The world’s most influential travelers share their must-packs.
In New York City, being a Knicks fan supersedes the energy of devout nuns and the on-court alien in the opposing Spurs’ artillery. To be a Knicks fan is to be deeply afflicted by an addiction to the team’s arduous trek of golden eras, heartbreak, hope, and now, a return to the penultimate stage for the first time since 1999, toting a bid for their first championship since 1973. Live from San Antonio, Jordyn Woods is still coming down from the same emotional ride that gave us a Game 1 win on Wednesday night.
Woods, who is engaged to Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), wants to say the Knicks always surprise her—but they don’t. She’s seen how this team has dedicated their entire lives to this moment, and how hard they’ve all worked to get here. To see their resilience play out in real time is just the cherry on top. “They always find a way,” she laughs in admiration.
Woods herself is nothing less than a multi-hyphenate: entrepreneur and social mogul, of course, but also an extremely passionate traveler—just a slice of her bubbly character that she backs up with undeniable veracity. Traveling is her favorite thing to do with Towns, and they’re never in one place for too long. “We were friends first, and because of that, we just have fun together. When we travel, we don’t stay in the room—we’re never in the room. It will be the nicest room, and we will never be in there. We’re big museum people, art people…we love the history of things and really diving into a culture!”
Like a true Libra, Woods is finding herself maturing into an expert packer, touting a type A aptitude for finding the sweet spot between planning and being spontaneous. As for what she’s packing for Game 3 in New York City on Monday, Woods jokes, “I think I need to pack a comfy outfit so I can sleep in The Garden… I guess it’s like our new home now.” As for what she’s hoping for the Knicks on this historic run? “One game at a time,” she says with confident assurance. “One game at a time.”
The trip
What trip are you unpacking for us?
I’m unpacking my trip to San Antonio for Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, and so far, it’s been a great time seeing the guys continue to push forward, fight, and never lose hope, especially in Game 1. I was excited—slash—nervous to see the Spurs fans here. We have super loyal fans, the best fans in the world, but San Antonio is also up there. I was feeling anxious to see the energy of the crowds, but everyone was super respectful. It’s crazy; we’re all witnessing such a historical ride. In every city we’ve gone to, there’s been at least 100 Knicks fans. They’re always there—any city. They find a way.
No one at these games is too good to get up and cheer, stand, and scream to support the Knicks. New York City is unlike any other place, any other arena I’ve ever seen, or any other fan base. We are all so hyped for this series to continue in New York. Knicks fans are one of a kind.
Is the trip for work or vacation?
A little bit of both. It’s technically a work trip for my fiancé, but I tagged along to support him and be part of such an exciting moment in his career.