cinnamon, and all kinds of exotic spices are harvested on this gorgeous Caribbean island. 

These are only a few of the many places you can visit, both locally and internationally, so be sure to check out Agritourism World for more information!

As they reported in regards to the feedback they received, “Mixed in with the ‘usual suspects’ were some diverse suggestions, which proves that the kayaking fraternity is a varied beast.”

Are there any sites you’d recommend for the list? Let us know!

A couple months ago, the TSA announced that airline passengers would soon be allowed to carry small knives on board, which seemed both pointless and stupid. Politico’s Kathryn Wolfe reports that, in the face of a deluge of criticism, the TSA has now scrapped the idea.

As we enter the summer vacation season, you’re likely dreaming of unplugging and getting away from it all. But will you really do that? Will you really leave work completely behind? On LinkedIn, Microsoft’s Danah Boyd advises you to really get away – take a sabbatical from your email.

Of course, while you’re away, technology will likely play a role in your trip – there’s no escaping it. Nor would you really want to. The New York Times’ Stephanie Rosenbloom reports on some of the super cool advances in technology that make our travels easier.

At USA Today, Bill McGee is a little whiny. He’s not happy with increasingly jam-packed airplanes, which certainly makes for a less comfortable trip and can raise stress levels.

You know what can soothe that in-the-air stress? A nice can of wine. Oh wait, maybe that’s not a good idea. Regardless, Jaunted reports that Spirit Airlines is now selling cans of wine.

Perhaps a better way to relieve stress would be a nice, relaxing massage. More and more, airports are establishing fairly high-end spas for travelers. At CNN, Emily Sloley reports on the world’s best airport spas.

Let’s be honest – gastric distress is an issue for a lot of travelers.  Lack of sleep, adventurous cuisine and perhaps a little too much nightlife leaves plenty of us feeling less than our best when we’re traveling. And that means bathrooms can become important. At the Wall Street Journal, renowned author Jeffrey Deaver proves a glimpse of his very impressive catalog of the globe’s greatest restrooms.

No secret here – Europe is home to many of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. However it’s also home. At USA Today, Caroline Morse looks at 10 very strange European tourist attractions.

When you stop and look at the statistics, it becomes clear that it’s a big dangerous world out there. Particularly for international travelers when they take to the roadways. According to the Association for Safe Internal Road Travel (ASIRT), more than 3,200 people die in road crashes every day around the globe. That’s 1.3 million people a year. An additional 20 million (at least) are injured in road crashes annually.

According to Rochelle Sobel, Founder and President of ASIRT, the problem of unsafe roads is most acute in developing and mid-economic countries. Ninety percent of the world’s fatal crashes occur in these countries… which have less than half of the world’s cars.

“These are countries where there is high motorization,” said Sobel in an interview with Healthy Travel Blog. “The road population is very young; they tend to be the riskiest drivers because they don’t have the experience, they are often the first drivers in their families and don’t have someone to model. [Additionally,] many vehicles on the road are not road worthy – tires are low or they don’t have the proper safety mechanisms in place.”

The problem for travelers – especially those from the U.S., is that all the rules and accepted practices you’ve learned through the years frequently don’t apply.

“Tourists are often unaware of the risks of they are taking,” said Sobel. “They may not know the law, but they also may not know the ‘road culture.’[For instance,] a stop light means nothing in certain countries.”

In short, mayhem often rules the road in many places around the globe.

To help travelers safely navigate the world’s roads, Sobel offers these tips:

1. Know before you go. Sobel advises travelers to conduct research before heading out of the country to get a better idea of a country’s road safety record. The ASIRT website is a good resource for this.
2. Avoid night travel and travel in mountainous regions in countries with poor safety records. This is especially true if you don’t know the area. Finding your way on strange roads with different laws and customs can be very hazardous for your health.
3. When renting a car, insist on the best safety features. A lot of familiar car models will have different safety features in developing countries; if the car companies are not required by law to include them, they’ll often skimp on them. Also, check the tires to make sure they’re in good shape and ask about brake inspections.
4. Start your road trip during the day. Sobel advises that it’s much easier to get to know a rental vehicle when the sun is up and you can see where everything is in the car.
5. Just because you aren’t in a vehicle doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Sobel calls pedestrians “vulnerable road users” – more than half of traffic fatalities involve pedestrians and bicyclists. She advises pedestrians to watch the locals as they walk along the streets to determine when it’s safe to cross, etc.
6. If you’re in a bus or a van and it’s overcrowded, get out at the first opportunity.
7. Never assume you have the right of way. “I was just in Africa, and they said the pedestrian never has the right of way,” said Sobel.
8. Don’t hitchhike. Ever.

Photo by the World Bank.

So if you’re planning on finally making that solo backpacking trip across Europe or going on a hiking expedition in Africa, here are some tips to guarantee a healthy, safe, and fun excursion.

Before Your Trip

• Research the cultural norms in your destination so you know what’s acceptable (both legally and socially) among the locals. This will not only help you blend in more, but also prevent you from getting into sticky situations.
• Tell others you’re traveling and share your itinerary with them, if you have one pre-planned.
• Buy pickpocket-proof pants and jackets from clothing lines such as Magellan’s or Clever Travel Companion.
• Take a self-defense class. You never know when trouble might find you, and it’s better to be prepared—especially when traveling alone.
• If you’re traveling to a non-English speaking country, learn some phrases in the local language, such as how to ask for help.
• Make two copies of important travel and identification documents (i.e. passport, credit card, driver’s license). One copy will be for you and the other will be for a friend or family member back home.
• Purchase travel health insurance so you’re not forced to navigate another country’s healthcare maze.
• Check to see if there are any travel advisories posted by your governments’ travel website.

During Your Trip

• Don’t tell people you’re traveling alone. It may seem like an obvious rule of thumb, but certain situations might unexpectedly reveal that information. For example, tell someone that’s making you uncomfortable that your travel companion is in the bathroom in order to make it seem as though you’re not alone.
• Research and ask a hotel staff member which local areas are not safe so you know to avoid those places.
• Always stay in well-populated areas.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can make you vulnerable, and when you’re not among friends, you can end up in a dangerous situation.
• Stay alert and keep your belongings hidden, such as your camera and cell phone.
• Trust your gut. If you meet someone or are in an area that makes you uncomfortable, get away or hop in a cab.

If you have any additional tips that will help keep your fellow readers safe while traveling solo, please share them with us.

Photo by Bjørn Heidenstrøm.