Travel safety: By air, land, and sea

You've been looking forward to this vacation all year. Here are ways to have fun, stay healthy, and be safe, no matter where you're going or how you're going to get there.

Remember that heat-related illnesses can strike even when the weather is not hot. Even when temperatures are not extremely high, humidity, sun exposure, exercise, and inadequate water intake can each increase the risk and help trigger heat exhaustion. For example, if the humidity is 80 percent and you're out in direct sunlight, 85° F (29° C) feels like nearly 110° F (43° C) . Exercising or drinking too little water can turn up the heat even further.

To stay safe: Acclimate to warmer temperatures before summer sightseeing or outdoor exercise by getting out for at least 30 minutes a day for two weeks or more. When it's very hot or humid, limit your activities, seek shade, drink plenty of fluids, and consider staying indoors.