Keeping cool in the heat

As summer approaches and temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related issues. We are not invincible when it comes to exposing ourselves to heat. This is especially true for summer travelers who may be headed to a climate that’s much warmer than they’re acclimated to. To help prevent heat-related distress, follow these simple tips.


Allow time for heat acclimatization. Gradually increase the duration or intensity of physical activity prior to travel. This process can take up to 14 days to complete.
Take breaks. Be sure to include adequate rest between activities.
Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before, during and after outdoor activities.
Know when to rest. If you’re feeling the symptoms of the heat, listen to your body and slow down.

How do you plan to beat the heat this summer?

31 years later: remembering an angry volcano

When Mount St. Helens exploded into life on May 18, 1980, it was one of the greatest eruptions ever recorded in North America. Superheated ash, gas and lava devastated the surrounding area and claimed many lives. Since then, scientists have been closely monitoring activity around the volcano, waiting for disaster to strike again. So, what other volcanoes around the world have etched their place in history?


World's largest volcanoes
1. Mount Mazama, Crater Lake, Oregon—Over 6,000 years ago Mount Mazama erupted. Before the explosion the mountain was 12,000 feet high; when it was over it had been replaced by a 1,900-foot deep crater. Crater Lake, famed for its intense blue waters, was made a National Park in 1902.
2. Mount Etna, Sicily—Although Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, its renown comes from its role in Greek legends. According to Greco-Roman mythology, the giants—the enemies of the gods—were buried beneath Mount Etna. In their efforts to break free, the Giants caused frequent earthquakes around the mountain.
3. Mount Vesuvius, Italy—Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D. covered the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving them for generations to come. The volcano is still active and has had several eruptions—the most deadly being in 1631.
4. Mount Tambora, Indonesia—The largest eruption during the last two centuries, as well as the deadliest volcano in recorded history, Mount Tambora exploded April 10-11, 1815. It killed an estimated 92,000 people. Almost 80,000 of the victims died of starvation brought on by the agricultural devastation in the volcano's wake.
5. Mount Krakatau, Indonesia—On August 27, 1883, Mount Krakatau exploded with such force that it was heard in Australia, over 2,000 miles away. The force of the eruption triggered a series of tsunamis that reached the Hawaiian islands and the coast of South America, killing more than 36,000 people.
Do you recall what you were doing when St.Helens blew its top?

Human “wings” no longer science fiction

Imagine getting up in the morning, strapping on a super-powered jetpack and whisking yourself into the sky and away to your work, school, or play. No traffic lights. No speed limits. No tailgaters. It may not be as far-fetched as you think. A Swiss man recently brought humans a step closer to flying like birds when he soared over the Grand Canyon with a jetpack at speeds of up to 190 mph. That got us thinking. What aerial views could you capture on a Discovery Student Adventure if equipped with a jetpack? We dreamed some up.

Picture these 5 jetpack vistas
Bird’s-eye view of a Costa Rican rainforest. Sure, you can take in some awesome views on a zipline, but this gives a whole new meaning to “insanely cool adventure.”
Rising above the Eiffel Tower. We take you to the top of this iconic landmark, but with wings, you don’t have to scale hundreds of stairs for the awesome views of Paris.
Soaring over the Washington Monument. No crick in your neck from gazing skyward. Just be sure to steer clear of the no-fly zone around the White House.
Peering into the crater of Mt. Vesuvius. Hiking this active volcano on a Discovery Student Adventure in Italy is one thing. Looking down its throat would be simply magic.
Going beyond the Andean Highlands Ecuador. Towering an invigorating altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level, the air at the summit is thin. Better just cruise the perimeter.

Where in the world would you fly to?

Pack smart for your summer adventure

Summer’s rapidly approaching and for a majority of Americans, that means vacation time. It’s estimated that nearly 60 percent of us will travel in the coming months, up from 51 percent last summer. Most travelers over pack and spend their vacation lugging around clothes and other items that are never used. For 5 smart packing tips, read on.



1. Tightly roll your clothes, don’t fold. This will save space and minimize wrinkles.
2. Pack shoes first, along the edges of your bag; then pack clothes to form a bottom layer.
3. Pack your lightest clothing on top.
4. Pack toiletries last for easy access.
5. Pack light. If in doubt, you probably won’t need it. Leave it behind.

Where will your summer travels take you?