After spending three months travelling solo through Japan, I’ve created a two-week food tour for anyone wanting to taste the country’s best flavours. From Tokyo’s sushi and ramen to Osaka’s famous street food and Fukuoka’s rich miso soups, this guide takes you through Japan’s most delicious regions with travel tips, local dishes and must-try experiences along the way.
It all started somewhere between Johannesburg and Paris. I’d been visiting my grandmother in South Africa and also Victoria Falls — spending time between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It had been a lot of travelling, the kind that leaves you feeling equal parts inspired and exhausted. I'd had an unforgettable time but I was ready for my own bed again.
When I finally boarded my flight home, I found myself in the middle seat. Eleven hours ahead, no window, no aisle, and a neighbour who began snoring before take-off. The cabin lights dimmed, the air settled into that steady hum — and that’s when I started to notice the habits of those beside me.
The airline blanket offered had a slight toxic smell and felt like it had been washed a thousand times. Yet, a surprising amount of fellow passengers around me had pulled their blankets over their heads, forming little tents to block the light. I relented and tried it too — but within minutes I was overheating. I remember actually recording a short video on my phone saying, “There has to be a better way.”
That’s where the first sketches of the Plane Hoodie (SYD) were born. Over the following months, I experimented endlessly with the neck pillow element — easily the trickiest part to get right, both functionally and visually. It took a lot of iterations, air miles and patience, but we finally had something we were super proud of.
Today, the Plane Hoodie (SYD) is everything I wished I’d had on that flight. The hood is super soft and blocks out the light perfectly (no blanket needed). The hidden passport pocket on the left chest keeps your essentials close. The kangaroo fleece pockets add another layer of coziness. Inside, you’ll find waist adjusters and the black metal zips give it a premium, durable finish. Made from 100% cotton, the hoodie is thermoregulating, designed for that cabin sweet spot of around 22°C at a purposeful 330 GSM — not too hot, not too cold. On long-haul flights I can confidently say: it makes all the difference.
Our designs will keep evolving — because every flight sparks a new idea.
So who's running things behind the scenes? Well, we thought we'd introduce you to the crew. Four awesome people, all born in different countries, but who share a love for all things travel and adventure. We asked Nick, Dinne, Ciara and Temi so quickfire travel themed questions -
Nick
Top 3 Favourite Countries? South Africa, Italy and Greece
Best Travel Story? Christmas Eve in Shanghai
Window or Aisle? Window
Carry On or Checked? Carry on always
Next Dream Trip? Uganda, Gorilla trek
Dinne
Top 3 Favourite Countries? Japan, Italy and Indonesia
Best Travel Story? Thailand Latern Festival
Window or Aisle? Window of courseee
Carry On or Checked? Checked; I'm a girl lol
Next Dream Trip? Diving in the Philippines
Ciara
Top 3 Favourite Countries? China, Portugal and Vietnam
Best Travel Story? The Tibetan Monks
Window or Aisle? Aisle, I’m a fidget
Carry On or Checked? Carry on; I've got places to be
Next Dream Trip? Tanzania, Kilimanjaro
Temi
Top 3 Favourite Countries? Greece, Nigeria and The Netherlands
Best Travel Story? The Sahara Desert Flat Tyre
Window or Aisle? Window
Carry On or Checked? Carry on for lifeeee
Next Dream Trip? Japan / Norway
