Fifty-five of the 60 hostages taken by militants on May 15, 2010, in the Kummar region of northwest Pakistan were released within two days. Negotiations over the others were ongoing.

The government continues fighting the Taliban in northwest Pakistan, and retaliation kidnappings, roadside bombs and suicide bombers continue. Persons traveling in restricted areas without official permission are subject to arrest.

In Ecuador, nonviolent crime is common, with hundreds of travelers robbed each year, but violent crime has been rising dramatically. Be alert at ATMs on streets as well as everywhere from beaches and hiking trails to crowded streets and markets, especially after dark.

Do not hail a taxi on the street; use only radio-operated taxis. Keep your passport on your person, not in your backpack, purse or luggage. Luggage stored under buses or left in vehicles is often stolen. Avoid wearing...

The official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November. For 2010, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 70% probability of 14 to 23 named storms, with eight to 14 becoming hurricanes and three to seven of those becoming major hurricanes.

In East Asia and the West and Central Pacific regions north of the equator, typhoons may occur year-round; historically, the most active months are June through November. 

On average each season...