Sangwon, a member of the K-pop boy band AlphaDriveOne (ALD1), revealed that a room spray is his absolute must-have item when traveling for overseas schedules.
In a vlog posted on AlphaDriveOne’s official YouTube channel on the 11th, Sangwon turned on the camera in his hotel room after wrapping up his schedule in Chongqing, China. "I'll show you what I packed for this trip to China," he said, pulling favorite items from his suitcase, including potato chips, a scarf, and a room spray.
In particular, Sangwon caught viewers' attention as he misted what he called a "temporary-use room spray" throughout his accommodations. "Hotel rooms usually smell nice, but sometimes they don't," he explained. "I always manage the scent of my room like this."
When stepping into an unfamiliar environment, the impression of that space is often shaped, surprisingly, by its scent. This explains why Sangwon's decision to pack a room spray stands out. Below is a look at the psychological and physical benefits a single fragrance item can bring to an unfamiliar environment.
Seeking Familiar Scents in Unfamiliar Places
For those with highly mobile lifestyles—such as frequent business trips or travel—the odor and atmosphere of an accommodation can affect the quality of rest more than one might expect. Hotel rooms, in particular, often suffer from inadequate ventilation, allowing lingering odors or damp smells to settle into carpets and bedding. In these moments, a light mist of room spray can reduce unpleasant odors and refresh stale air.
The benefits go beyond mere pleasant aromas. The link between scent and condition management lies in the mechanics of olfaction. Olfactory information is directly connected to the brain's limbic system, which governs emotion and memory. Consequently, inhaling a familiar scent can trigger psychological comfort, just as a specific aroma can instantly evoke past memories and emotions.
Recently, a growing number of travelers have begun carrying pillow mists and aroma roll-ons alongside room sprays to establish personal scent routines. Frequently staying in different accommodations can cause fatigue due to varying environments and smells. Utilizing a familiar fragrance helps ease tension in unfamiliar places, making the space feel safer and more comfortable.
For professionals who travel constantly—such as K-pop idols—carrying a small fragrance item has become a vital condition-management routine. Sangwon’s reliance on room spray appears to be more than a simple preference; it is a deliberate habit to maintain physical and mental comfort wherever he goes.
Avoid Overuse in Enclosed Spaces
A stronger fragrance is not inherently better. Overusing fragrance products in enclosed areas can cause scents to trap, leading to headaches, nausea, or throat irritation. Because hotel windows often cannot be opened fully and ventilation may be limited, controlling the amount of spray used is essential.
Rather than spraying multiple areas of a room repeatedly, it is more effective to apply one or two light mists upon arrival and allow the air to circulate. Spraying heavily near bedding due to unpleasant odors can cause the fragrance to come into direct contact with the skin or respiratory tract, requiring caution. Additionally, before applying spray to odor-absorbing textiles like scratches, rugs, or sofas, it is important to verify that the product is labeled safe for fabric use.
Individuals with fragrance sensitivities, allergic rhinitis, asthma, or general allergies should avoid irritating scents. Even citrus or herbal notes, which are widely considered refreshing, can cause adverse reactions depending on individual sensitivities; it is best to test a small amount first. When traveling with children or pets, usage should be minimized further, and care must be taken to ensure they do not inhale the spray directly.
While lavender-based scents are frequently used to promote sleep, they should not be sprayed directly onto pillows immediately before bed. An overwhelming scent can disrupt sleep rather than induce it. Instead, spray the room well in advance to let the fragrance disperse subtly. If any fragrance feels overwhelming, utilizing an unscented deodorizer or opening a window for natural ventilation remains the healthiest alternative.
