Crowne Plaza began testing new “Snore Absorption Rooms” at select hotels in Europe. The rooms feature sound proof walls and headboards, anti-snoring pillows and white noise machines. Personally, I’ve never been kept awake by a snoring neighbor but I have been disturbed by noise countless times. I’m all for anything that helps travelers sleep better.

mTrip is a cool travel app that can help you plan your next vacation. Just type in your dates, your hotel and the types of attractions you like and not only will mTrip offer suggestions, but once you decide where you want to go it will plan out your day using maps to decide how to maximize your time. The app is $6/city and is currently available for 31 international cities. Daily updates are free.

I have a friend who is a fellow National Park lover and every year, he and I keep track of all the people who get killed in the parks. We are always struck by how careless people can be, especially around wild animals. I read these tips today in The Week magazine on how to survive a bear encounter and thought it might be helpful to those of you visiting a place with wildlife:

-Be Noisy and Travel in Groups

-Stand Tall and Don’t Run

-Protect Your Face

-Always Carry Bear Spray

As someone with some experience in this subject, my best advice is to be aware of your surroundings, obey all signs and don’t do anything stupid. If something seems dangerous, it probably is. Follow your instincts. When it comes to things like this….you don’t often get a second chance.