6 products that solve your travel problems

A high-end travel pillow and a cute but handy packing list will make your trip that much better

(Image credit: Illustrated / Getty Images)

published 9 October 2023

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Getting from Point A to Point B can be stressful, and that's before adding in bumps like a forgotten passport or annoying neck pain. Make the journey easier from start to finish by anticipating your travel problems before you hit the road — and packing the solutions.

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The solution: Curl up with a cozy pillow that Goldilocks would approve of — it's not too soft or too hard, but just right. At 21" x 12", the handcrafted Scrumptious Travel Pillow is a little larger than most, giving you more support. The copper-infused foam used in the fill helps the pillow keep its shape, and it doesn't go flat whether you're using it behind your head or leaning slantwise in the window seat. $129.99

The solution: Keep your ID, cash, keys, phone and passport on you, literally, with the FlipBelt. It's a tubular belt that fits snug against your waist and holds small personal items you might need on the go. While on a run, the belt stays in place and won't bounce around, keeping everything inside it safe. It's not just meant for exercising, either — wear it while sightseeing for added protection from pickpockets. There are several colors to choose from, with the hot pink adding some pizazz to any ensemble. $39

The solution: Sometimes you get squished while traveling, maybe in a tight airplane seat or the backseat of a car, and by the time you've made it to your destination, you're feeling sore, stiff and looking for relief. The innovative Jazz Band Live is a wearable light therapy device that uses red light, near-infrared light, magnetic pulse, and micro-vibration to reduce pain and inflammation. It's also flexible so it can be used on different parts of the body, like the back, shoulders and knees. $279

The solution: Long flights can be boring, but your compression socks don't have to be. Compression socks help fight swelling and also prevent blood clots, making them an important item for travelers on lengthy, cramped journeys. Comrad knee socks come in fun patterns like tie-dye, stripes and ombre, and have different compression levels; check with your doctor to see which pressure level is best for you. $32

The solution: Never again will you leave your toothbrush or pajamas at home. With this packing list notepad, you'll review four different categories — hygiene, clothes, basics and miscellaneous — while marking how many of each item you need. From there, go to your closet and medicine cabinet, grab what you need, and check it off the list. You should also probably take the advice printed on the bottom of the pad: "Bring half of what you think you need, and twice as much money." $7

The solution: Sensate is a palm-size sensory device that you place over your chest, and its vibrations soothe the vagus nerve, which regulates heart and respiratory rates and digestion. Think of it as a soothing massage to the nerve, with the vibrations lowering stress and anxiety. Use the device in tandem with its app; the soundscapes in sync with the vibrations are the perfect immersive experience. $349

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.