If you’re in South America and looking for a grand cultural festival in June, head to Cusco, Peru, for the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice. Every year, on June 24, more than 200,000 people gather at the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuamán for Inti Raymi —the celebration to honor Wiracocha, the Sun God. The original festival was...

The recent Machu Picchu rescues succeeded admirably, but in most emergencies there won't be a helicopter ready to whisk you to safety. Whether at home or abroad, you have to be prepared to rely on your feet. Be prepared to walk to the nearest gas station, through a pitch-black subway tunnel, or down the fire...