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The 12 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Pillows We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, going camping, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

Infinity Pillow

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that this one can contort in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. Our only note is that it's not a firm neck pillow like memory foam options, so it's not the most supportive if that's what you're looking for, but it still offers sufficient cushioning for keeping the neck upright. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Best With Seat Strap

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place to prevent it from slipping around or falling off.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted — though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Most Supportive

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Pluto Pillow Pod

Pluto Pillow

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays. While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

A silk pillow is the way to go to protect your hair and skin throughout your travels.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable to prevent overheating. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric and noticed that we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable carrying case), as well as the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. Even after being rolled up and stuffed into its carrying case, this pillow quickly unfolds back to its original shape.

The Details: Memory foam | 9 x 7 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

One side of the pillow has extra cushioning, and you can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

Sleep Number

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Best for Camping

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

This mini pillow is ultra-durable and fit for rustic adventuring.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and you can compress it down to easily transport it to the great outdoors, making sleeping in a tent more comfortable than ever. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap that you can use to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | 15 x 11 x 5 inches | Machine washable

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxurious soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Our Travel + Leisure team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

After testing the pillows on journeys like cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and are more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. There are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp  is a New York-based commerce writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 11 Very Best Travel Pillows

Because in-flight sleep is possible, even in the middle seat..

In this article

Best travel pillow overall.

• Best less-expensive
• Best memory-foam
• Best inflatable
• Best for specific seats
• Best for sleeping on the tray table
• Best for traveling with kids

While buying a travel pillow at the airport is always an option, I’ve been sleeping much better on planes since I started planning my in-flight sleep routine ahead of time. A good travel pillow also suits your sleeping position, especially if you’re a side sleeper who tends to get stuck in the dreaded middle seat. It should pair well with a light-blocking eye mask as well as earplugs to drown out engine noise. And the best travel pillows are not only comfortable but also easy to pack — they shouldn’t be a nuisance once you arrive at your destination.

To find travel pillows for every kind of sleeper and traveler, my fellow Strategist travel writer, Rachael Griffiths, and I asked frequent fliers for their picks, then tested those out for ourselves on both long-haul and domestic flights. We also spoke to chiropractors about the science behind travel pillows. While you’re here, you may want to check out my guides to the best carry-on luggage and the best refillable toiletry bottles .

What we’re looking for

First, consider the type of travel pillow you’re interested in: U-shaped versions that go around the neck or traditional flat pillows that have been shrunken down for portability are most common. U-shaped pillows are designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck — “It’s that move to sort of pinch the cell phone between your shoulder and ear,” says Dr. Carla Fischer , the director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center. That bending to the side, she says, is the most important thing to prevent, but not everyone sleeps in the same position or has the same concerns, so I’ve included several styles in this story.

Below you’ll find pillows made with memory foam, filled with beads, or are inflatable — each of which has its own pros. Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, founder of Bed-Stuy Chiropractic, believes that memory foam is the most “accommodating” when it comes to travel. When I asked her what she meant, she explained that “if you get a medium to medium-firm memory-foam sort of pillow, it accommodates you, but it doesn’t let you dig into it too much.”

When it comes to thickness “the sides should come up to the height of your earlobes,” says Wainani Arnold , founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines. “The back of the neck pillow should be flat or only as thick as the distance between the back of your neck to the back of your head (one to two inches). If it is too thick in the back, the pillow will push your neck forward from the chair too much and will potentially dump your head back, which is not ideal for your neck.”

Packability

Between a carry-on and a personal item, both stuffed to the brim, finding room for something as large as a pillow can be cumbersome. The most packable among travel pillows are the inflatable ones. Others filled with memory foam or cotton are a little trickier to deal with — but are likely more comfortable. This is a trade-off, depending on how long your flight is. And often, neck pillows often have a snap closure at the front that can easily be used to secure it to the handle of your suitcase.

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: No fill | Thickness: Thin | Packability: Easy

This is the travel pillow I use when I journey from New York City to my hometown of Perth, Western Australia. That’s about 23 hours of flying, and I’ll spend at least half of that time sleeping peacefully thanks to the Trtl. This device is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar and achieves the main goal of a neck pillow — preventing lateral bending in the neck — thanks to the plastic brace stowed inside its padding. You can adjust this brace and choose which side you prefer nodding off toward.

Griffiths is also a Trtl fan. “The first time I tested out the Trtl, I was out like a light,” she says. “The brace’s angle hits just right: There is no sloping so much that your neck bends unnaturally, but it’s supportive enough for you to relax into a decent sleep.” Lauren Maternowski, editor at Pack Hacker, likes that it allows her to fully lean against the seat’s headrest, and former Strategist staffer Rosie Percy also found that with the adjustable Trtl she was “able to sleep through a flight for the first time in my adult life, touching down feeling refreshed and without a crick in my neck.” The Points Guy’s travel editor, Madison Blancaflor, says the Trtl is the only way to survive long-haul flights in economy. And Scott Keyes of Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights) also echoes all this praise: “What I like about it is its versatility. It lets you sleep decently even if you’re in the middle seat, and this one is small enough to easily tuck into your backpack.”

Best less-expensive travel pillow

Shape: Neck and lumbar pillow | Fill: Not listed | Thickness: 2 inches | Packability: Average

If you aren’t exactly sure if you’ll need neck support or lumbar support, a convertible pillow like this might be your best bet. This neck pillow folds up into a square-shaped pillow that can then be used on your lower back or up against a window. It can also be rolled up into the built-in pocket for storage — which is great for saving space and also shielding the pillow from any germs in the airport. Taryn White of The Trip Wish List tells me it has teeny pockets for earbuds, gum, and mints, a big pro if you usually find yourself rummaging around to find your essentials mid-flight. It has a less convenient hook (compared to a strap) to secure it to your luggage, but the snaps that close the front of the pillow provide another option for strapping it on. I couldn’t track down the fill used in this pillow, but the general consensus from reviewers is that it is “firm but not too hard for me and my aching neck” (according to one reviewer on the Bed,Bath & Beyond website).

Best memory-foam travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Memory foam | Thickness: 5 inches | Packability: Easy

I’ll admit that sometimes I cheat on my Trtl with Cabeau’s more traditional-looking travel pillow, which is a vast improvement on the ones you can buy at the airport. It’s a U shape, but with slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping (and supports your jaw to prevent open-mouth breathing, says travel blogger Carmen Sognovi ). It’s made from memory foam, and it has a flattened back, which allows it to be flush with the chair. This helps your spine align with the chair for more comfort (according to Fitzpatrick). But the best feature is the adjustable strap that fastens the travel pillow to a headrest — which prevents you from flopping forward once you’re sound asleep. Once I’m locked into my Cabeau, I have no choice but to sleep, and I’ve successfully snored away for countless hours while wearing it. I’ll also note that while it takes up more space than the Trtl, the Cabeau stuffs easily into a surprisingly chic circular bag that clips to the outside of my backpack or over the luggage handle of my suitcase.

Best inflatable travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: Adjustable | Easy to pack

The same brand also makes an inflatable version of its travel pillow — and though I generally don’t like inflatable pillows, this one is a good option. It inflates to five inches thick but is just the size of a soda can when deflated. Just like the memory-foam pillow, this one has a flat back to help keep your neck in line with the seat, and it has a neck strap to keep your head super-stable. “They are a bit higher than most neck pillows and have a special toggle you can connect and tighten so the pillow doesn’t fall off,” says Jennifer Lachs of Digital Nomad Girls . Lachs admits that the memory-foam pillow above is “even more comfortable,” but the inflatable is better if you want to travel light. (Initially, I thought that inflatable was synonymous with adjustable — the more air you put in, the taller it will be, and less air will make it less firm — but Fischer said it’s a bad idea to not fill up these pillows all the way, as that’s not how they were designed to be used.)

Best inflatable travel lumbar pillow

Shape: Lumbar pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 2 inches | Packability: Easy

Here’s a different type of travel pillow — it’s designed for lumbar (rather than neck) support. As a WFH-er who’s rather particular about ergonomic office chairs , I notice the lack of lumbar support on airport seats whether it’s long- or short-haul flights. “In a proper chair, the lumbar part should actually push out to support that curve in your low back, but they don’t do that on planes, because if they did, it would affect their seating, so a lot of them curve in,” says Dr. Jared Hoffman of Williamsburg Chiropractic . His recommended solution is this pillow that inflates to two inches thick and reduces stress on the joints and discs of your lower back by supporting that lower-back curve. Hoffman not only recommends it to patients but says “this I have used personally and I think it’s one of the best products I’ve come across.” And as it’s inflatable, it’s super-easy to travel with — just deflate and roll into your bag once you disembark.

Best travel pillow for the middle seat

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 3.5 inches | Packability: Easy

This inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, and it gives you something to loll your head against (apart from the person sitting next to you). On a recent flight to Italy, Griffiths chose the dreaded middle seat on purpose to see how well the Travelrest really works. “I’m obsessed with this hideous inflatable golf club,” says travel writer Teddy Minford, who first told us about the unique travel pillow. “It creates something to lean against, even if you’re in the middle seat.” After testing it, Griffiths agrees with Minford that the pillow gives you something to rest your head against — and she successfully managed to get a few hours of sleep on her early flight. Though she felt herself sloping a little toward the side she was resting on, she was overall impressed with how much the pillow improved the usually uncomfortable experience of middle seating. It was also super-easy to transport: When deflated, it rolls up to the size of an iPhone.

Best travel pillow for the window seat

Shape: Head and neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: 3 inches | Packability: Easy

The aptly named J-Pillow has a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion extending below the chin to stop your head sliding forward. Mercedes Arielle is a window-seat person and says the J-Pillow is best at cradling her head, shoulder, and chin on flights. For Arielle, that three-pronged support is essential “because I rest my head against the window so I can maximize every inch of my window seat.” Griffiths tried one, too, and liked how the chin cushion didn’t extend too far around her neck and the main body of the pillow opened up in a V-shape so she could really wedge her head inside. The material felt more luxurious than the average travel pillow as well — it has a fleecy lining that you can nuzzle down into. It has become her go-to for train journeys, because it’s cushy enough to absorb the vibrations of the tracks. You can compress the pillow to half its size in a carry bag, then use its loops to attach it to your luggage.

Best travel pillow for tray-table sleeping

Shape: Head pillow  | Fill: Polystyrene microbeads | Thickness: Not listed | Packability: Challenging

Mid-overnight flight, the tray table can begin to look very tempting — but it’s far from a comfortable or stable surface. For some extra padding, Fitzpatrick likes this pillow that’s more like a helmet. It covers all sides, including the forehead, so it can be used in a number of situations. There is a hole for your mouth so you can breathe, but otherwise it’s a pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones all in one. Once out of the box, however, it could be cumbersome to travel with.

Best pillow for traveling with kids

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: Not listed | Packability: Easy

The Huzi pillow, like an extremely plush scarf, can wrap around your neck or lower back — or even both at the same time — to create a highly customized, optimum sleeping position. Writer and mom-of-one Chantel Tattoli says that this pillow is her foolproof method for traveling with her child. She notes it has an almost mystical effect on her daughter on long flights. “Generally, she seems to accord a magical ‘fairy ring’ quality to this fluffy circle, as if once she’s thrown it over her, she’s staked some space in which things are pretty good,” says Tattoli. The Huzi’s design makes it a great pick for those with scoliosis, too. “Even mild scoliosis can affect your comfortable position in a tight seat,” says Fitzpatrick. “The adjustable lemniscate-type pillows can be good for this.” Wearing it through the airport like a scarf also makes it easy to carry, but if you’d rather throw it in your bag, it rolls up neatly into a little ball.

Best travel knee pillow

Shape: Knee pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: Adjustable | Packability: Easy

Some people can’t fall asleep without a knee pillow — musician Waxahatchee is one of them, and this used to present a problem when she went on tour for months at a time. Because a plush pillow is hard to pack, she found this inflatable one that she says has been life-changing. It takes just three big breaths to blow up and is surprisingly soft. “I don’t overinflate it — I leave a little bit of air out of it so it has a bit of squish,” she says.

Best stuffable travel pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: User’s choice | Thickness: Adjustable | Packability: Average

If you’re flying on a budget airline and trying to pack light , you could opt for this stuffable travel pillow as a way of sneaking extra clothes onto the plane. Jasmine Anderson and Natasha Wilson (travel agents and co-hosts of the podcast Travel Fly Sexy ) both recommend it. “It’s a great hack because you can fit extra T-shirts, shorts, and swimwear into something that no one is looking at you sideways for because it’s a pillow,” says Wilson. And while there are numerous versions of this kind of pillow on the market, I especially like this one because it is covered in a plush fabric for extra comfort and clips at the front for extra neck support.

Some more travel pillows we’ve written about

Our experts

• Jasmine Anderson , co-host, Travel Fly Sexy • Mercedes Arielle, fashion and travel blogger at Calculated Opulence • Wainani Arnold, founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines • Katie Crutchfield, musician, Waxahatchee • Dr. Carla Fischer, director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center • Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, founder of Bed-Stuy Chiropractic • Dr. Jared Hoffman, Williamsburg Chiropractic • Scott Keyes, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) • Jennifer Lachs, founder of  Digital Nomad Girls • Kat Lopez, freelance writer • Lauren Maternowski, editor at Pack Hacker • Teddy Minford, travel writer • Rosie Percy, former Strategist associate director of e-commerce-audience-development strategy • Dr. Rebecca Robbins , sleep specialist and Harvard Medical School instructor • Stella Shon, writer at The Points Guy • Carmen Sognovi , travel blogger • Chantel Tattoli , freelance writer • Taryn White, founder of The Trip Wish List • Natasha Wilson , co-host, Travel Fly Sexy

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The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

By Elissa Sanci

Elissa Sanci is a writer on the discovery team. She has found that clear ice makes carbonated drinks taste better, and citronella candles don’t work.

I will almost always choose function over fashion, even if that means looking like a total dork in public. I’ve sported a fanny pack since before it was cool, I frequently don my unflattering but extremely protective sun hat on hikes, and I have no qualms using my funny-looking wearable reading light on public transportation.

But the Trtl Pillow , a goofy travel pillow that looks and acts more like a neck brace, was where I drew the line. A long-standing pick in our guide to the best travel pillows , the Trtl Pillow is essentially a fleece scarf with a plastic insert on one side that keeps your neck stable as you doze on flights.

I had a hunch that this pick, loved by side-sleepers like myself, would lull me to sleep in a way that traditional neck pillows never could—but I didn’t think I would ever be tired enough to willingly strap on what looks like a padded neck brace in public.

Spoiler alert: I tried it after snagging a lightning deal on Prime Day. I slept so well that day on my cross-country flight that I woke up at my destination well rested—and kicking myself for being embarrassed by one of the single greatest pieces of travel gear I’ve ever owned.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Buying Options

The perfect pillow for people who can’t sleep on planes.

Though the Trtl is technically a pillow, I like to think of it more as a padded pedestal to rest your head against as you sleep, held in place by a fleece scarf that wraps around your neck and closes with Velcro.

The bendy, plastic brace offers the perfect amount of neck support for people (like me) who find it easiest to sleep upright by nodding their head to the side. I’d never had luck falling asleep with traditional neck pillows looped around my neck, which made me feel claustrophobic. But the Trtl Pillow’s soft fleece scarf has enough give that I find it comfortably supportive rather than constricting, and I appreciate that it keeps my head firmly in place so I don’t wake up with a crick in my neck. You can wear the Trtl Pillow on either side of your head—though you’ll need to take it off, flip it, and rewrap it if you want to switch midflight—and I’ve found it comfortable to use even when I get stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

This little pillow is ideal for an overpacker like me who rarely has space to spare in my carry-on. Because it folds down into a little bundle that lies almost completely flat, I can slip it between my laptop and the back of my backpack, where it takes up less space than a hardcover book. The Trtl Pillow is also small enough to fit into briefcases, purses, and some fanny packs, so it’s ideal for folks who don’t normally travel with backpacks. At only 5 ounces, the Trtl Pillow doesn’t add any noticeable weight to a bag.

And because airplanes are notoriously nasty, the Trtl Pillow is also machine-washable. Once you’re home, simply slip the plastic brace from the scarf before tossing it into the wash.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

My biggest gripe with the Trtl Pillow is that I can’t wear my over-ear noise-cancelling headphones while using it. Understandable, considering that my ear is pressed against the plastic ledge and couldn’t possibly accommodate a padded earcup, but annoying nonetheless. To block out plane noises while I nap, I use my Loop earplugs instead, which nestle in my ear and don’t interfere with the pillow when I nod off.

Since I’m almost always cold on planes, I love cozying up to the Trtl Pillow’s warm fleece scarf—but if you run hot, this pillow is probably not for you. It also doesn’t work well for people who nod forward or move their head from side to side while they sleep.

The Trtl Pillow is the priciest travel pillow we recommend. Our top pick, a more traditional travel pillow, costs $40. The price of the Trtl Pillow has risen significantly since I made my purchase last summer; it was originally $40 (before my Prime Day deal, which cut the price in half), whereas now the price sits around $60. I’ve had such success with the Trtl Pillow that I’d willingly pay full price for it even now, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential deals.

And, of course, the Trtl Pillow makes you look extremely silly—so silly that you, like me, may be hesitant to use it in public. But now that I’ve actually used it consistently for the past year and a half, I can say that it’s worth any side-eye you may catch from a seatmate. Before I tried the Trtl Pillow, I used to dread early-morning flights because I knew that I wouldn’t sleep a wink and that I’d inevitably arrive at my destination irritated and cranky. I’m a much happier traveler now that I know I’ll be able to drift off and rest my weary eyes after take-off, and that is worth looking a little ridiculous.

This article was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

Elissa Sanci

Senior Staff Writer

Elissa Sanci is a senior staff writer for Wirecutter’s discovery team based in Denver. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not testing TikTok-famous products or writing about car garbage cans, you can find her hiking somewhere in the Rockies or lying on the couch with a bowl of chips balanced on her chest. There is no in-between.

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5 Best Travel Pillows for 2024

Last Updated on February 8, 2024

Written by Julia Forbes

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

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Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

To ensure an exceptional travel experience, it’s essential to have the finest travel pillow. Discover the top 5 products to enhance your journey.

Travel opens up new horizons and shows you the beauties of the world, but the process itself can be quite stressful and uncomfortable. This is especially true if you’re stuck on a plane for six to eight hours. However, sleeping can help pass the time on a long journey. 

Of course, sleeping upright on a plane isn’t ideal—but bringing along a great travel pillow could make things easier for you.

That’s where I come in. I’ll share some top travel pillow picks so you can find something to take on your next trip and sleep with ease. 

The Best Travel Pillows: My Top 5 Picks

• Editor’s Pick – Cabeau Evolution S3
• Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights – BCOZZY Neck Pillow
• Best Travel Neck Pillow – trtl Travel Pillow
• Best Inflatable Travel Pillow – TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow
• Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow – TravelMate Memory Foam Neck Pillow

My Video Review of The Best Travel Pillows

The Best Travel Pillows, Reviewed

Editor’s pick.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

A fresh take on the classic wraparound travel pillow, the Cabeau Evolution S3 supports your head and neck from all sides.

Sleep Advisor Score

Why the cabeau evolution s3 earned editor’s pick.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 has an appropriate name, as this is a highly evolved neck pillow with all the right stuff for comfortable travel. At first blush, it has the same horseshoe shape that you’ve seen many times before. But it’s the subtle upgrades—like the raised side cushions, the headrest straps, and the sturdy feel of the foam—that earned it the title of best travel pillow overall. 

What I Liked

• No lolling to the side – The Cabeau’s chunky design is intentional: it gives you 360-degree head support. When I tilted my head to the side, it didn’t lean very far at all. Instead, it was supported by the raised cushions on the left and right.
• Headrest straps – The straps on the back of this pillow enable you to attach it to the headrest of your seat, so it shouldn’t slip down as you snooze. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Shrinks to half its size but no more – Because this is a memory foam travel pillow, it won’t shrink down for storage as much as an inflatable one. It compresses quite a bit to fit in a convenient carrying case, though. 

Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights

BCOZZY Neck Pillow

A flexible travel pillow that can be wrapped and bent into cozy shapes that accommodate different sleeping positions.

Why BCOZZY Neck Pillow Earned Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights

If you’re going to spend hours on a plane, you’ll want a travel pillow that can support your neck in a variety of positions. The BCOZZY is a super flexible option that looks almost like a warm scarf, but has lots of built-in support. 

You can wrap it fully around your neck if you’re going to be leaning forward, or pile it on top of itself if you’d like to lean on it to your left or right. I had a lot of fun testing all the possible variations with this one! 

• Flexible – You can modify the BCOZZY depending on where you need the most support (your chin, your neck, or the side of your head). This comes in handy if you’re a restless sleeper on planes, or if you have multiple flights with different kinds of seats on each. 
• Lots of colors and sizes – There’s a full rainbow of colors to choose from with this travel pillow, as well as both kid and adult sizes to fit a wide range of necks.
• May need lots of adjusting – If you struggle to find just the right position when you sleep, you may need to work a bit to arrange the BCOZZY around your neck. The velcro that keeps it closed and stable also limits how tight or loose it can be. 

Best Travel Neck Pillow

trtl Pillow

A scarf-like travel pillow with pleasantly bracing neck and head support.

Why the trtl Travel Pillow Earned Best Travel Neck Pillow

A sore neck can definitely put a damper on your vacation. For awesome neck support during travel, I recommend the trtl—a travel pillow with some of the best neck support I’ve encountered so far. The support comes from a specially designed “flipper” inside the pillow’s fabric, which should hold your chin up and bolster your head, keeping your airway clear and your spinal alignment ideal. 

• Really reliable neck support – Because this pillow has a more robust support system than most, it felt like it would hold my neck and head up securely for long periods of time. 
• Extremely lightweight – The trtl is easy to fold up and store once you take the support flipper out of it, and it weighs next to nothing. 
• A bit more costly – At around $60, this travel pillow is one of the more expensive options on this list. But its design is so different—and so effective—that I think it’s priced pretty fairly. 

Best Inflatable Travel Pillow

Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow

A long inflatable travel pillow that enables users to “side sleep” even when they don’t have a window seat or ledge to rest on.

Why the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow Earned Best Inflatable Travel Pillow 

Compared to the other travel pillows on this list, the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow looks quite unique. It has a long, tapering design that can go across or next to your entire upper body, allowing you to lean to one side even if you didn’t get the window seat on your flight. (You can also hug it for an extra feeling of security!) 

• Lots of coverage – This pillow almost felt like it was holding me while it was also supporting my head and neck. It’s the only pillow I tried that extended all the way across my torso. 
• Big when inflated, tiny when stored – Even though it inflates to an impressive height, when it’s deflated, this travel pillow rolls up neatly and discreetly. 
• You have to inflate it yourself – Before you can use this travel pillow, you’ll have to inflate it. But I found that it only took a few hearty breaths before it was ready to go.

Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow

TravelMate Neck Support Travel Pillow

A memory foam travel pillow with a removable insert that adjusts its thickness and feel.

Why the TravelMate Memory Foam Neck Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow 

If you like the luxurious feel of memory foam, TravelMate has a portable pillow that should feel indulgent while you’re on a plane or in the car. Although it looks like a classic travel pillow, it has a bonus customization feature: a removable foam insert that changes its thickness and feel. I enjoyed the soft feel of its washable cover almost as much my neck and head appreciated the plush foam inside. 

• Budget-friendly for memory foam – This travel pillow is often on sale and costs a bit less than most of the others I tested for this roundup. That said, its foam still feels soft and luxurious. 
• Elastic strap – A small elastic strap on the side of the pillow means it’s easy to clip it to your luggage or backpack.  
• No bells and whistles – With the exception of its removable insert, this travel pillow doesn’t have any features that break the mold. If you’re looking for a more innovative model, revisit the travel pillows above. 

Who Should Consider Buying a Travel Pillow?

A travel pillow is a small pillow you can take with you on trips to help you sleep during the journey. Travel pillows help support the head and neck for those times when you have to sleep upright. Because they’re designed specifically for traveling, they often have a unique shape or design that works for this purpose.

Travel pillows are excellent for those who travel often, as well as anyone who likes to sleep while en route to their destination.

How to Choose a Travel Pillow 

An airplane pillow could make the difference between a relaxed sleep throughout your flight and an uncomfortable struggle that leaves you tired and with a strained neck.

If you’re unsure of what to look for in a travel pillow, I’ll guide you through specific features and qualities you need to know in the selection process.

Inflatable or Not?

Inflatable travel pillows tend to be far more convenient in terms of portability as they take up little to no space in your luggage or backpack. This is the main reason why a lot of people prefer them. At the same time, though, they tend to allow air to get out and flatten out quickly upon applying continuous pressure.

Noninflatable pillows, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and more challenging to carry as they take up more space. However, the upside to these ones is that many of them are made of conforming memory foam , which is particularly comfortable and supportive.

In other words – it’s a trade-off based on your preferences. If you want to get something portable and you’re willing to sacrifice some of the stability, go for an inflated unit and vice versa.

This would depend on the neck pillow that you’d want to get. Inflatable travel pillows are usually made of polyurethane-based materials, which are easily folded and packaged. They are soft and very comfortable.

On the other hand, the wide majority of non-inflated airplane travel pillows are made out of conforming memory foam. They deliver better comfort and support to your neck, and most of them are going to capture the unintentional tilting of your head in every direction when you sleep in a sitting position.

Neck Support

This is the single, most important thing that you would have to take into account when you are purchasing an airplane pillow. Unless you have the luxury that comes with expensive first-class exclusive tickets to have a bed on board, you would have to sleep in a sitting position.

This is going to make your head tilt with the natural movements of the plane or any other type of transportation method. As such, the most pressure throughout your sleep would be forced on your neck. That’s why you should be looking for a pillow that’s going to deliver enhanced neck support.

If you also need this at home, check out our top-quality pillows for neck pain .

Airplane Sleep Position

Your sleeping position is going to be determined by the type of travel pillow you decide on. Some people prefer to rest their head on the back headrest, and they would benefit the most from a regular, u-shaped neck pillow.

Others tend to tilt their head quite a lot and could be better off with a pillow that’s capable of capturing forward tilting motions as well.

Long or Short Flight?

If you’re going on a longer flight, you might benefit more from an inflated neck travel pillow as it would take little to no space in your baggage. The assumption is that you’d have to take quite a lot of personal items, and the last thing you’d want is to get half of your suitcase filled with a pillow.

On the other hand, if the flight’s shorter and you can afford to take less luggage, you might consider a non-inflated and bulkier neck pillow.

Some people also opt to wear their noninflatable pillow around their neck to save space in their luggage.

Feel & Comfort

Comfort is always important when traveling, especially if you plan on sleeping during the ride. If you need a firm pillow for optimal comfort, then you want to make sure your pillow has this quality. 

Along with overall comfort, you should also consider the pillow’s feel. Do you usually prefer softer pillows with more sinkage or firmer models that offer more support? Think about the materials and how they might feel on the skin.

Having a set budget helps narrow down the options because there are many travel pillows out there. Some are more expensive than others, so having an idea of how much you’re willing to spend can make it easier to choose. Luckily, the market is also packed with affordable options, so you don’t have to break the bank to have a comfortable travel pillow for your traveling.

Trial, Warranty, & Return Policy

Many travel pillows come with a trial, allowing you to test how they fit your needs and preferences for a certain period. This can be anywhere between 30 and 90 days, depending on the particular pillow and brand. 

However, you should also read the fine print in case you need to return the item. Some companies allow free returns, while others require you to pay a return fee. 

Generally, travel pillows come with a warranty that usually lasts at least a year. Again, you should verify this before purchasing anything in the event of a product defect.

Cleaning & Care

How you’ll clean your new travel pillow depends on the particular pillow you buy. In other words, not all travel pillows require the same cleaning and care because they’re not made from the same materials. 

Some models have a removable, machine-washable cover, while others allow spot-cleaning only. Nonetheless, most models are easy to clean.

Types of Pillows for Travel

• Inflatable pillow – This pillow is available in various shapes, but the fact that it’s inflatable makes it extra convenient. You can inflate it within minutes, and it takes up minimal space when deflated. 
• U-shaped pillow – U-shaped pillows are the traditional, most commonly used option. This is a versatile pillow that works for leaning against the window or sleeping on the tray table.
• Foam pillow – This pillow comes in various shapes but has a foam filling that makes it firmer and gives you more support for those bumpy rides. 
• Bead pillow – A bead pillow has microbeads that give it a softer structure. It’s available in many shapes, including a U shape. 
• Ergonomic pillow – An ergonomic pillow is designed for maximum support and comfort, especially around the neck area. These are excellent for long trips.

Best Travel Pillow FAQs

Yes, travel pillows can be helpful for kids, who should get great neck support from them to prevent strain or injury. There are even some travel pillows specially designed for kids.

People who sit next to the window have the advantage of something to lean their head on, even though the window isn’t exactly the most comfortable choice. However, if you’re in the middle or aisle seat, you should definitely get a pillow to support your neck since the head has nothing else to lean on.

Yes, you could experience neck pain if you purchase an inappropriate or low-quality travel pillow for your flight. Ideally, whichever pillow you choose should at least give you adequate neck support.

My Final Thoughts

Failing to get the most appropriate travel pillow for you might result in strain and stiffness. With this in mind, if you pay attention to what’s been mentioned above, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Most importantly, your travel pillow should be able to support your head enough to prevent neck strain, but it’s also helpful to look at other qualities, such as whether or not it’s inflatable and the materials it’s made of. 

A great travel pillow can be a lifesaver for those long flights when you have nothing to rest your head against, and it gives you a better shot of actually sleeping through the trip.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

Sources & References:

• How To Travel the World Without Jet lag – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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10 top-rated travel pillows for long trips

Between crowded seats, crying babies and limited leg room, traveling on long flights can be exhausting and uncomfortable. A perfect pillow makes the trek slightly easier to bear and can help you get some sleep during those travel periods. To help you narrow down which travel pillow is right for you, we consulted sleep and travel experts about what to know before shopping, plus we compiled highly rated options to consider.

SKIP AHEAD What are the benefits of travel pillows? | How we picked the best travel pillows | The best travel pillows to consider in 2024 | How to shop for travel pillows

Selected. Our top picks

What are the benefits of travel pillows?

Whether your airplane seat is too small or your bus ride endures several bumps, it may be difficult to relax on a long trip. Add noisy conversations and frequent overhead announcements and you have multiple barriers in your way to getting a good nap.

One of the main reasons people struggle to sleep while traveling — especially on international flights with time changes — is because they’re trying to sleep at a time with “low circadian and homeostatic drive” (a time when they would not normally sleep, so they’re not as tired), says Dr. Andrew Varga, a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center . The other factor, according to Varga, is the sleeping space, which is usually cramped and doesn’t let you lie recumbent or change positions, except in typically pricey business- and first-class cabins.

“Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” says board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu . He noted that posture plays a big role in the discomfort we feel — and as anyone who has slept on a plane knows, “the head tends to fall off to the side or forward, which is both uncomfortable and can cause neck pain, and [can] even make breathing less efficient.”

“Sleeping upright is not at all a natural position,” says Dr. Mayank Shukla , a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City. “Our head weighs almost 10 pounds and flops around the neck when sleeping upright, leading to aches and pain with all that muscle strain.”

Experts noted that travel pillows can provide support for the neck and head, alleviating some pain and discomfort when combating an upright sleeping position while traveling. They’re typically portable, lightweight, ergonomically designed and come in different sizes to fit every type of person, plus some have additional high-tech features like temperature regulation. This is an ideal tool for frequent flyers who hope to maintain a semi-regular sleeping schedule.

How we picked the best travel pillows

The best travel pillows are ones that are comfortable, supportive and easy to carry around, according to our experts. When shopping for a quality travel pillow, they recommend considering the following factors:

• Inflatable vs. non-inflatable : You can adjust inflatable pillows to your desired firmness, and easily store them away when deflated. With non-inflatable pillows, on the other hand, you can fill them with more cushioned materials to promote comfort including memory foam and poly-fiber fill.
• Portability : Look for features like straps (that you can attach to your luggage ) or an accompanying pouch (that you can pack it down into) for ease while on the go.

select Minimize chaos on your next trip with these expert-approved accessories

The best travel pillows to consider in 2024.

Below, we rounded up a selection of the best travel pillows based on NBC Select staff recommendations, ratings and expert advice.

Best overal travel pillow: Cabeau

Cabeau evolution s3 sleep pillow.

• Straps allow for attachment to headrests
• Adjustable drawstrings
• Comes with carrying case
• Large size may be uncomfortable to some

Former NBC Select editor Christina Colizza says she loves this travel pillow from Cabeau because it prevents slouching by attaching to the plane’s headrest. “As someone who is [very tall], I’ll take all the help I can in getting some sleep while flying, and this pillow makes a huge difference,” she says. “Plus, it compresses down into a small pouch, which makes it convenient enough to schlep around airports.” The headrest attachment also makes this an ideal option for long road trips. This travel pillow comes in five colors and patterns including indigo and galaxy.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 7,652 reviews on Amazon  

Best splurge travel pillow: Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

• Full 360-degree neck support
• Compresses for easy packing
• Fit around neck may vary

Ostrichpillow offers a variety of unique pillow alternatives, from a napping option to a mini hand pillow . This memory foam one has raised edges for neck support and comes with a velcro strap that allows you to customize its fit. The travel pillow can also compress down to snugly fit inside the included travel bag.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4-star average rating from 1,876 reviews on Amazon

Best versatile travel pillow: Huzi

Huzi infinity travel pillow.

• Very versatile
• Bulky: can be hard to carry
• May be difficult to store

If you’re looking for a pillow with versatility, this option from Huzi may be just what you need. It’s made from a soft, anti-bacterial nylon bamboo that keeps you cool and airy as you sleep, according to the brand. The best part, however, is its scarf-like, 360-degree design — you can move and adjust the pillow however you’d like to target specific areas like your neck, back, chin and more. It can also be wrapped around your head to help muffle noise, or used as support when resting against a plane or car window.

Fill material : Microfiber | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : None | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 6,307 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for chin support: Bcozzy

Bcozzy chin supporting travel pillow.

• Stops your head from falling forward
• Good value for price
• Full wrap around can feel constrictive

Few things can jolt you awake faster than your head falling forward while you’re seated. This ergonomic neck pillow offers an adjustable front loop for chin support and a flat back to avoid pushing your head forward. It includes a snap strap that you can hook to your luggage or hang up in your car. The pillow comes in multiple colors and you can choose between various sizes ranging from kids small to extra-large .

Fill material : Polyester | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure  | Rating : 4.2-star average rating from 29,016 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for back support: SmartTravel

Smarttravel inflatable lumbar travel pillow.

• Easily inflates and deflates
• Can be used on back as well as neck
• Hand-wash only

NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg says she likes a lumbar pillow for added back support during long flights. This inflatable pillow serves as both a neck and back pillow, and is designed to fit your body’s natural curves and reduce pressure on the spine and neck, according to the brand. It also comes with an expandable mounting band to easily fasten it to headrests.

Fill material : Inflatable | Machine-washable cover : No | Portable features : Travel bag  | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 1,262 reviews on Amazon

Best inflatable travel pillow: Sunany

Sunany inflatable neck pillow.

• Comes with accessories
• Quickly inflates and deflates
• Not very soft

Designed to follow the natural curve of your neck and body, this travel pillow’s ergonomic shape can soothe discomfort and reduce pressure points around your head and neck, according to the brand. You can also place your arms and head inside one of the four holes to support a sleeping position that’s most comfortable for you. It comes with a pouch for storage, along with a matching eye mask and earplugs.

Fill material : Inflatable | Machine-washable cover : No | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.2-star average rating from 6,696 reviews on Amazon

Best travel pillow for single-side sleepers: Trtl

Trtl travel pillow.

• Soft, cozy exterior
• Lightweight and easy to pack
• Only supports one side at a time

For those who don’t find enough support from traditional U-shaped travel pillows, this uniquely-shaped option comes with a hidden inner support that can hold your head and neck at any position that’s comfortable for you. You can adjust the support to contour your neck, shoulder or jaw, while the fleece exterior is soft and machine-washable.

Fill material: Mesh fabric | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Flat design for easy packing | Rating : 4.0-star average rating from 35,371 reviews on Amazon

Best budget travel pillow: Wolf Essentials

Wolf essentials microfiber neck pillow.

Wolf Essentials Microfiber Travel Pillow

• Very affordable option
• Machine-washable
• Thickness may cause fit issues

This neck pillow’s fleece cover provides soft, thermal comfort, which is perfect for when the plane or vehicle gets cold. It’s entirely machine-washable (not just the cover) and comes with a snap closure to keep it from sliding off of your neck or to connect it to your luggage. 

Fill material : Polyester blend | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure | Rating : 4.4-star average rating from 10,911 reviews on Amazon

Other travel pillows we love

Crafty world travel neck pillow.

• No on-neck fastener

This option comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, so you can easily wash it. It’s made with a memory foam interior and a velour fabric exterior for a soft and comfortable feel, according to the brand. The pillow also has an elastic strap to help you connect it to your suitcase for extra portability. It comes in four colors — black, blue, gray and purple. 

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Elastic strap | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 5,558 reviews on Amazon

Mlvoc Travel Pillow

• Includes eye masks, earplugs and carrying bag
• Affordably priced
• Bulky; may have issues with fit

With its ergonomic, curved design for neck and head support, this travel pillow comes wrapped in a cover that is both machine-washable and sweat-resistant. The travel pillow comes with a contoured eye mask and earplugs, and can fold down to half its size to fit neatly into the included travel bag. Plus, the built-in snap strap can also latch onto your suitcase for easy portability.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag | Rating : 4.3-star average rating from 33,692 reviews on Amazon

select Whether you’re going away for a week or a weekend, there’s a highly-rated bag on Amazon for you.

How to shop for a travel pillow.

The best travel pillow is one that you find the most comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Ideally, Dimitriu recommends testing out the pillow beforehand to see whether it’s comfortable and how it changes shape.

“The emphasis for most users should be to see how comfortably the pillow lets you rest with your back to the seat and without your head falling forward,” he says. And while larger pillows tend to provide more cushioning, he noted “airplane seats are tight, and there is such a thing as too much pillow.”

Below, we highlighted two of the most important considerations when shopping for travel pillows: inflatability and portability.

Inflatable vs. non-inflatable

When going on a long-haul trip, most travelers don’t want another thing to lug around. “Inflatable pillows may allow for more cushion and can fold to a smaller size,” Dimitriu says, adding that they won’t take up too much space in your luggage. They’re also typically more adjustable — you can change the amount of air to get more or less firmness, depending on your comfort level.

Non-inflatable travel pillows include various types of filling material including memory foam, polyester fiberfill and microbeads. While the different materials can make it easier to find a more comfortable fit, non-inflatable pillows tend to be bulkier than inflatable ones. When it comes to cleaning, both inflatable and non-inflatable pillows typically have removable covers that you can machine wash or spot clean.

Portability

If you’re on a multipart journey or backpacking through Europe, for example, the size and portability of your travel pillow may be just as important off a plane as it is on it. Some travel pillows have straps that you can attach to your luggage, while with others you can fold to fit inside a small bag.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Andrew Varga is a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center .
• Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a board-certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California.
• Dr. Mayank Shukla is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at Select and covers a range of sleep topics including weighted blankets , sunrise alarm clocks and blackout curtains .  Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select covering skin care, lifestyle and more. For this story, Godio spoke to three sleep medicine experts to get their recommendations on how to shop for travel pillows and their benefits. She also researched dozens of travel pillows on the market that are in line with experts’ guidance.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

The 9 Best Travel Pillows for Sound Sleep On-the-Go

Say goodbye to that sore neck.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

What to Look for in a Travel Pillow

How we selected these travel pillows, pick the perfect travel pillow following these tips from expert chris meehan..

So, how to make the time in the air (or car or train) more relaxing? The right travel pillow may be the ticket the next time you take off somewhere. It's a basic travel accessory that ranks right up there with great luggage and noise-cancelling headphones .

In its U-shaped form, the travel pillow dates back to 1929 when the design was first patented. Its original intent was for use to recline in the bathtub. Since then, its look and feel has changed with modern versions configured in unique shapes to address all different kinds of travelers: long-haul fliers, restless sleepers, window-seat passengers, and more.

A decent travel pillow includes a soft cover using fabrics like brushed polyester, nylon, or microfiber, while the cushioning (or fill) inside should be supportive and comfortable yet structured enough for your head and neck. The fill types commonly used are assorted types of foam, microbeads, and polyester fiber, in addition to those kinds of pillows with an inflatable bladder

Whether you’re a side slumper, leaner on the seat-back, or nose-to-the sky snoozer, there is a pillow here for you. In our review and testing of travel pillows, we’ve found options in a variety of designs, weights, and shapes from under $20 to well over $60. Read on to find the best one for you!

Best Travel Pillows

• Best Overall Travel Pillow: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Best Hot-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam
• Best Bargain Travel Pillow: Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
• Best Splurge Travel Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
• Best Side-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Trtl Pillow Plus

The Expert: Taking multiple plane, train, and bus rides every year, I’m familiar with necessary on-the-go accessories like a travel pillow. For instance, I am based in Colorado and last year I flew to Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. My car travels included a road trip to Zion National Park with a buddy. My average trip takes about seven hours between the trains to and from the airport and the plane ride itself. After using quite a few travel pillows, I’ve found that I enjoy a side-sleeping pillow like the J-Pillow for plane rides since I tend to loll off to one side, and I like the traditionally shaped rectangular pillow, the NEMO Fillo, for other types of excursions like bus and car rides as well as car camping. Its combination of padding and inflate-ability make it versatile for many types of trips.

Many of the travel pillows below don’t look like the traditional U-shaped ones with microbeads—and for good reason. The U-shape doesn't work for everyone as it has a tendency to push the neck forward. Also, if the cushioning isn’t high enough on each side, it may cause your head to flop from left to right instead providing a stationary space. Any neck wobble may result in kinks, stiffness, and soreness.

Those designs that are squared or have flat cushioning behind the neck with more coverage under the chin help keep the head upright. Contoured areas to accommodate the shoulders and help keep the pillows properly aligned.

Depending on how you prefer to rest, the right pillows will ensure some shut-eye on the plane, in the car, or on the train. Here are some factors to consider.

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While many are compact, this will be a factor depending on how light you like to travel. The most compact of all neck pillows is one that’s inflatable. These can deflate to a size smaller than a baseball. Bulkier memory foam pillows, on the other hand, will compress down to about the size of a football.

Most travel pillows weigh under 1 pound, so they’re manageable enough to bring along and to use without putting downward pressure on your shoulders.

U-shape is most common, but it’s not the only form factor out there. Some travel pillows are mini-sized traditionally shaped pillows. Others are coil or donut-shaped to allow for better chin support for slumping sleepers, and at least a few, like the J-Pillow, are designed to offer extra head support for those of us who love to sleep with our head against the wall of a plane or train.

Just like your pillow at home, travel pillows have a range of different fills. Microbeads are likely the stiffest and least compressible while memory foam offers solid support and adjusts to the shape of your head. Inflatable pillows also offer customized cushioning but are sometimes cheaper in design.

Most travel pillows have a soft, fleecy fabric made of polyester, nylon or micro fleece that’s designed for comfort against the face. The fabric of the pillow can also go a long way to describe its washability. Some have covers that are easy to take off and wash. Even some with integrated covers are still machine washable.

The recommendations below are based on my own travel experiences in the air, car, bus, and train. I also looked at customer reviews to gauge what pillows have performed well for most people. Additionally, I considered the work of Paige Szmodis , who investigated pillow options for the previous version of this article.

Overall, these pillows made their way onto red-eye flights, along for road trips (in cars and buses), camping, and even lounging on the couch. Neck support and comfort were factored in as well as portability, durability, washability, and usage. I also considered if pillows came with a storage bag, how well each pillow retained its shape, and what the packed dimensions were versus overall size.

These pillows represent the top options for travelers who go by car, plane, bus, train, or even those who need a good lightweight pillow for laying horizontal in the airport while waiting for their next flight.

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

With limited space for a bulky pillow when on-the-go, packability is key. The Travelrest Nest packs an amazing amount of memory-foam cushioning into the smallest stuff sack. Even after being compressed in its bag for over a week, the pillow immediately puffed right back into its original shape.

While compact, it doesn’t compromise on support. With 5-inches of thermo-sensitive memory foam on all sides, it conforms to the shape of your neck and shoulders and keeps your head in place no matter if you tend to loll to the front, back, or sides. Unlike many U-shaped pillows, its angled back sits flush against any seat surface without pushing your head forward. Bonu: the nonslip panel helps prevent it from sliding off airplane seats.

At a reasonable price—Travelrest even throws in a travel bag and memory foam earplugs to sweeten the deal—its removable cover retains its velvety softness after cycles in the washer and dryer, though it’s a bit of a tight fit to pull the cover back on over the foam’s contours. The dense foam also makes it a little challenging to fold up into its bag, but once you get it in there, it can compress down to a quarter of its original size. On the down side, its high cushioning could pinch earrings or interfere with larger headphones.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam

The Cabeau Evolution S3, which has many of the same top features as our Best Overall, is ideal if you sleep a bit on the hot side. Its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool and comfortable.

With its U-shaped design, this memory foam pillow prevents lateral movement—your head falling to either side—and features a slimmed flat back so it won’t push your head forward. While the back surface isn’t angled and grippy like the Travelrest, the Cabeau comes with straps to loop around your headrest to keep it in place. Note: These straps may not be compatible with all seat designs and might possibly disturb the person behind you on a flight. Also, with its thick cushioning, the Evolution's height may interfere with certain headphones.

The dense memory foam will take a few seconds to roll up into the travel case but it will hold its shape well after packing away many times. Plus, the polyester cover was easy to slip on and off to wash and dry. A bonus is the travel case which can easily be clipped onto the outside of your bags and luggage.

Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

One of the most well-known neck pillows out there, Cloudz is the one you’re most likely to find in an airport. It’s inexpensive and will do the trick for most flights and other travel, but isn’t as comfortable or as well designed as some of the other picks in our roundup.

The spandex fabric on one side allows the pillow to conform to your shoulders and keeps you cool, while the cozy plush on the other side helps you drift off to sleep. The snap in front keeps the pillow properly oriented while traveling. It’s not machine washable, and over time the small polystyrene beads will compress, ultimately reducing cushioning. As such, it’ll do in a pinch but won't have the durability as some of the other choices here.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The makers of the Ostrichpillow Go believe resting shouldn’t require any effort, which is why they pride themselves on designs that are minimalist and easy to use as well as sustainably made. The ergonomic and sleek Go neck pillow promotes 360-degree comfort with a memory foam core, yet it packs down into a stuff sack just over half of its original size. Even after being stored away for a week, it easily expanded back to its circular shape.

While other options may compress into slightly smaller packs, I like this pillow's dense memory foam padding and the Velcro fastener, which allows for a custom fit. Since its cushion height is higher on one side than the other, the taller side may interfere with headphones. For comfort, the cover is luxuriously soft and holds up after machine washing.

Trtl Pillow Plus

Trtl might have the most unconventional looking travel pillow—loop, wrap and nap, as the company says—but plenty of people—especially side sleepers—swear by it. Inside the fleece fabric that gets wrapped around your neck is a cushioned plastic brace that rests on one shoulder and props your head up. Some may find the fleece gets a little too warm, but if you’re always cold on the plane, this could work for you. The fleece wrap also detaches easily from the plastic brace for washing.

While the Trtl Plus is expensive (the costliest of the ones recommended here), it does offer a custom fit courtesy of two plastic knobs that adjust both sides of the plastic panel. It comes with a travel bag which is handy if you don’t want to lug it around on the outside of your bag when traveling.

If you’re still intrigued, but put off by the price, the original Trtl costs about $40 less and is a bit more subtle in styling than the Plus. It looks more like a fleece scarf than a neck brace. There’s no case but it folds almost flat with a Velcro latch, to about the size of a large book, so you can fit it in your bag.

Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

If your head tends to fall forward when you try to sleep upright, the Bcozzy keeps your head up by curling around your whole neck with the ends overlapping under the chin. There are also a few more ways you can wear it, such as folded in half to elevate just one side of your head.

The Bcozzy, available in children's and extra-large sizing, doesn’t come with a removable cover, but the whole pillow is machine washable. A travel case is included.

Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow

According to some studies, passengers shift positions on a plane every 15 minutes, so this travel pillow is ideal for anyone who changes it up frequently on a flight. It works for forward slumpers, side sleepers, and even couples who want to position it between themselves. It's also perfect for those who want to read or watch a program in privacy.

To make the most of this unique pillow, you'll need a tray table to rest it on. The Sunany pillow can be used at either 19.6- or 11.8-inches high depending on how it is oriented. One downside, considering its inflated size is so large, is that it can be cumbersome to reposition.

AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow

This dog bone-shaped, inflatable travel pillow is as ideal for the skies as it is for the roads. Take it in the plane or the car since its adjustable strap easily fits around most headrests, and thanks to its basic shape and adjustability via inflation, you can customize how soft or firm it is depending on your needs.

The foam backed bladder helps reduce the balloon-like feel of some inflatable travel pillows. Use it behind the neck and shoulder or behind the lower back for lumbar support. Extra points for the plush cover that is machine washable.

With so many travel specific pillows and U-shaped design styles, why pick a traditional rectangle option as the most versatile? It’s simple—you can’t reinvent the wheel. With foam and an inflatable bladder, travelers can adjust its firmness, roll it up for neck support on a plane, press it against a wall or window, use it as a normal pillow, or take it along for car travel or camping.

This is the versatile pillow I bring on trips when I am doing multiple types of adventure and know I will need a pillow that can handle the travel itself and anything after. I appreciate the use of both the foam and the air bladder, which means I can adjust the cushioning and the support. With NEMO’s combination, it creates a pillow that doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping on a balloon like some inflatable pillows do. It also easily stuffs down into a sack—about the size of a big Chipotle burrito—that’s integrated into the removable, machine washable cover.

J-Pillow Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow diverges from the traditional U-shape, co-opting another letter for its design. The curve of the “J” cradles your chin while the rest of the pillow supports one side of your head.

While this design is best-suited for passengers at a window seat, I found the J-Pillow didn’t slip off my shoulder even when I wasn't leaning against a window. There is plenty of cushioning, so it's comfortable, but its biggest flaw is its slightly awkward and bulky shape.

Though it comes with a travel sack, it doesn’t compress nearly as much as other travel pillows. Because it didn’t fit into my backpack, I had to carry it separately—not exactly ideal for frequent fliers—though you could use its snap loop to attach to luggage or tie the bag’s drawstring to a gear loop.

What is typically the best way to clean a travel pillow? Should I look for one that is machine-washable?

Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. Many inflatable and foam pillows aren’t designed for machine washing and can get damaged in the process. Some of my favorite travel pillows have removable covers that are machine washable.

If given the choice of an inflatable, microbead, or memory foam travel pillow, what do you prefer and why?

If I'm not worried about packing space and my travel plans include a flight, I like memory foam since it cradles the head softly. If you’re traveling and doing multiple things while away, an inflatable pillow might be best since it takes up less space while packed and can be customized for different types of resting.

How do you know if a travel pillow is the right fit?

Think about how you rest while traveling and look for a pillow that fits those needs. You’ll want one with enough support to cradle your head as you nod off, whether that’s off to the side, straight back, or slumping forward.

Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents. 

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Home » Gear » travel scarf

The 11 BEST Travel Scarves of 2024 from Someone who Knows

Travel scarves (or travel scarfs , if that’s how you fancy them) keep your money safe, your body warm, your spine aligned, and…  Not convinced? I’m about to show you how for many fashionable backpackers and jet-setters, a good travel scarf has gone from superfluous accessory to travel necessity!

These versatile rectangles of fabric are an incredibly handy piece of kit to have while on the road, whether you’re on a weekend away or on the extended trip of a lifetime. Not only can they protect against the heat, cold, dust, and sweat that travel can involve, the best travel scarves even have a hidden pocket in which to safely store a passport or other valuables.

So what are the best travel scarves on the market? Read on to unwrap our top picks!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Scarves

Overall best travel scarf, best travel scarf blanket, best travel shawl, best summer travel scarf, best infinity travel pillow, best travel neck warmer, some more of our favorite travel scarves, how to choose the best travel scarf, faq about the best travel scarf.

• Overall best travel scarf – MeiPing Zipper Scarf
• Best travel scarf blanket – HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket
• Best travel shawl – DANA XU 100% Mulberry Pashmina
• Best infinity travel pillow – Trtl Pillow
• Best travel neck warmer – Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf

Zipper Infinity Scarf

• > Fashionable
• > Well-sized hidden pocket

HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket

• > Multipurpose
• > Eco-friendly

DANA XU 100% Mulberry Extra Large Silk Pashmina

• Price > $$$
• > Extraordinarily versatile
• > 100% silk

Trtl Pillow

• > Adult and child versions
• > Brilliant neck and head support

Elzama Travel Neck Wrap

• > Very lightweight
• > Looped infinity design

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MeiPing Zipper Scarf

The MeiPing Zipper Scarf hits the top spot for us for a number of reasons. First off, the Infinity Scarf is a very stylish number! Available in three colors – a zigzag blue stripe, similar purple stripe, and plain black – it really doesn’t look out of place as a fashion accessory, whether you’re a guy or a gal. What’s more, there’s a brilliantly hidden zipper pocket, large enough for a passport and smartphone.

The natural folds of the fabric make the pocket invisible and anything you slip inside won’t look bulky or obvious at all. Isn’t a travel scarf a super awesome way to hide money when traveling? Then there’s its very attractive price point, which means getting hold of a MeiPing Zipper Scarf isn’t going to break the bank or affect your vacation plans!

• Fashionable
• Well-sized hidden pocket
• Right now only 2 styles, 3 colors to choose between
• A little light for brutal winter
• Designed for women (but good for men too!)
• Not water resistant

Is the MeiPing Zipper Scarf for me?

As travel scarves go, it’s difficult to see any great fault in this MeiPing Zipper Scarf! It’s got a very cool look and an all-important hidden passport pocket which has a zipper closure for extra security. This is an excellent option if a money belt wouldn’t feel natural with your wardrobe. It’s also well-priced and as always, supports various charitable organizations with each sale.

It may not come with a hidden pocket like the Elzama Infinity Scarf does, but boy is the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket versatile all the same! An ideal addition to anyone who likes to travel light, and wants to stuff their sack with multipurpose items, you can use this HappyLuxe product as a traditional next scarf, a shawl for when the temperature drops a little at night, AND a blanket for flights and train journeys. It’s produced from high-quality eco-friendly micromodal fabric that makes it incredibly soft to the touch, and very lightweight, so you won’t have any problem with carrying it around with you every day. It also comes in a huge range of colors, for all styles!

• Multipurpose
• Eco-friendly
• Soft to the touch
• Good range of colors
• No hidden passport pocket
• Must be washed on cold cycle
• Designed for women
• A little costly

Is the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket for me?

If you’re searching for a multipurpose travel scarf, things don’t get much better than the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket – able to convert from scarf, to shawl, to blanket, and back again. Ecologically-minded, super-soft, and lightweight too, this will answer the prayers of many a traveler, that’s for certain!

Travel shawl doesn’t quite describe the Multi-use travel pashmina by DANA, which is less a travel shawl and more an entire travel wardrobe! Ideal for warmer destinations where lighter clothing is the order of the day, this travel shawl easily converts into a dress, scarf, wrap or sarong. Made from 100% silk, it’s easy to keep clean and super soft, light and comfortable.

• Extraordinarily versatile
• Different colours and designs available
• Too lightweight for colder weather
• No hidden pocket for valuables
• Quite pricey

Is the DANA XU travel shawl for me?

Though it doesn’t have the hidden pocket some will now expect from a travel scarf or shawl, it converts into many different looks, which is perfect for travel when you don’t want to be dragging about as many different outfits! If you’re looking for style and substance in one, this is the perfect option.

Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf

Travel scarves definitely aren’t just for winter, and certainly, aren’t just a means of having valuables safely about your person either! A good travel scarf, such as the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf, can really enhance your summer look. Handmade in Illinois, this beautiful mustard colored travel scarf is decorated with half and crescent moons in white, making it a great accessory for all manner of colors and styles. It also incorporates a hidden passport pocket that hangs well and discreetly even when loaded up with your valuables and is 96% cotton – perfect for keeping your skin cool in higher temperatures. The remaining 4% is elastane, giving the scarf a little bit of give.

• Great for accessorizing
• Handmade in Illinois
• Highest quality
• Hidden passport pocket
• Must be washed on delicate cycles
• Only one color/style available
• Intended for women only
• Wraps just twice around the neck

Is the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf for me?

Neatly balancing the need for somewhere to store your valuables while on the move, and the need to look great when traveling too, the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf is a wonderful option. Its cotton construction keeps you cool while protecting your skin from the heat and sun, safe in the knowledge your passport, smartphone, or other valuables are hidden from view!

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Available for both adults and children thanks to a dedicated child-friendly size, the Trtl Pillow has rightly been getting rave reviews for some time now. Taking the idea of a travel scarf to new heights, the Trtl Pillow is a soft, scarf-like construction that wraps around your neck to keep your head up while sleeping on trains, planes, and other forms of transport. It manages to support your head, preventing a cricked neck, because of a cleverly hidden internal support, which is the only thing that limits its packability. However, it can also be hung from your bag without issue, weighs just half a pound, and is machine washable too. How good’s that!

• Adult and child versions
• Brilliant neck and head support
• Weighs just half a pound
• Machine washable
• Internal support limits packability slightly
• Not for use as a travel scarf
• A little warm for some people
• No valuables pocket

Is the Trtl Pillow for me?

Anyone who has ever struggled to sleep while traveling, or indeed has nodded off only to get a sore neck as a result, will appreciate the cunning new design of the Trtl Pillow, which is not only compact and lightweight, but also supportive, and very easy to use!

Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf

The Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf is, like all the best travel scarves, lightweight, so won’t feel like a burden either when you’re wearing it, or when you’re carrying it! It’s also incredibly soft to the touch and durable thanks to its polyester construction and cosy plaid design. As a looped infinity scarf, it’s very difficult for anyone to snatch from around your neck, making the hidden passport pocket all the more secure a place to hide your valuables while enjoying the sights your destination has to offer. It has a great price too, and though the advertising suggests this is one for the ladies, we reckon it wouldn’t look out of place on the shoulders of a fashionable dude either!

• Very lightweight
• Looped infinity design
• Designed primarily with women in mind
• Loop design might mess up carefully made hair
• Not enough protection for winter breaks
• So good you’ll want more than one!

Is the Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf for me?

Stylishly produced with an attractive plaid knit, this Travel Neck Wrap from Stylesilove is another good addition to the travel scarf family. Lightweight and well-priced to boot, it not only provides protection against chill winds and the hot sun, but also has a zippered hidden pocket where you can keep your passport and other valuables safe.

Waypoint Goods travel scarf

Coming in a huge range of fabulous designs, from the Breton stripe to bold blocks of contrasting colors, the Waypoint Goods travel scarf is, however, more than just a pretty face (as it were)! Clearly made with an attention to quality and detail, this travel scarf is made is durable yet soft fabrics, with a zippered hidden pocket measured to ensure the fit of a passport and smartphone the size of the latest iPhones. Constructed as a loose infinity loop scarf, the Waypoint Goods travel scarf is difficult to snatch, leaving your hands free for the delights of your vacation destination.

• Lots of brilliant designs to choose from
• High quality
• Large zippered hidden pocket
• Loose infinity loop design
• Infinity loop design means it can’t be unwound
• Too many colors to opt for
• Best for spring/summer

Is the Waypoint Goods travel scarf for me?

The Waypoint Goods travel scarf does exactly what you would expect a travel scarf to do. Its infinity loop design makes it difficult for thieves to snatch, while the zippered hidden pocket is specifically designed to fit passports and larger smartphones. Finally, more than being simply utilitarian, it comes in a wide range of fantastic designs!

Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf

Sharing many of the design features of the Waypoint Goods travel scarf, but at a slightly lower price point for all the budget travelers out there, the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf should not be overlooked. Made from a mix of polyester and bamboo, giving it a sustainability edge some other travel scarves cannot match, it remains soft to the touch so there’s absolutely no risk of chaffing to the neck. The zippered hidden pocket is very subtle and well hidden, and the scarf hangs well even with the pocket loaded up with a smartphone, so it’s definitely not obvious you’ve got valuables to hand!

• Excellent price
• Sustainable
• Zippered hidden pocket
• Imported to the US
• Hand washing best
• Not for winter climes
• Infinity loop design

Is the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf for me?

Clearly the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf is a pretty awesome travel scarf or it wouldn’t appear on our list of the top scarves on the market! What do we like about the Genovega USAstyle? For one thing, it’s very competitively priced, for another it has some eco-friendly credentials from the use of bamboo, in addition to its helpful hidden zippered valuables pocket.

Sealen Travel Scarf

While most of the travel scarves we’ve found are made from lighter materials intended for use over the warmer months of the year, the Sealen Travel Scarf is one of just a handful made from weightier materials specifically designed to keep you warm in the winter months. It is made with 100% cotton, making the infinity loop design breathable despite its extra warmth, but is still surprisingly lightweight despite this additional thickness. Needless to say perhaps, there’s also a hidden valuables pocket hidden within the looping structure, so even during the colder months, you don’t have to head out with a bag if you want to go light.

• Made for winter
• 100% cotton
• Hidden valuables pocket
• A little heavy for summer use
• Cannot be machine washed
• Limited color choices

Is the Sealen Travel Scarf for me?

Need a little more warmth than the standard travel scarves? Then the Sealen Travel Scarf is the travel scarf for you! Even though it’s constructed from thicker fabric, 100% cotton means it remains breathable, and pretty lightweight too. While its color range is limited to just five options at present, its overall design more than makes up for it!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

You’ve decided on a travel scarf as a way of keeping your valuables safe without the need for a bag or money belt – great! But how do you know which of the many travel scarves now on the market is the best one for you?

Destination

A good place to start is to think about when and where you plan to use your newly purchased travel scarf. If, like most, you’re aim is to use the travel scarf as a spring/summer accessory, providing a little protection from the sun and evening chills, then you’ll want to opt for one of the lighter styles. The great news here is that the majority of travel scarves fall into this bracket. If you’re heading to cooler climes during the winter, you’ll probably be looking for a travel scarf with a heavier fabric.

Then think about your own personal style. If you end up picking a travel scarf that doesn’t match your personality or go with the majority of your clothes, you’re likely to leave it unused at home! Worse still, you might carry it around the world with you, but never want to put it on! This is possibly more important for male travelers, as many travel scarves appear to be aimed at the women’s market, and some can seem a little feminine for some tastes (both male and female). If this is you – keep an eye out for unisex options!

Remember also to think carefully about what exactly you want your travel scarf for. Is it to use as a shawl or wrap if it gets chilly, as a sleep aid on flights and other forms of transport, or as a hands-free means of keeping valuables close at hand? Your thoughts on this question will help you narrow your search, while knowing exactly what you plan to store in the hidden pocket (if that’s the sort of travel scarf you’re after) will ensure you also end up purchasing one that fits everything in!

Finally, there’s pricing. Everyone has a budget, and as you’ll see from our lowdown of the best travel scarves there are a wide range of price tags associated with this accessory. That, of course, means that there’s probably a travel scarf out there that will meet your budgetary requirements, whether you’re a hard-up vagabond, or someone looking for extras (such as RFID protection), or someone who doesn’t mind splashing the cash for the perfect travel scarf for you!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best travel scarf with a hidden pocket?

We love the Elzama for it’s sleek design, super soft material and a hidden pocket that fits your passport and phone.

Why do I need a travel scarf?

A travel scarf is a great way to keep your valuables safe. You can hide your passport, phone, cash and other small things in a tiny pocket without anyone knowing.

Which travel scarf offers the best protection?

The Ready+Steady RFID Travel Infinity Scarf is made from cut-proof material which keeps your hidden valuables safe.

What is the warmest travel scarf?

The HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket is the best way to stay warm during your travels. You can wrap it around your neck or your body! Another warm option is the Elzama Travel Neck Wrap .

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Final Thoughts

That’s about it for my review of the best travel scarves available right now!

Not just for winter, not just for women, and not just for the backpacker set, travel scarves are a really useful, lightweight accessory for anyone’s travels. Check out the very best travel scarves of here and now with our detailed reviews!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

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• Travel Clothes

The Best Travel Scarves for Chilly Airplanes and Cold Destinations

Published November 18, 2019

Written by:

Stacey Ebert

Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Including a travel scarf in your autumn and winter packing lists will keep you warmer, but even in spring and summer a travel scarf can be a great addition. 

Years ago, on my first trip to Bangkok, I bought a few pashminas at a night market. Little did I know they’d be more than a pretty souvenir by which to remember the trip. For years now, one of those same pashminas has traveled the world with me.

A great travel scarf is my head and shoulder covering for places of worship, a blanket when those airplane air-conditioning vents freeze me from head to toe, a makeshift towel on many spontaneous beach excursions and, of course, wrapped around my neck to keep me warm on chilly days.

There are tons of options when it comes to travel scarves and neck warmers, even some with built in  travel pillows . Choose a travel scarf that adds a pop of color to an outfit, keeps you warm, and is as versatile as you are. No matter where you’re headed, warm or cold, and all year round, a scarf is a useful piece of travel gear . Scroll on for our top travel scarf picks.

The Best Travel Blanket Scarves and Wraps

Just as there’s a travel destination out there for each and every one of us, the same goes for scarves. Whether you’re chilly at your co-working space in Nice, running from that  Denver   conference  to the one in  Seattle , or looking to make your minimalist capsule wardrobe stretch that much further – a blanket scarf will keep you warm.

Champion Lightweight Snap Scarf  $8

Material:  polyester and spandex

Whether you wear it as a scarf, shrug, wrap or small blanket this is a great budget travel scarf that is trendy, and stays put when you snap it. The lightweight material means it isn’t designed to be super warm.

Travel Tube Blankets $45+

Material:  poly stretch

This ultra-soft infinity scarf is one of the most unique travel scarf designs on the market. When fully expanded, it becomes a body-length tube you can slip inside while napping on airplanes — and not worry about it falling off during fidgety in-flight naps. Around town, roll it up to wear as a warm, fashionable infinity scarf for cold weather travel .

Mer Sea Classic Travel Wrap  $110

Material:  100% acrylic

This wrap comes with matching bag that could happily hold a travel pillow. And since it’s not cashmere, this wrap can be both washed and dried in a machine. Mer Sea also has a full line of travel blanket scarves and wraps in different colors and materials to choose from.

The Best Cashmere Travel Blanket Scarves

For an extra luxe in-flight accessory, consider a travel blanket scarf made out of cashmere. Even if you’re not flying first class, you’ll feel like you are.

White and Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap  $298 

Material:  cashmere

White and Warren has a dedicated section on their website for their travel wraps. Although these are more costly than most, if you’re always traveling (and always freezing) it might be worth shelling out the extra coin for this 6 foot by 3 foot 100% cashmere beauty.

Saferin Cashmere Pashmina Scarf  $36

Material:  cashmere and lambswool blend

More shawl than blanket scarf, this is a warmer option at a great price. Cashmere is an excellent option for cold weather travel. Add a belt and there’s lots of wardrobe versatility here.

C By Bloomingdales Travel Cashmere Wrap  $80-200

The Best Travel Scarves With Hidden Pockets

Hidden, helpful, and handy definitely describe these gems of the travel scarf world. Designed to keep your treasures out of the hands of pickpockets, the hidden zippers work their magic into your wardrobe.

Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Zipper Scarf  $20-75

Material:  varies

Speakeasy Travel Supply is a company founded by travelers. I have the  Palm Springs cotton scarf . Aside from feeling childlike joy knowing I’m the owner of a magical hidden secret, what I love about this friendly, travel-minded company is that their scarves come in an assortment of fabrics, because I can only tolerate certain types. The founders handcraft most of the scarves themselves and have been featured by some of the biggest names in travel. They have collections for every season – including some of the  best summer travel scarves .

Waypoint Good’s Limited Edition Travel Scarf  $40 

Material:  lightweight polyester

This line of infinity scarves is inspired by cities, places, national parks and artists. The one pictured above is inspired by Denver and the landscapes around it. The beautiful fabric and perfectly hidden pocket capture the magic of travel. These scarves are a hand wash and lay flat to dry item, which is okay, if you’re used to hand washing while you travel.

Kamot Scarf  $17

Material : viscose/polyester

If you’re looking for a budget option, this could be your best bet. This multifunctional infinity scarf gets high marks in Amazon reviews. It’s soft and warm with a decent sized pocket. At this price, you can probably afford to buy two and expand your fashion options!

The Best Travel Scarf Pillows

It’s a pillow, no it’s a scarf. It’s a pillow scarf!

One item – multiple uses. Whether traveling for work or pleasure, most of us try to grab our much-needed sleep whenever we can. Instead of getting off a plane or train with an irritating crick in the neck from trying to contort yourself into a comfortable position, pack one of these dual duty pillows. Travel scarves that include a pillow ease the discomfort and set us up for sleeping success.

Trtl  $30

Material:  fleece

This scarf-like, fleece, ‘turtle’ pillow seems to provide its users with comfortable sleep anywhere. Scientifically proven neck support with adjustable fastening, and half the size of U-shaped travel pillow, Trtl weighs just half a pound. The downside is that this is not a scarf you’re you’re going to wear for fashion. It’s for sleeping only. According to their website, the product has been spotted on quite a few famous necklines.

Infinity Pillow  – $39

Material:  bamboo

Made out of bamboo fabric, this travel pillow doubles as an infinity scarf. While it won’t cover your tootsies on that chilly flight, it will allow you to skip the annoying head bob and will lessen the need for acupuncture when you land. This one isn’t exactly a fashion statement either, but if comfort and rest are your primary goals, it will keep your neck warm too.

Neck Warmer Travel Scarves: Keep it Simple

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. When a scarf is too big for a pocket, purse , or person, grab a neck warmer. These flexible guys are often a quick fix for blustery days, or flexible cold fighting, when a full sized travel scarf is just too much.

Buff  $20 and up

Materials:  varies

For years, these have been my go to neck warmer. Whether it’s a blustery day on a boardwalk, a winter meeting at an outdoor coffee chop or tacking on a few extra days of adventure after a  business trip  – Buff works.

Choose from cotton, fleece, merino and more. Layer these neck warmers under your blanket scarf, hoodie, or jacket. Shove it in a pocket when the sunshine comes out, or double it as a headband when you grab a yoga class in the middle of your workday.

Buy more than one and fling them in every bag you have.

How to Choose the Perfect Travel Scarf

To choose the right travel scarf, consider material, versatility, size, and whether or not you need pockets. For people who have sensitive skin, the material matters a lot. Shorter than average people need to weigh the pros and cons of additional length and wrap styles. If you’re cold all the time, thickness is going to be a factor. Light packers who insist on versatility will be looking for something lightweight, but that serves multiple purposes. There’s so much more to to shopping for scarves than just color and cost.

Cotton, bamboo, acrylic, wool, merino wool, polyester, rayon, acrylic – so many options. Each one has its own benefits. Price, comfort, feel, texture and breathability are a few of the factors consider when choosing the material of your next travel scarf.              

For winter (and those of us who are cold all the time), cashmere and merino wool will keep you the warmest; these are also more breathable fabrics.

Acrylic and polyester are much more cost effective but won’t keep you as warm. Some people will find that these synthetic fabrics can cause different reactions on different skin types.

For summer travel scarves and those in between days and the when fashion is more important than warmth, cotton is perfect. A light and airy option, cotton provides versatility, but won’t be the fastest drying option.

Versatility

There are a myriad of options on the market. Whether you’re hitting the brick and mortar stores to check out the feel of a material in your hand, or trolling the digital aisles for your perfect purchase – consider how you plan to use your scarf and where you’re likely to journey with your new find.

• If bundling up is your thing –  the blanket scarf is for you
• If you’re looking for warmth and fashion with a little less bulk –  look at infinity scarves
• Capes and ponchos –  are great for extra warmth but can run a bit higher in price, are  bulkier and harder to pack
• Throw it over your shoulders and add a belt –  voila, now you have an added outer layer to accessorize any outfit
• Tie it in front –  for an evening wrap on one of those chilly travel nights on the town
• For a simple shrug –  throw it over your shoulders, under the arms and tie in the back
• Instant cover up –  pop it over your head and shoulders as a covering or tie it around your waist to elongate a short skirt when visiting a place of worship
• Tie and tie again –  and use it as a trendy hair wrap for those long, busy travel days

Hidden Pockets

Scarves with hidden pockets are made for travel. They keep your items hidden from view and allow you to wear your valuable belongings close to your body. Hide your money, keys, headphones, or even a snack in the pocket of your travel scarf for those long haul travel days.

• Anything with pockets is always helpful –  especially when traveling
• Pockets are terrific for lightweight items –  like room keys, flash drives, and money
• Depending on how you wrap your scarf –  heavier items (like phones and passports) may cause the scarf to shift position
• Choosing a scarf of a bulkier fabric –  (like wool or fleece) or wrapping it a few extra times will keep those heavier items more stable

Size Matters

Let me just come out and say that blanket scarves are not for everyone. If you’re shorter than average, you already know that one size rarely fits “all.”  Size really does matter!

Although my sister-in-law (who is a good 5 inches taller than me) can rock a blanket scarf like a boss, on me it looks like I’m wrapping myself in a blanket (not in a good way). 

This especially applied to the pocket scarves I tested. The length between shoulder and chest differs on each person. Lightweight items worked great in the pockets. Phones and other heavier items didn’t sit in the right spot on me very well, yet some of my taller friends who tried it on looked and felt like they were ready for the travel runway. Some of the fit was dependent on how the scarf was wrapped, but some of it was just a factor of body size.

Neck Warmers

For those quick runs between modes of transport, the meet up that’s taking place in the park, or the co-living space outing that’s just a shade too chilly – a neck warmer might be all you need.

For plane and train trips, larger scarves are perfect – one part accessory, one part blanket warmth; but if your wrap or cape doesn’t cover your neck, add a simple neck warmer for a little extra protection. 

Fashion Meets Function

Fashion matters in travel. No one wants to look like a tourist. Although a travel scarf isn’t an absolute necessity, it might be game-changer you need to make travel that much more comfortable and fashionable.

At  Tortuga , we embrace the idea of minimalist travel. That means every item needs to do double duty. Choose a travel scarf that accents your outfits, but that also keeps you warm, works as a  swimsuit  cover up, towel (in a pinch), a throw or picnic blanket for the park, and more.

Including a travel scarf in your packing list is a year-round must. In autumn and winter, it will keep you warm as you wander. In spring and summer, it can help with cold airplanes and unexpected chilly weather.

• Consider which materials work for you and the season or journey
• Explore your price range (polyester is going to be less expensive than cashmere)
• Decide on your specific scarf needs (blanket, pocket, wrap, cape, pillow)
• Follow trendy hashtags to get creative your scarf arrives (#scarf, #scarves, #blanketscarves)
• Be ready to try some new styles and upgrade your travel life

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Max Carry On Size

Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a 10-month honeymoon around the world, she started writing about adventure, journey and perspective changing life shifts.

She’s a badass at finding travel discounts, drilling down the details and asking the hard questions. Her work has been featured in both travel and educational publications.

Read more from Stacey

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Best Sleep Scarfs for Travel

Travel is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged whenever possible. However, one of the drawbacks – and a reason why some people avoid long flights – is that it can be quite difficult to fall asleep or even rest comfortably in your seat. Trying to adjust your airline pillow or own neck pillow can feel like a never-ending saga. Thankfully, some clever scarf brands are creating a new wave of sleeping products for travel that are comfortable, handsome, and convenient. We tested out the leading travel scarfs and found out how they compare. Read below to find out more:

Editor’s Choice

TedBoss Travel Neck Pillow Scarf

• Adaptable shape. One of the benefits of the memory foam composition of this travel pillow scarf is that you can form the pillow to fit – and provide support – in whatever position you are in: middle seat, aisle, or even on your couch
• Lightweight. This travel neck pillow scarf from TedBoss weighs in between 7 and 8 ounces, not even half a pound. This is lighter than many competitors on the market
• Keeps you warm. This product not only supports the neck during travel, but it doubles as a scarf that wraps around your neck and head. For those that tend to get cold on flights or train voyages due to the variable air you’re feeling, this is a great choice for you!
• Getting it on in a tight space. Though it is easy to put on and start using, depending on your seating situation on the plane, there might be an added layer of difficulty trying to gracefully put this neck pillow scarf on
• Headphones. Many people enjoy listening to music as they fall asleep. While this is all dependent on the type of headphones you are using, some customers may find it hard to get their headphones exactly right while making the neck pillow scarf in its most supportive position, as the scarf can cover part of your ears.

The TedBoss Travel Neck Pillow Scarf is made out of a washable, soft micro fleece material on the outside and a layer of memory foam pillow on the inside. It is specially designed to allow comfort in any direction you would like your head to rest - even being able to keep your head from falling forward and supporting your neck while you sleep.

Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf and Inflatable Neck Pillow

• Easy for travel. This product showcases several travel-ready features. Because it can be easily inflated and deflated, it can be folded quite compacted after use. As it doubles as a wearable scarf, it can even be worn off the plane rather than packed
• Design. Sleeper Scarf makes a handsomely designed piece of travel luxury that can blend into most modern outfits, male and female. Perfect for those with a proud style sense
• Length. While a lot of sleep products can be rather small for some customers, this scarf measures 77 inches in length, so it can be worn as an infinity scarf, wrap around most people’s bodies, while still being folded for travel
• Cost. If you are really looking for a nice neck pillow that you can wear off the plane, this is a great purchase for you. However, be aware that, at just under $40 a pop, this is one of the more expensive products on the market
• Leaks. Though this isn’t a problem unique to this particular product, any type of furniture or clothing-wear that relies on being inflated and then has put pressure on it is liable to have leaks at some point

Sleeper Scarf’s 2-in-1 Travel Scarf has a hidden air valve that, upon unzipping and inflating, transforms what appears to be an ordinary fashion scarf into a neck pillow. Available in several different colors, this product is made out of 95% cotton, measures 77 inches in length, and can be machine washed with your laundry.

Best Bargain

WAYPOINT GOODS Travel Infinity Scarf with Secret Hidden Zipper Pocket

• Fits smart phones and passports. The pocket is designed for you to not only fit your cash and ID, but also your passport and smartphones sizes up to the iPhone+
• Designs. The huge variety of different colors, designs, and themes make this product stand head and shoulders above other makers of travel scarfs. Picking the right one for you is made easy – perfect for getting multiple scarfs as holiday gifts
• Comfort. This reviewer found the scarf comfortable to wear and felt no irritation from the material. Super soft and perfect for staying warm
• Neck support. Though this scarf can be used on the plane while traveling, it needs to be bunched up and placed on one side or the other in order to provide enough neck support
• Zipper access. The zipper is super handy and can make some worries about travel safety dissipate. However, if you are constantly needing to access the secret pocket, it can be a hassle to do so over and over again

WAYPOINT GOODS has a travel scarf that not only is comfortable on flights, but it has a secret hidden zipper pocket that allows you to store your valuables easily and securely as you head to your destination. There are over 30 designs available for purchase; each is inspired by famed locations and people around the world, including national parks, world cities like Paris and Oslo, artists, and nonprofits that are making a difference in their local communities.

How We Picked

Travel issues are one of the more common experiences people have – the pains of layovers, checked luggage, and hailing a cab. However, when trying to fall asleep on a plane, we are often on our own personal islands of discomfort. Finding a travel pillow to help you fall asleep is decision that could make or break your next flight. Thankfully there are several brands that are pushing the envelope and making smart travel neck pillow scarfs that provide not only comfort and support, but can be incorporated into our travel apparel. With lots of options out there offering different perks, we’ve sorted through some of the key determinations to make:

We’ve all seen our airline mates rocking goofy-looking neck devices and pillow “things”. When choosing something that you want to be able to use flight after flight, you will want to find a design, color, shape that matches your aesthetic. Some products are pretty neutral, while others provide some flash that might match your personal style.

Bottom-line, neck pillow scarfs will only be worn as long as they are comfortable for you. Everyone has different body types and travel needs, let alone sleep patterns and habits. Look out for the different types of outer materials, the pillow type (if any), and the shape of the scarf. The travel scarf that is more comfortable for you may be ineffective for someone else, so please keep in mind when shopping.

Ease of use

While most of the scarfs on the market are designed to be convenient, travel can throw lots of different scenarios and uncomfortable scenarios at you. Some of the leading brands need you to inflate the pillow yourself, or require wrapping and setting it up around your neck upon sitting down. This may be a downside of some products when sitting on a cramped plane in the middle seat.

Though most brands offer smart travel neck pillow scarves for under $40, these products are usually considered a bonus luxury travel item, not a necessity. Depending on your need and how frequently you travel, you may want to consider a lower-priced item if you will use it once a year or on the other hand, opt for the best available to aid your frequent travel.

Keeping it clean

Because this is a purchase that you will most likely be pressing against airline seats, some users will want to be able to clean the product from time to time, if not after every flight. Some products have removable cases, while others can just be tossed straight into the wash. Depending on what color travel neck pillow scarf you purchase, and how much you or a loved one might drool, you might want to get a product that is easily washed.

Buying Tips

Not sure which smart travel scarf is best for you? Below are some key considerations to ponder when making a purchase:

• Figure out your travel needs. Are you traveling to a cold weather location? Do you have trouble sleeping on a plane? Do you get annoyed by how traditional travel pouches fit on your body? All of the leading brands offer travel scarfs that can either aid your sleep on a plane, provide warmth as soon as you disembark, allow secure and secret storage of your most valuable travel items. Some products even feature a combination of these features. If you travel often or have a big trip coming up, make sure you are getting the right travel scarf for you.
• What’s your style? While some people will just stump for the scarf that fits their needs the best, some people may want to make an impression as they travel. Several of the top brands provide different colors, patterns, and textures. As these scarfs are designed not only to be used on a plane while slumbering, but to be worn off the plane and be incorporated into your outfit, customers should choose carefully. Whether vouching for neutral colors such as black or grey, or wanting to make a splash with some color patterns, choosing a scarf that matches your aesthetic will make your purchase feel more long-lasting.
• How do you sleep on a plane? Modern airline seats do not offer much flexibility whether sleeping or just relaxing. However, people have figured out the best ways to make themselves comfortable. Do you lean to one side, resting your head on a loved one or the window? Do you lean forward? Use your arms as pillows on the tray-table? Depending on how you are most comfortable sleeping on a plane, you should really consider the different pillows and cushioning systems, as well as the design, of the competing travel scarf brands.
• Easy to clean? If you travel often or plan on sharing the travel scarf with family members, it is best to find a product that you can toss right into the laundry. Airplanes carry tons of germs and potentially sick passengers every flight. I’m not sure how often airline seats are cleaned, but after a few times using a travel scarf, I would like to know if I could clean it or not. Some scarfs wrap tightly around the neck and may not come into contact with airline seats. Every product is made of different materials so check out what each brand is using to make their scarfs and figure out if you can fit it in your typical wash cycle.

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