Highway agency tells angry bird to ‘myna its own business’ after it photobombs traffic cam

Business News

An angry-looking myna bird has become a viral video star after landing directly in front of a highway traffic camera in New Zealand.The black-and-yellow tropical bird stares curiously into the camera overlooking a section of road near Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, its beak open as it appears to squawk loudly. It then flies off before returning for a few more seconds.The video was posted on Facebook on Oct. 21 by the New Zealand Transport Agency, which operates the cameras and joked that the bird “needs to myna its own business.”“The myna bird is a pest in New Zealand — it’s aggressive towards our native birds, destroying their nests, eating native fruit, and taking over other birds’ territory, so this definitely wasn’t a welcome cameo on our cameras,” the agency said.Myna birds, which have the ability to mimic human speech and are often kept as pets, are native to Asia. First introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s, by the mid-20th century they had spread across the North Island and begun to disrupt local ecosystems, leading them to be classified as an invasive species.“A myna annoyance like this can make the roads a bit tricky to see,” the agency said. “Thankfully the myna didn’t stick around long and our bird’s eye view of the road was soon restored.”

3 Insights For Turning Your Passion Into A Thriving Business

Business News

Building a business around a personal passion can be one of the most rewarding paths to entrepreneurship. However, it’s not easy. It requires perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to turn personal insights into actionable strategies that resonate with a broader audience.
Many entrepreneurs draw inspiration from their passions, but translating those personal convictions into a company requires insight and tenacity. I turned to Martha Graeff, the co-founder of recently unveiled wellness brand and movement Happy Aging, to learn more.

A respected Instagram influencer and media personality, Graeff’s wellness advocacy reached new heights when she transformed her personal health discoveries into a business and movement. Her story is a powerful example of how following your passion can create not only a brand but a meaningful impact.

Graeff’s journey began with a startling revelation: despite her active lifestyle, her biological age was accelerating faster than her chronological age. This discovery set her on a path of research and self-experimentation that ultimately led her to collaborate with top experts in longevity science. As her own results unfolded, she felt compelled to help other women seeking vitality and happiness, transforming her personal mission into a company that’s now leading a wellness movement.

Here’s how she did it, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

1. Possibilities are everywhere, but they’re not always obvious
When Graeff embarked on her mission to control her biological aging process, she met many respected wellness professionals. This included Dr. Daniel Yadegar, a Harvard-trained physician with advanced fellowship training in regenerative medicine and age management.

As she worked closely with Dr. Yadegar, she recognized that the treatment solutions he suggested were having a revolutionary and transformative effect. “Regenerative medicine holds the promise of not only extending our lifespan but enhancing the quality of our years. My mission is to make healthier aging accessible to all women, empowering them to embrace each stage of life with vitality and confidence,” said Dr. Daniel Yadegar.

Rather than just seeing this as positive for herself, Graeff realized that if she and Dr. Yadegar combined their abilities, they could make happier and healthier aging (backed by rigorous science) accessible to women everywhere. Together they co-founded Happy Aging.
One of the most compelling takeaways from this lesson is that you have to think beyond the moment. As noted in a recent article written by Sam Reese, the CEO of executive coaching giant Vistage, you can never underestimate the value of opening yourself to other perspectives as a leader. The future-forward, visionary entrepreneur sees every encounter and every connection as a thread to bigger, more exciting business possibilities.
2. Sharing your ‘secret sauce’ is smart
Far too many entrepreneurs believe that they have to be secretive about what they know. But fear isn’t a friend if you’re trying to differentiate yourself. As Graeff knew from her experience as an influencer, giving back is what sets you apart from the competition.
By offering exclusive vitality products like the Longevity Shot — a nutrient-dense, bioavailable elixir to promote radiant skin, improved energy, and a reduced appearance of fine lines — Graeff opened the door to building stronger, more genuine connections with female consumers.
In today’s marketplace, transparency sells. According to a report cited by business services provider DWF Group, 94% of consumers are willing to trade their loyalty for transparency. Graeff has strategically set herself up as a mentor and advocate. If you’re on the fence about sharing your knowledge, take the plunge and be radically authentic and open.
3. It’s okay to shoot for the stars out of the gate
Why sit around and hope that your business will expand ‘some day?’ With Happy Aging, Graeff wasn’t satisfied to unveil her business as just a brand. Her ultimate objective was for it to become a wellness movement.
Happy Aging is aimed at fostering a community from the ground up. The brand was created to be more of a mindset than just a seller of material goods. Yes, the website offers products, but it offers educational information as well. Customers can also order a personalized Biological Age Test to find out where they stand on the biological-versus-chronological age spectrum.
Thinking bigger from the beginning stages of your company allows you to avoid the limitations of being viewed as a one-note brand. True, you have to be careful not to dilute your capabilities and resources. Allowing yourself to name and visualize your future dream can help define your company’s overarching vision and give you some North Star goals to follow.

DC FinTech Week explores regulatory concerns, innovations in finance technology

Technology

WASHINGTON (7News) — This week, hundreds gathered for DC FinTech Week in the District. It’s a free event that brought together some of the biggest movers and shakers in finance technology.“We’ve tried to get people from quite literally all over the world to talk about everything from data, financial inclusion, housing. We just finished a conversation on stablecoins to really think about what’s the gamut of risk, opportunity and work that kind of has to get done in order to engage what is involving financial and technology landscape,” said Chris Brummer, Founder of DC Fintech Week.SEE ALSO | Protect your data: Expert shares these 3 tips on using AI technology safely7News’ Lindsey Mastis covers technology and spoke with Brummer at the conference, including about cryptocurrencies. It’s becoming more mainstream, but many people are very concerned.“That’s one reason why we have this kind of a conference where we can get the regulators, sort of leaning in and shining a spotlight to some of what their concerns are. And also having some of the people who are on the front lines talking about the kinds of advantages and the kinds of innovations that perhaps the regulators may not be so aware of,” Brummer said.Brummer said it’s important people are getting information from trusted resources, and he encourages people to start educating themselves. He recommends seeking out books and articles, and watching lectures from universities or think tanks online.For more information, click here.

This Unconventional Travel Trend Is Many Travelers’ Go-To For A Fall Trip

Travel

Imgorthand via Getty ImagesRespect, mindfulness and research are important when it comes to dark travel. People plan vacations around all types of goals, from sports to sleep to sustainability. For an increasing number of people, however, the focus of their travel is much more solemn, or even macabre ― a practice known commonly as “dark tourism.”Dark tourism is not a new travel trend but is as relevant as ever, particularly around spooky season. It likely spikes around this time of year for a reason.Advertisement

So what exactly is dark tourism and what does it involve? Below, industry experts break down the benefits and downsides.What is dark tourism?Dark tourism refers to an approach to travel that involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy and suffering. “I think this can cover an incredible range of ideas in travel, from places that honor people who have died in wars to famous crime scenes,” Laura Motta, senior director of content at Lonely Planet, told HuffPost.Dark tourism destinations include battlefields like Gettysburg and Omaha Beach, disaster sites such as Chernobyl and Pompeii, haunted buildings a la The Stanley Hotel and Lizzie Borden House, and death and burial-related locations like the Paris Catacombs and Taj Mahal. Advertisement

“These are places where travelers dive headlong into difficult, unsavory and complicated history,” Motta said. “It can be a way to learn new things, pay your respects and challenge your perspective, if you’re doing it the right way.”Some tourists are drawn to the places where famous people died, even opting to stay in specific hotel rooms like the one where musician Gram Parsons died (and where his spirit supposedly still lingers). Others seek tours of locations associated with crimes, particularly unsolved cases involving homicide victims like Elizabeth Short, who is known as the “Black Dahlia.”“Dark tourism, especially tours and historic sites with tragic pasts, has always been popular,” said Lance Zaal, president and founder of the tour company US Ghost Adventures. “However, with the recent surge in interest around true crime, there’s been an even greater curiosity for dark tourism in general.”Travelers’ awareness of dark tourism, and the wide range of sites and experiences around the world associated with it, has increased with the rise of social media. There are also shows like the docuseries “Dark Tourist,” which highlights morbid places in destinations like New Orleans, Japan, South Africa and Colombia. “The TV program ‘Ghost Hunters’ probably increased people’s interest in the paranormal and made it more mainstream,” said Larry Stanford, owner of Ghost Tours of Newport. “Our travelers vary from couples, families, especially during the summer, and even seniors who are interested in learning about some of the bizarre and dark history here.”Advertisement

Why are people drawn to this type of travel?“Dark tourism appeals to our curiosity and fascination with death and the unknown,” Dengler said. “I think dark tourism is popular for the same reasons serial killer and horror material is so popular. In addition to creating excitement, it is also a learning experience that allows for empathy and reflection.”He added that many dark tourist sites are also traditionally popular historic sites or are located near them, so your visit would allow for additional exploration beyond the death aspect. Dark tourism can also offer the opportunity to examine a famous place through a new lens. “I think the need to engage with places that bore witness to all kinds of human experience and emotion ― good and bad ― is natural. It’s a way to understand ourselves and our world.”- Laura Motta, senior director of content at Lonely Planet“Ghost tours are a great way to learn about the authentic, gritty underbelly of the place you are visiting, rather than the sanitized tales that the local tourism board or chamber of commerce might prefer to be shared,” said E.R. “Bucky” Cutright, co-founder of Columbus Ghost Tours. “As our societies become more and more homogenized, they also offer a unique alternative to the cookie-cutter tourist trap ‘McVacation’ experience. Unlike a zipline, wax museum or jump-scare haunted attraction, ghost stories are, for the most part, nestled into the past of the place where they occurred and, consequently, site-specific.”He believes ghost stories also help connect the past to the present.“Learning about a certain character from a city’s history is one thing, but hearing that they still haunt the area and that you just might see them helps to keep the history relevant,” Cutright explained. “Plus, who doesn’t like feeling a cold chill go down their spine from time to time?”Advertisement

Beyond the thrill factor or historical interest, there are more emotional reasons to engage with dark tourism.“You might visit a war memorial to commemorate a loved one,” Motta said. “I think the need to engage with places that bore witness to all kinds of human experience and emotion ― good and bad ― is natural. It’s a way to understand ourselves and our world.”Visiting the sites of dark events and eerie happenings throughout history might feel too macabre for many tourists, but for others, it’s a dream vacation filled with inspiration, entertainment, introspection and a new appreciation for life.“As someone who not only works in dark tourism, but participates in it, I have to say that my own travel experiences are so much richer for seeking out and staying in old, haunted hotels, eating at historic pubs and restaurants, and visiting off-the-beaten-path sites with a sordid past,” Cutright said. “For the most part, these establishments are small businesses and, by frequenting them, you not only get a true feel for the soul of the place you are visiting, but you also support the local economy, which can be rewarding in itself.”Schon via Getty ImagesPeople are drawn to dark tourism for a variety of reasons, including an interest in history or a personal connection. Advertisement

Here’s what you should know before you try dark tourism.With the rising interest in this kind of travel comes many downsides and problematic dynamics.“I don’t see [dark tourism] as new,” Motta said. “Washington, D.C., is a city of somber memorial sites. The memorials at Auschwitz and Hiroshima were opened in the 1940s and 1950s. What feels new ― but probably isn’t ― is a trend of going to these kinds of places to gawk, create inappropriate content for social media, trespass, interrupt local life, or otherwise act disrespectfully to the place and its history.”She noted that dark tourism can go too far by drawing visitors to places where they shouldn’t be at all. “After devastating wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui, in 2023, travelers started coming over to take photos of the burned buildings,” Motta said. “This was not just disrespectful to people who lost their lives and livelihoods, but it also created problems for first responders whose priority was caring for the local community, not dealing with tourists.”Dengler recalled how a recent visit to the Catacombs of Paris led him to reflect on the downsides of dark tourism. “While it was a fascinating experience, I could not help but feel like we were disrespecting the remains of everyone down there,” he said. “Though we did not touch or disturb anything, none of the deceased people down there asked or agreed to essentially become a tourist attraction.”Advertisement

Another major issue Motta sees is inappropriate or exploitative behavior at sites that have a solemn or complicated history.“New Yorkers are all too aware of the tourists who take grinning selfies at the 9/11 Memorial,” she said. “Damage from overtourism and bad behavior has led to visitor restrictions and even closures at cemeteries in New Orleans. While these kinds of sites can bring incredible meaning and value to a trip, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about your visit.”In addition to environmental and preservation concerns, overtourism can also wear away at the allure that drew travelers to these places in the first place.“Monetization of ‘hits’ and ‘likes’ has led to an uptick in online articles and social media posts that strive to feature ever-more-obscure locations ― often without regard to the genuine history of the sites or the ethical implications of spreading misinformation and sharing their locations,” Cutright said. “This has led to an influx of visits and vandalism to otherwise quiet, hidden and historic locations ― robbing them of their secretive and special nature.”“New Yorkers are all too aware of the tourists who take grinning selfies at the 9/11 Memorial.”- MottaAdvertisement

Mindfulness is crucial if you decide to visit a location associated with death, crime, war, tragedy, suffering or any kind of darkness.“While I recognize the downsides, I think dark tourism is a good thing when done right,” Dengler said. “It is often an educational and enriching experience when the traveler maintains a level of respect.”He pointed to the steps many dark tourist destinations have taken to minimize the potential damage, like daily visitor limits and signage indicating proper conduct. “With this kind of travel, it’s really important to do some research beforehand to understand how and why other people are visiting these sites,” Motta urged. “What’s the right way to be respectful? How should you dress? Is it a quiet space? Should you leave your kids at home? But it also seems right to do some introspection about why you want to see these kinds of sites in the first place. If you’re looking for gore, or for the kinds of thrills you could get in a haunted house, you might want to reconsider or refocus your visit.”Related travelvacationtourismdark tourism35 Spooky Travel Destinations Around The WorldWhy People Like To Stay In Places Where Celebrities Have DiedThis Growing Travel Trend Is Way More Fun Than A Regular Vacation

This Unconventional Travel Trend Is Many Travelers’ Go-To For A Fall Trip

Travel

Imgorthand via Getty ImagesRespect, mindfulness and research are important when it comes to dark travel. People plan vacations around all types of goals, from sports to sleep to sustainability. For an increasing number of people, however, the focus of their travel is much more solemn, or even macabre ― a practice known commonly as “dark tourism.”Dark tourism is not a new travel trend but is as relevant as ever, particularly around spooky season. It likely spikes around this time of year for a reason.Advertisement

So what exactly is dark tourism and what does it involve? Below, industry experts break down the benefits and downsides.What is dark tourism?Dark tourism refers to an approach to travel that involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy and suffering. “I think this can cover an incredible range of ideas in travel, from places that honor people who have died in wars to famous crime scenes,” Laura Motta, senior director of content at Lonely Planet, told HuffPost.Dark tourism destinations include battlefields like Gettysburg and Omaha Beach, disaster sites such as Chernobyl and Pompeii, haunted buildings a la The Stanley Hotel and Lizzie Borden House, and death and burial-related locations like the Paris Catacombs and Taj Mahal. Advertisement

“These are places where travelers dive headlong into difficult, unsavory and complicated history,” Motta said. “It can be a way to learn new things, pay your respects and challenge your perspective, if you’re doing it the right way.”Some tourists are drawn to the places where famous people died, even opting to stay in specific hotel rooms like the one where musician Gram Parsons died (and where his spirit supposedly still lingers). Others seek tours of locations associated with crimes, particularly unsolved cases involving homicide victims like Elizabeth Short, who is known as the “Black Dahlia.”“Dark tourism, especially tours and historic sites with tragic pasts, has always been popular,” said Lance Zaal, president and founder of the tour company US Ghost Adventures. “However, with the recent surge in interest around true crime, there’s been an even greater curiosity for dark tourism in general.”Travelers’ awareness of dark tourism, and the wide range of sites and experiences around the world associated with it, has increased with the rise of social media. There are also shows like the docuseries “Dark Tourist,” which highlights morbid places in destinations like New Orleans, Japan, South Africa and Colombia. “The TV program ‘Ghost Hunters’ probably increased people’s interest in the paranormal and made it more mainstream,” said Larry Stanford, owner of Ghost Tours of Newport. “Our travelers vary from couples, families, especially during the summer, and even seniors who are interested in learning about some of the bizarre and dark history here.”Advertisement

Why are people drawn to this type of travel?“Dark tourism appeals to our curiosity and fascination with death and the unknown,” Dengler said. “I think dark tourism is popular for the same reasons serial killer and horror material is so popular. In addition to creating excitement, it is also a learning experience that allows for empathy and reflection.”He added that many dark tourist sites are also traditionally popular historic sites or are located near them, so your visit would allow for additional exploration beyond the death aspect. Dark tourism can also offer the opportunity to examine a famous place through a new lens. “I think the need to engage with places that bore witness to all kinds of human experience and emotion ― good and bad ― is natural. It’s a way to understand ourselves and our world.”- Laura Motta, senior director of content at Lonely Planet“Ghost tours are a great way to learn about the authentic, gritty underbelly of the place you are visiting, rather than the sanitized tales that the local tourism board or chamber of commerce might prefer to be shared,” said E.R. “Bucky” Cutright, co-founder of Columbus Ghost Tours. “As our societies become more and more homogenized, they also offer a unique alternative to the cookie-cutter tourist trap ‘McVacation’ experience. Unlike a zipline, wax museum or jump-scare haunted attraction, ghost stories are, for the most part, nestled into the past of the place where they occurred and, consequently, site-specific.”He believes ghost stories also help connect the past to the present.“Learning about a certain character from a city’s history is one thing, but hearing that they still haunt the area and that you just might see them helps to keep the history relevant,” Cutright explained. “Plus, who doesn’t like feeling a cold chill go down their spine from time to time?”Advertisement

Beyond the thrill factor or historical interest, there are more emotional reasons to engage with dark tourism.“You might visit a war memorial to commemorate a loved one,” Motta said. “I think the need to engage with places that bore witness to all kinds of human experience and emotion ― good and bad ― is natural. It’s a way to understand ourselves and our world.”Visiting the sites of dark events and eerie happenings throughout history might feel too macabre for many tourists, but for others, it’s a dream vacation filled with inspiration, entertainment, introspection and a new appreciation for life.“As someone who not only works in dark tourism, but participates in it, I have to say that my own travel experiences are so much richer for seeking out and staying in old, haunted hotels, eating at historic pubs and restaurants, and visiting off-the-beaten-path sites with a sordid past,” Cutright said. “For the most part, these establishments are small businesses and, by frequenting them, you not only get a true feel for the soul of the place you are visiting, but you also support the local economy, which can be rewarding in itself.”Schon via Getty ImagesPeople are drawn to dark tourism for a variety of reasons, including an interest in history or a personal connection. Advertisement

Here’s what you should know before you try dark tourism.With the rising interest in this kind of travel comes many downsides and problematic dynamics.“I don’t see [dark tourism] as new,” Motta said. “Washington, D.C., is a city of somber memorial sites. The memorials at Auschwitz and Hiroshima were opened in the 1940s and 1950s. What feels new ― but probably isn’t ― is a trend of going to these kinds of places to gawk, create inappropriate content for social media, trespass, interrupt local life, or otherwise act disrespectfully to the place and its history.”She noted that dark tourism can go too far by drawing visitors to places where they shouldn’t be at all. “After devastating wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui, in 2023, travelers started coming over to take photos of the burned buildings,” Motta said. “This was not just disrespectful to people who lost their lives and livelihoods, but it also created problems for first responders whose priority was caring for the local community, not dealing with tourists.”Dengler recalled how a recent visit to the Catacombs of Paris led him to reflect on the downsides of dark tourism. “While it was a fascinating experience, I could not help but feel like we were disrespecting the remains of everyone down there,” he said. “Though we did not touch or disturb anything, none of the deceased people down there asked or agreed to essentially become a tourist attraction.”Advertisement

Another major issue Motta sees is inappropriate or exploitative behavior at sites that have a solemn or complicated history.“New Yorkers are all too aware of the tourists who take grinning selfies at the 9/11 Memorial,” she said. “Damage from overtourism and bad behavior has led to visitor restrictions and even closures at cemeteries in New Orleans. While these kinds of sites can bring incredible meaning and value to a trip, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about your visit.”In addition to environmental and preservation concerns, overtourism can also wear away at the allure that drew travelers to these places in the first place.“Monetization of ‘hits’ and ‘likes’ has led to an uptick in online articles and social media posts that strive to feature ever-more-obscure locations ― often without regard to the genuine history of the sites or the ethical implications of spreading misinformation and sharing their locations,” Cutright said. “This has led to an influx of visits and vandalism to otherwise quiet, hidden and historic locations ― robbing them of their secretive and special nature.”“New Yorkers are all too aware of the tourists who take grinning selfies at the 9/11 Memorial.”- MottaAdvertisement

Mindfulness is crucial if you decide to visit a location associated with death, crime, war, tragedy, suffering or any kind of darkness.“While I recognize the downsides, I think dark tourism is a good thing when done right,” Dengler said. “It is often an educational and enriching experience when the traveler maintains a level of respect.”He pointed to the steps many dark tourist destinations have taken to minimize the potential damage, like daily visitor limits and signage indicating proper conduct. “With this kind of travel, it’s really important to do some research beforehand to understand how and why other people are visiting these sites,” Motta urged. “What’s the right way to be respectful? How should you dress? Is it a quiet space? Should you leave your kids at home? But it also seems right to do some introspection about why you want to see these kinds of sites in the first place. If you’re looking for gore, or for the kinds of thrills you could get in a haunted house, you might want to reconsider or refocus your visit.”Related travelvacationtourismdark tourism35 Spooky Travel Destinations Around The WorldWhy People Like To Stay In Places Where Celebrities Have DiedThis Growing Travel Trend Is Way More Fun Than A Regular Vacation

More travelers are getting a ‘sleep divorce.’ Here’s why.

Travel

For most couples, a romantic getaway includes fancy dinner reservations and sunset strolls along the beach. However, for a growing number of lovers, it also means ending the night in separate beds.According to Hilton’s recently released 2025 Trends Report, 37% of people are choosing to sleep in separate beds from their partners while on vacation, a rising trend dubbed as “sleep divorce.” Although it may seem taboo, over two-thirds of respondents said they actually sleep better when they’re alone.”This shift highlights a growing awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep while on the road, as travelers seek environments that maximize rest,” Amanda Al-Masri, global vice president of wellness at Hilton, told USA TODAY. “Prioritizing self-care and wellness while traveling has been a rising trend for some time – last year, Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found that the desire to rest and recharge is the number one reason people want to travel.”While the word “divorce” or the idea that your partner is the thing getting in the way of a good night’s sleep may imply some sign of relationship trouble, sleeping apart may do the opposite and foster a more meaningful connection between partners, according to Fatemeh Farahan, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles who has seen more of her clients consider sleeping apart.Two couples tried traveling together:Why one split, the other marriedEnjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policiesSince everyone has specific sleep preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing a bed for every relationship. “Couples have higher satisfaction in their relationship when they honor their needs first and are not going by a myth and forcing the idea the old adage that you have to sleep together to actually be intimate – it’s not true,” said Farahan.Here’s why you may want to consider sleeping in separate beds on your next vacation.Sleep your way to a better relationshipImagine this, Farahan posed: you’re on a trip to Paris with your partner, so you obviously want to do all the things: museums, the Eiffel Tower, endless croissants. By the end of the day, you’re both exhausted. However, one of you is a night owl who stays up looking at their phone, while the other is a light sleeper who gets irritated at the blue light in their face. It’s not exactly the makings of a romantic vacation in the City of Lights.Sleeping apart can be a wise solution. “You don’t have to deal with that real close proximity to give you that space to unwind the way you need to,” she said. (This goes for sleeping at home, too.)This especially rings true for those who deal with snoring, conflicting sleep schedules, sleep disorders and different sleep temperature preferences – the main reasons why couples hit the hay in separate beds, according to a survey by Naturepedic of 400 people in healthy relationships who do not share a bed.Research supports the idea that if sleeping separately improves rest, it can also positively impact the quality of a relationship. A 2017 study from The Ohio State University found that couples with sleep problems struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to more conflict, and can be more hostile to each other. When our brain is sleep-deprived, we often end up feeling more stressed, depressed and anxious, which can negatively impact our relationships, according to a 2013 study.When we’re well-rested, our mood improves and we can better show up for our partner. “They actually make more time to make sure they have their moments instead of it being forced,” Farahan said.Farahan suggests couples curious about sleeping apart can start by setting up small rituals to foster “a few minutes of closeness” – such as a good night kiss or having their morning coffee together – before going their separate ways.”The message for me is separate beds can be a really empowering choice for couples who see it as a way to prioritize both rest and connection,” said Farahan.”It’s really about recognizing that sometimes healthiest relationship choices are the ones that acknowledge both partners’ unique needs.”

More travelers are getting a ‘sleep divorce.’ Here’s why.

Travel

For most couples, a romantic getaway includes fancy dinner reservations and sunset strolls along the beach. However, for a growing number of lovers, it also means ending the night in separate beds.According to Hilton’s recently released 2025 Trends Report, 37% of people are choosing to sleep in separate beds from their partners while on vacation, a rising trend dubbed as “sleep divorce.” Although it may seem taboo, over two-thirds of respondents said they actually sleep better when they’re alone.”This shift highlights a growing awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep while on the road, as travelers seek environments that maximize rest,” Amanda Al-Masri, global vice president of wellness at Hilton, told USA TODAY. “Prioritizing self-care and wellness while traveling has been a rising trend for some time – last year, Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report found that the desire to rest and recharge is the number one reason people want to travel.”While the word “divorce” or the idea that your partner is the thing getting in the way of a good night’s sleep may imply some sign of relationship trouble, sleeping apart may do the opposite and foster a more meaningful connection between partners, according to Fatemeh Farahan, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles who has seen more of her clients consider sleeping apart.Two couples tried traveling together:Why one split, the other marriedEnjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policiesSince everyone has specific sleep preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing a bed for every relationship. “Couples have higher satisfaction in their relationship when they honor their needs first and are not going by a myth and forcing the idea the old adage that you have to sleep together to actually be intimate – it’s not true,” said Farahan.Here’s why you may want to consider sleeping in separate beds on your next vacation.Sleep your way to a better relationshipImagine this, Farahan posed: you’re on a trip to Paris with your partner, so you obviously want to do all the things: museums, the Eiffel Tower, endless croissants. By the end of the day, you’re both exhausted. However, one of you is a night owl who stays up looking at their phone, while the other is a light sleeper who gets irritated at the blue light in their face. It’s not exactly the makings of a romantic vacation in the City of Lights.Sleeping apart can be a wise solution. “You don’t have to deal with that real close proximity to give you that space to unwind the way you need to,” she said. (This goes for sleeping at home, too.)This especially rings true for those who deal with snoring, conflicting sleep schedules, sleep disorders and different sleep temperature preferences – the main reasons why couples hit the hay in separate beds, according to a survey by Naturepedic of 400 people in healthy relationships who do not share a bed.Research supports the idea that if sleeping separately improves rest, it can also positively impact the quality of a relationship. A 2017 study from The Ohio State University found that couples with sleep problems struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to more conflict, and can be more hostile to each other. When our brain is sleep-deprived, we often end up feeling more stressed, depressed and anxious, which can negatively impact our relationships, according to a 2013 study.When we’re well-rested, our mood improves and we can better show up for our partner. “They actually make more time to make sure they have their moments instead of it being forced,” Farahan said.Farahan suggests couples curious about sleeping apart can start by setting up small rituals to foster “a few minutes of closeness” – such as a good night kiss or having their morning coffee together – before going their separate ways.”The message for me is separate beds can be a really empowering choice for couples who see it as a way to prioritize both rest and connection,” said Farahan.”It’s really about recognizing that sometimes healthiest relationship choices are the ones that acknowledge both partners’ unique needs.”