Top Travel Pillows

When the plane touches down in Italy or Croatia or Australia, I want to be ready to roll, which means I need to sleep on the plane, which means I need a good travel pillow that doesn't let my head do that annoying drop-to-your-chest, break-your-neck move.

Andy and I tested four of the top-reviewed travel pillows, and here's what we think of the contenders: your kitchen-tested, Bruner-approved results!

Kay's Pick: TRTL Pillow

They call it a pillow, but it's really just a perfectly curved neck brace, surrounded by a super-soft wrap with a Velcro closure. I've had my TRTL wrap for a couple of years now, and I'm very happy with the no-head-drop sleep I get with this device. The cover is removable for machine washing (which, wow, it looks like I should do sometime soon), and it's perfectly packable, being only an inch or so thick. For me, a TRTL bonus is the wrap factor: it's cozy and warm on those chilly overnight flights.

The TRTL pillow is $29.97 at Amazon, a small price to pay for not waking up mean and tired.

Andy's pick: Purefly Pillow

Andy ordered a TRTL pillow when I did, but he's never been quite as happy with the TRTL experience as I've been. Hence, our further foray into the world of travel pillows. He's feeling optimistic about this Purefly pillow, an inflatable option with a super-soft cover that unzips for machine washing. The Purefly has a unique contoured headrest that helps prevent the dreaded head-bob. The Purefly deflates into a small pouch for excellent packability.

Andy especially liked the Purefly's price point: $15.99 at Amazon.

First Runner-Up: B Cozzy Chin-Supporting Pillow

While cutesy spelling annoys me in the extreme, I really like the feel and function of the B Cozzy. It's super soft and supportive, and I know my head would not bob around while wearing it.

I'm almost tempted to abandon my TRTL and find new love with B Cozzy, but SIZE MATTERS, y'all! I am not a person who checks a bag, and the B Cozzy is just going to B Big and B Bulky, and if I use the snap-strap to attach it to my luggage, it's just going to B Annoying. When I'm running through an airport, I do not need one more thing flapping around behind me, messing with my aerodynamics.

One thing to note on the B Cozzy: they have a few different colors and also a child's size, so there are some perks to this one. I'm thinking about keeping it around and maybe just cheating on the TRTL every now and again...

B Cozzy is $29.97 at Amazon.

Finally: Cabeau Evolution Pillow

The Cabeau Evolution has almost 3,000 4.5 star reviews at Amazon, which tempted us into trying it. The Cabeau is made of super-soft Memory Foam with a removable, washable cover. While it's a bit too tall for my neck, Andy found it very comfortable.

Our problem: it's pretty enormous, and it doesn't collapse down very well. It does have a bag for storage that would help contain its bounty a bit, but for us, this one takes up too much bag space. One helpful thing they did do with all that acreage: put a device pocket on the side.

The Cabeau is the most expensive of the pillows we tested, at $39.99.

10 piece wardrobe for 10 days in Europe

When we planned our first trip to Europe, it quickly became clear that we wanted to restrict our luggage to carry-ons.

Once we arrived in Rome, we would be traveling by train to Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre. Our accommodations were often then via bus or foot from the train station. We probably could have figured out how to haul giant luggage around with us, but frankly, it just didn't seem worth the trouble. So, instead, I figured out how to pack for 10 days into a small carry-on bag. 

**We always travel in shoulder season (spring and fall) so the weather may be chilly or rainy, but not extremely hot or cold.**

What I've learned is this: you really only need 10 basic pieces of clothing, all in black and gray so they always match with everything else.

1. Leggings for warm weather or cold weather

2. Long, stretchy tank tops for layers over leggings, under sweaters

3. Long-sleeved base layer

4. Long, flowy tank top

5. Lightweight sweater

6. A-line skirt or Tank dress to wear alone or with layers

7. Long flannel shirt OR Chambray shirt OR White button down

8. Jacket: rain jacket and/or packable down (I bring both just in case)

9. Good waterproof trail shoes

10. Flats or Boots for evening, depending on season/weather

Don't forget your socks and undies (bathing suit, too, just in case).  Tuck in some accessories like scarves, hats, and headwraps to brighten it up, and you're ready to go!

The athleisure trend is the best thing that ever happened to travelers, because FABRICS MATTER! If you buy good performance pieces that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, you can wear them over and over and no one's the wiser. They stay dry, they don't stink, they pack down well and don't wrinkle. They're practically magic.

UnderArmour is my favorite for all base pieces: leggings, long sleeve base, flowy tanks.

I recently fell in love at first sight with the Prana clothing line for skirts and dresses. Perfect for wearing absolutely anywhere. Add the Prana Diva skirt over your leggings and go to the opera. Throw a pretty scarf over the Prana Cali dress, and go out to dinner. They're beautiful, classic silhouettes, AND most pieces are manufactured using recycled fabrics.

To show you what this looks like on the hoof, here are a couple of photos from Ireland. I'm wearing leggings, a long tank, a sweater, a jacket, and waterproof trail shoes during the day. In the evening, I added a skirt (a Gap skirt I've had for ages), changed out my trail shoes for boots, and added a scarf for color. Done!

You'll see in the first picture that I've got on a blue shirt, because when you put these 10 pieces into your carry-on, you'll have extra room to add whatever else you want. The funny thing is, though, that I often come home with unworn "extras," having worn the 10 pieces over and over again.