The Most Underrated Travel Essential

When people give advice about travel essentials, they tend to focus on things like noise canceling headphones, portable chargers, international adapter, and so on. On my current trip, I'm dealing with that.

I forgot to pack a hoodie or sweatshirt

I am on a review trip that will take me to New Zealand and more. Since I don't want him to feel stressed, I only packed for my trip shortly before I left. I try to do more vanishing acts.

My last minute packing is not an issue as I am not a fashion forward person. It's just a matter of putting underwear and socks in my bag and figuring out which of my clothes I want to wear. I suppose I could pack in my sleep.

I realized I didn't have a hoodie, a sweatshirt, or a long-sleeve top when I arrived at Miami Airport.

Why a hoodie is important for travel

It is good to have warm clothes if you are outside. I am going to New Zealand at the end of winter, which is a bit cooler than Miami.

The use of a hoodie goes far beyond just being needed in cold climates for me.

• Airport terminals are often kept ridiculously cold, especially Miami Airport; in summer I feel like it’s a 25+ degree temperature drop when you step inside, and it’s consistently the airport where I feel the coldest
• Airplanes are often cold as well, and on top of that when you’re exhausted, you’re more likely to feel cold
• If you’re flying, a hoodie that you can just bunch up makes a great pillow; this is useful if you’re on a flight where pillows aren’t offered, but it’s even useful for extra support if you have a pillow
• If I’m trying to rest in a non-flat bed airplane seat, I find that having the “hood” up is ideal for sleeping; you can rest your head against the headrest “widget” with your hoodie, and it’s about as comfortable as you’ll get

Over the last few days, I have thought to myself how nice it would be to have a hoodie. I haven't been to an area with any shopping, and I'm looking in airport terminal for them. I haven't found anything similar to the $500+ duty free sweater at the designer shop at the airport.

I like to spend most of my time in a hoodie, as it is always how I am.

Bottom line

I don't travel without a hoodie, but I feel more strongly about this than other people. It comes in handy wherever I go. I would choose the latter if I could only travel with a hoodie or headphones.

Is there a single person who is almost always on #Team Hoodie when traveling?