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New York Times
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
NASCAR Mailbag: Chicago Street Race's future, Trackhouse's decision and more
With the NASCAR Cup Series pausing for the only time this season before returning for 28 consecutive weeks, now is a good time to tackle reader questions about the sport. And there is no shortage of topics to address. (Editor's note: Questions have been lightly edited for clarity and length.) What is the plan/rumors for the Chicago Street Race date in 2026? Is there another city looming as a frontrunner for a street race, and/or will Chicagoland be back? — Bill H. NASCAR's three-year contract with Chicago to race downtown expires at the end of the current season, with the deal containing options that could see the partnership continue past 2025. It's not clear whether NASCAR will return next year, but there is a growing sense in the garage that it may be time to conclude the partnership — lest diminishing returns begin to set in, much like how the Clash was shifted away from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after three years. Advertisement If NASCAR decides to end its successful first venture to race downtown in a major city, what's next? Does it fill the created hole on the schedule by seeking a new city to host a street-course race, or add another oval? NASCAR has made it clear they want to race in Southern California, with sources involved in the discussions indicating San Diego has been explored as a host for a street-course race. It's unclear if a deal could come together in time for 2026, and there are other markets NASCAR is exploring, including the long-untapped Pacific Northwest. Looking at oval options, a return to the Chicagoland Speedway certainly makes sense for multiple reasons. Although the track is located in Joliet, Illinois, it is still close enough to Chicago for NASCAR to maintain a presence in the United States' third-largest market. That's key. And Chicagoland, at a mile-and-a-half and with a worn surface, is an ideal fit for the Next Gen car, so the likelihood of a stellar race is high. Yes, Chicagoland needs some upgrades, as can be expected for a facility that last hosted a Cup Series race in 2019. But those improvements aren't deemed cost-prohibitive, according to league sources, and would be significantly less than what it costs to build and host a race in downtown Chicago. From this perspective, if the Chicago Street Course isn't on the 2026 schedule and San Diego is a year away, Chicagoland represents a worthy stopgap. What do you think Trackhouse will do with Daniel Suárez at the end of the year? — Michael P. Trackhouse's Cup Series driver lineup next year hinges on whether the team feels 18-year-old wonderkid Connor Zilisch is ready for a promotion after just one year in the Xfinity Series. So far, he's lived up to the hype that accompanied his arrival with one win and ranking third in laps led. Advertisement If Trackhouse elevates Zilisch, they would need to decide who to keep between Suárez or Shane van Gisbergen. (Ross Chastain has multiple years remaining on his contract.) A case could be made for and against either driver. But Trackhouse also needs to demonstrate to Suárez it can provide him with consistently competitive equipment. Last summer, when Suárez announced he would return to Trackhouse in 2025, the driver made it known he opted for a one-year extension because he wanted to see the team, which once consistently fielded some of the fastest cars on the track, pull itself out of a performance downturn. Of course, all this could be moot if Zilisch stays in Xfinity for a second year. In this instance, the runway is clear for Trackhouse to bring back both Suárez and van Gisbergen, kicking any decision a year down the road. Do you expect Dodge to return to the Cup Series? If so, what team(s) are most likely to switch manufacturers? Possibly Trackhouse? — Rich S. As The Athletic reported in February, Dodge is preparing to return to NASCAR in 2026 in the Truck Series. The manufacturer is then expected to advance to the Cup Series in short order — sources involved in the discussions say anywhere between one to three years is a reasonable timeline. An official announcement on these plans is anticipated sometime this summer. Which teams will align with Dodge upon its arrival in Cup is to be determined. Looking at the current landscape, Trackhouse is an intriguing team any new manufacturer would want within its ranks. The team has shown it can win races, nearly won the 2022 championship, plus has a forward-thinking owner in Justin Marks whose approach would benefit a new manufacturer seeking to create an impression. It also wouldn't hurt Trackhouse to leave Chevrolet, where it will forever be underneath the Hendrick Motorsports juggernaut, to be a manufacturer's flagship team. Advertisement How well do you think the Next Gen car would perform at Rockingham? Any plans on bringing the Cup Series back there soon? — Mathew P. It has been reported that the Xfinity Series has sold out the Rockingham race this weekend. When was the last time the Xfinity Series sold out a race? How does this help play into a future Cup Series return? — Connor C. Rockingham was once a mainstay on the Cup schedule before dropping off after the 2004 season and effectively closing its doors before reopening to host a single Truck Series race during the 2012 and 2013 seasons — though both were sparsely attended. And much like longtime fans pined for North Wilkesboro Speedway to again land a Cup date, there is a contingent of fans who'd like Rockingham to follow suit. But should Rockingham be considered for a Cup race? It's complicated. First and foremost, fans need to attend. And not just this weekend but for future races as well, even after the novelty wears off. Even then, a look at the map shows why it's hard to see how Rockingham fits on the current Cup calendar. Presently, there are five tracks (Bowman Gray, Charlotte, Darlington, Martinsville and North Wilkesboro) two hours or less from NASCAR's Charlotte, N.C., hub that host a combined eight races. This means 21 percent of the 38-race schedule is concentrated in this region. If NASCAR wants to expand its footprint across North America, adding to that logjam won't help. If the racing proves exceptional and the crowd support is stupendous, maybe NASCAR finds a way to slot in Rockingham on a future Cup schedule. But right now, the best-case scenario is for fans to enjoy Rockingham for what it is now, not wonder about future possibilities. Regarding the last time an Xfinity Series race sold out, that would be last summer at Iowa Speedway. How does NASCAR fix its attendance problem? On TV, it looked like Bristol and Martinsville were empty. — Rich S. On the podcast, you often mention how much NASCAR is sustained by the TV money. To what degree? How thin are NASCAR's margins because they've been willing to spend lots of money for new exploits (Chicago, L.A. Coliseum, Mexico City, etc.) — Jonathan P. Advertisement With NASCAR not publicizing attendance figures, it's hard to know if the sport is facing a bigger overall problem or if Bristol and Martinsville should be considered outliers. But any time this issue comes up, context matters. The weather was a factor; the forecast leading into Martinsville called for rain, which likely hurt walkup sales, and Bristol was both rainy and cold. Hard to fault fans for not wanting to come out for either race, and each track also has a second date that tends to resonate more with the ticket-buying public. While having packed grandstands is important, it's not the most important factor in NASCAR's current health. The best barometer is television ratings, and on this front, the sport is doing well this season. Even though viewership was down this week, Bristol still was the second-most watched sport of the weekend, trailing only the Masters on CBS and ESPN, per data shared by NASCAR. That NASCAR routinely ranks as the first- or second-most watched sport during the spring and holds its own against the NFL in the fall is why it recently signed a record media rights deal that generates billions. And this revenue is the lifeblood of the sport, allowing NASCAR to construct a purpose-built oval inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for $1 million-plus and a street circuit in downtown Chicago for an estimated $50 million. When do you think the schedule will be coming out for next year, and where is one place you think would be a great fit to see them race? — Trevor S. The schedule is typically released late summer, early fall. Expect a similar timeline this year. As for which track not already on the schedule that would be a worthy addition, Chicagoland is the one that immediately jumps out. In its final years, it had evolved into a great showcase for what stock car racing should look like on an intermediate track and this was even with the previous generation of cars that didn't often perform well on this type of track. Imagine how well the Next Gen car would do there. Advertisement Is Matt Kenseth still working with Legacy Motor Club? I remember seeing him a few times at the track after the announcement that he had joined the team, but haven't heard anything recently. — Kevin K. Yes, Matt Kenseth is still working with Legacy Motor Club on the competition side, where his many duties include effectively serving as a coach for LMC drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek. Kenseth was spotted inside one of the LMC haulers this past weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. (Top photo of the 2024 Chicago Street Race: Ben Hsu / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)


Buzz Feed
15-03-2025
- Buzz Feed
If You Get Bored And Uncomfortable On Long Flights, These 24 Products Are For You
1. An external battery with a built-in cord, because name a worse feeling than your phone slowly dying and you have nothing to charge it with mid-air — and you still have an episode of White Lotus to watch. This can charge your phone up to two times, so you can avoid staring at the flight tracker as your only form of entertainment! Promising review:"Cleared TSA at Portland, Vancouver, and Tokyo as carry-on. 30w output kept my laptop charged and running throughout an 11-hour trans-pacific flight (the reason for purchase). Heads-up: 20,000mAh unit weighs close to a pound, so you've got to be good with that." — Bill H. Get it from Amazon for $16.09+ (available in four colors). 2. A seat-back organizer so you can place your snacks, drinks, magazines, headphones, and tablet in a convenient spot. (Yes, it can fit all of that!) Switching from streaming to reading has never been easier because digging around your filled-to-the-brim carry-on is simply a hassle. You'll stay entertained your entire flight *and* super organized. Airplane Pockets is a small business that created this organizer to make flying easier. Promising review:"I super-duper love this organizer!!! I will never fly again without it. Have you read the stories about how yucky airplane seat pouches can be? Did you know that they never get truly cleaned and sanitized? The final drop for me was when I heard of someone putting her hand into the pocket to retrieve her stuff, and it was covered in vomit. That was it! I bought this organizer within a couple of seconds, and I'm so happy I did! It works great! It's very easy to use. I was able to put everything I needed in the pockets: my tablet, a book, an eye mask, an antiseptic, a water bottle... everything was at my fingertips (I did not have to open my under-seat bag and search for stuff). Even more importantly, everything was tidy, organized, and CLEAN! After landing, I just folded it and put it in my bag. Easy! If you are flying, this has to be one of your essential items. Your ID, boarding pass, and the airplane pocket." — justinglen Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 3. An LED reading light because at least one person on your flight will let out a frustrated sigh if you turn on the overhead light above your seat halfway over the Atlantic. This will make sure you can still read your fantasy romance novel without disrupting people's shut-eye. A true win-win! Promising review:"I was able to bend this small light to my book on a long flight from Florida to Washington State. So nice to be able to read without disturbing the person next to me!!!" — debbie frankenfield Promising review: "Okay, you may look like a nerd wearing this light on a flight, but it is lightweight, flexible, and has brightness adjustability. Easy to recharge. Terrific for hotels when one needs to find the bathroom in the middle of the night. I bought them for my entire family. The colors are nice, too. Kids and adults are thrilled with them." — Seashore Sal Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven colors and two sizes). 4. AirFly for anyone with Bluetooth headphones who wants to comfortably watch the free movies during their longgg flights (so, everyone). Now you can marathon-watch every blockbuster film you missed in the theaters wearing your fave comfy or noise-canceling headphones! Just plug the headphone jack into the plane's TV and connect your headphones! It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual. Twelve South is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. Promising review:"This is essential for long flights. I love to wear my AirPods for music and being able to connect my AirPods with the in-flight entertainment is just perfect. I'd definitely recommend this." — Leonardo N. Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three styles and three colors). 5. Or a hands-free (rotating!) phone mount if your plane is ~old-school~ and you assumed all planes in 2025 had TVs these days... Newsflash: they don't. 🥲 You can *still* enjoy the comfort of looking up-right at a screen by mounting this onto the tray table. You'll have a comfortable viewing experience without having to prop your phone up yourself (and straining your neck in the process). Perilogics is a small business. Promising review: " MOST ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PRODUCT YOU'LL EVER OWN!! If you travel at all on a plane….this will be the BEST purchase you will ever make! Holds your phone in numerous ways so that you're not looking down to watch a movie on your phone." — AvgJoe Promising review: " Made a long flight so much better. I bought two of these for my family to use on a recent flight. At first, I was not so sure how well they would hold our phones in place as they seemed to be all plastic and perhaps cheap. I was happily surprised that they could be pivoted to use as either a tray stand or eye-level stand using the seat back in front of you. So nice to have your hands free and to not have to be looking down. The guy across the aisle asked me where I got it after he had to hold his phone to watch his movie. This was worth the money!" — Tahoe Dude Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in eight colors and two-packs). 6. A mini size of Tower 28 Daily Rescue facial spray so you can keep red, irritated skin at bay without having to whip out drippy sheet masks. The air mid-flight is dry so spritzing this on can help keep your skin more soothed and hydrated. This has hypochlorous acid in it, which is an antibacterial ingredient! Tower 28 is a LA-based woman-owned small business that creates nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types. Promising review:"I love this product — it has absolutely changed my skin for the better. My skin feels hydrated and clean, and I swear it makes my other products work better. I never get on a plane without the travel size in my purse. It is especially wonderful for long-haul flights." — erinemily Get the mini size from Amazon, Sephora, or Tower 28 for $12 (also available in a larger size). 7. A set of soft silicone earplugs because the sometimes painful ear popping that happens when you take off or land is the last thing you want to deal with. And if you're going across the sea, there will definitely be some altitude changes, so these can come in handy. It may seem unnecessary, but more than 3,900 reviewers gave these a 5-star review! Promising review:"I have to first say, I had a few steps in my anti-ear popping process. First, I took a decongestant starting 48 hours before my flight going by the regiment on the box. The day before my flight, I used Debrox to unclog my ears according to the regiment on the box. The day of my flight I put the Earplanes in while we were on the ground and kept them in the entire flight. When I say I had NO EAR POPPING!!! I was on a long flight with a layover, and for the first leg, I had a little popping (like a painless crackle), but for the rest of the flight and the return, I had absolutely no popping. For one of my flights. I didn't even realize we were landing because I was watching movies with no pain! I have used ear plugs before but there is something about Earplanes that set them apart from regular ear plugs. I normally get really painful popping (I mean scared to sneeze or cough because they hurt so bad), but I had absolutely no pain. I will be using this combination EVERY TIME I fly from now on." — jahnese Get a pack of one from Amazon for $7.89. 8. A sleeping mask so if the person at the window *insists* on keeping their shade open, you won't really care because these are like black-out shades for your eyes. They're comfortable, adjustable, and better than your average sleep mask because you can actually blink in them. Can someone say game changer!? Amazon Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you! Promising review:"Purchased this recently for a long haul flight and really enjoyed it. I was able to get some really cozy rest using this. Highly recommend." — Max Promising review: "This is an essential travel item for me. I purchased to use for travel. Best sleep on a flight I've EVER had. It helps me zone out. Loaned them to my daughter for her trip to Hawaii. She can NEVER fall asleep on flights but with these, she slept like a baby! Adjustable and lightweight. Carrying bag can easily be dropped into travel tote or carry-on luggage." — Sharee A. Armstrong Get the set from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in eight colors). 9. A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase that your kids will be *obsessed* with because not only can they ride it, but they can also prop their feet up on it during the flight *and* relax on the (included) bed-like cushion. They'll have so much fun rolling around on this that they'll only ask, "Are we there yet?" so they can get back on their ride! Amazon, stokkejetkids / Via It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy. Promising review:"Bought this a few weeks ago so my 2 1/2 year old could have a ride since her 9-month-old sister is in the stroller, and she loved it just as much as me. With the bedding, we were able to fit two baby blankets, snacks, and a few activities for her for the long flight, and it worked great. My girl was able to take a LONG NAP while lying down. I was a bit skeptical, but I went for i,t and I'm glad I did!" — Wendy B Get it from Amazon for $183.20+ (available in nine colors). 10. A set of affordable wireless Bluetooth earbuds so you can enjoy your movies, shows, and songs (that make you feel like you're in a music video) in total comfort thanks to the squishy ear tips. Because *nothing's* worse than having to massage your ears from using hard plastic earbuds a couple of hours into the flight. The earbuds themselves can play for up to four hours on a full charge, which means you'll have to recharge mid-flight, but reviewers say the case charges quickly! Promising review:"I bought these for a long flight, and the sound was great and canceled out the noise around me. Very impressed given the price point!" — Kelsey Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port, so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing, and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" — Kate Arnold Get it from Amazon $24.99+ (available in five colors). 11. Or wireless sleep headphones that *won't* hurt your ears thanks to the thin, super-soft headband. (How cool is that?) You can play white noise or music for up to 10 hours, which means you can get a full night's rest on the plane without them dying on you! The headphones connect via Bluetooth and have 33 feet of wireless range. Promising review: "I love this headband! I use it multitude of ways. I use it to put on music while helping me go to sleep. I use it as a sleeping eye mask. I use it as a headband to cover my ears in the cold weather. I also use it skiing to help with warmth and play music without the worry that my headphones will pop out. This headband has quickly become one of my favorite travel essentials." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 20 colors). 12. A pair of compression socks for absurdly long flights because they're designed to help with circulation and reduce swelling. Reviewers say they're not too tight, feel comfortable, and can help legs feel more energized — which is *just* what you want when you step off that plane! Read more about compression socks for travel at Johns Hopkins and HuffPost. Promising review:"These socks do the job and have become essential travel gear for my wife and me. They help prevent tired and bloated feet and legs on long flights and ensure our feeling safe from the attendant risks of poor circulation from lack of movement on these fights (which we take regularly). Have immediately purchased pairs for friends." — Burt Get them from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors). 13. Or a shorter version if you don't feel like wrapping your entire legs in snugly fit socks. It'll still help with swelling — even people with plantar fasciitis wear these for flights! Promising review:"This is my third pair over five years, and I love these socks. I still have and use my first pair. They reduce my ankle swellings and are comfortable to wear all day and on long flights. I would highly recommend." — AGP Promising review: "You need to use these compression foot sleeves when you take a plane. I travel a lot and always have a pair with me." — Ines Chabert Get them from Amazon for $6.56+ (available in four sizes and 11 colors). 14. A 2-in-1 travel blanket and pillow because it covers all of your sleeping needs in one little compact square. After you wake up from your nap, turn that comfy pillow into a blanket so you stay warm for the rest of your flight. Because it can get FREEZING when you're sky high — am I the only one who notices the little ice on airplane windows?! Promising review: " I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight, and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane, and when the blanket is folded into the pillow, it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." — Robynn Get it from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in seven colors). 15. An inflatable footrest reviewers love for their children because it helps them sleep better on long flights. It can be inflated to three heights, so it's good for adults too! Plus, it comes with an eye mask and earplugs, so say hello to snoozeville, because their population just went by up one. It also comes with a drawstring bag and dust cover so it stays in great condition as you travel! Promising review:"This footrest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat upfront, this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane." — Yvonne N Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four colors and a pack of 2). 16. A comfy Trtl pillow with an ergonomic design so you can sleep upright and not have to deal with your head falling forward every 10 minutes. It's slimmer and more compact than typical neck pillows, so it's much easier to pack! Amazon Promising review:"I travel on international and domestic flights quite a bit and have tried different kinds of travel 'pillows.' This is by far my favorite. I've read lots of reviews about an inferior brand. The first time I ordered the Trtl Pillow, I received the style most people prefer: the three-finger style. Anyway, it's an amazing product, and it really helps me actually sleep on long flights! I won't use anything else now. It fits in my backpack fine, but I can also strap it to the outside if I'm packed full. I bought it on the recommendation of a friend who also uses one for long-distance air travel. I'll also be taking this on car trips as well!" — M. Summers Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in six colors). And check out our full Trtl Pillow review here. 17. Or a twist memory foam pillow that's way better than your current U-shaped one because you can bend it into any configuration you want. The cover is super soft and can even be washed if it gets gross — which is very possible after eating the in-flight meals. Amazon Promising review:"I seriously can't believe I lived without this pillow! It's been a game-changer for my long flights and road trips. Super comfy and adjustable, it gives my neck all the support it needs. Plus, it's easy to clean, which is a big win. I even use it at home while marathon-watching. Definitely a travel essential for anyone who wants to snooze comfortably!!" — Edwin Bachelor Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in eleven colors, five sizes, and in a set of two). 18. Or an inflatable travel and neck pillow reviewers say only takes a couple of puffs to blow up, so you won't be out of breath before naptime. It's basically like a body pillow, but it attaches to you, so it won't slip out from under you as you count sheep. Plus, it rolls up super compactly and even attaches to suitcase handles. Amazon Promising review:" This is an AMAZING travel essential. I travel 50% for work and have never found a better pillow companion. It's compact, it's lightweight, stays inflated, and is WAY WAY better than those neck pillows they sell at the airport. I've already gotten another three people to purchase them because they loved mine so much. The pillow alone is very comfortable, but the pillow cover is worth the extra cost to make washing it easier, and takes this A+ product to an A++ product." — Jocelyn Get it from Amazon for $29.95. 19. *ORR* an inflatable wedge pillow that's way larger and even allows you to watch something off your phone through the little face hole. So after you get some much-needed rest, you can watch your downloaded content in a super comfy way! Promising review:"I am a very frequent traveler and had lived through many 13+ hour flights prior to purchasing this pillow. After using it for the first time on my 13 hour flight to Tokyo, I will never fly without it again! It was comfortable not only for sleeping leaning forward, but also for leaning against the window on the larger international plane. If you're traveling with a companion, it was also very comfortable being used between two people. I especially love how there are holes for your arms and can be used at different angles/positions. It made for a very restful flight overall." — Elizabeth B Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 20. A HappyLuxe travel wrap if you want a scarf as you travel to the airport and then a blanket as you get chilly three hours into the flight. You'll easily transition from a comfy traveler to a stylish fashionista as you step off the plane! Promising review:" This is truly the best purchase I have ever made for travel and life in general!! It is the perfect size and is so soft and packable! I was able to stay warm on a very long flight. I have used it as a beach cover-up, a shawl in chilly restaurants, and the office environment, a scarf. In a pinch, I wore it as a top over a cami with jeans for an impromptu girls' night out. It has also been used for an infant who needed to be snuggled and comforted. I have purchased one for a friend who travels frequently, and she also loves it! I am planning on ordering several more for friends and family for Christmas presents!!" — tk1 Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in nine colors). 21. A Melissa & Doug Water Wow! pad for a mess-free, entertaining activity that every kid will love when their iPad is just not cutting it — and you're not even halfway there yet. This will blow away standard markers and coloring books since the pens (full of water) actually color in the *reusable* pages! Promising review:"Got this for a trip and my son loved it! Kept him busy for a while and that is what you need for a six-hour flight. Highly recommend as it's not messy and easy to travel with." — Natalya E. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in nine bundles). 22. A freezable snack box so you can keep your perishable snacks in perfect condition for the entirety of your travel day. Its built-in cooling technology is so effective that reviewers trust it to keep everything from your child's snacks to insulin nice and cool. Promising review:"I love these bags!!! They stay frozen for a long time and hold a good bit. My son loves cheese, and we were traveling to Asia, so I bought this to take cheese for him on the 13-hour flight. It fit over four packs of cheese sticks and had room to spare. I'd highly recommend this for anyone who needs chilled snacks on the go!" — Jasy Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 15 colors and prints). 23. A brilliant hoodie from Pond Los Angeles you'll want for any long flight because it's soft, cozy, and comes with an eye mask *built-in* to the hood — how fab? This is the ultimate travel hoodie you didn't know you needed... 'til now. Pond Los Angeles Plus, it has a hidden pocket inside the kangaroo pocket to safely hold your valuables (phone, keys, headphone case). Reviewers say it has an oversized fit, so size down if you want a snugger fit. Pond Los Angeles is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that creates bags and clothing perfect for traveling. Promising review:"This is the perfect hoodie to bring on a trip. It's an absolute must-take for the flight with the built-in eye mask — and it's super comfy to wear around. I accidentally spilled a glass of wine all over the sweatshirt but the stain came out with no issue. Bought a second one for me and as a gift for another avid traveler." — Jackie D. Get it from Pond Los Angeles for $128 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in four colors). 24. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband for the easily nauseous or occasional barfer on planes who needs a helping hand. This is designed to hit an acupressure point that can help reduce nausea and even motion sickness the next time turbulence gets a little... ~turbulent~. The band applies pressure on the P6 acupressure point that is said to help relieve nausea and vomiting. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Promising reviews:"They really work for me. I like to travel but do not like to take flights because I get sick on planes all the time. I used them on a 15-hour long flight, and I didn't get sick from the very first time I was on a flight. Furthermore, one day I woke up in the morning with severe dizziness and could not stand up. I laid back down to the bed and put them on. It was amazing. I was able to stand up after 10 minutes and felt like nothing happened. I would recommend everyone who has the same issue to try these." — Grace Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.40.