Traveling isn't just about the destination. Carry On is our series devoted to how we get away in the digital age, from the choices we make to the experiences we share.

The worst part about traveling is... well, traveling. Nobody likes to spend hours sitting in a cramped space in between two strangers with little to no leg room. In fact, if you think about it, every flight or bus ride is the worst way to begin and end just about every trip and voyage. Not to mention all of that wasted time in busy and loud airports or train stations waiting to connect.

If you're someone who travels a lot, then getting a comfy travel pillow is probably the most important thing you could do. (Also up there? Investing in some smart luggage, snagging a quality travel adapter, and finding the right thing to binge-watch on your flight.)

The absolute best thing you can do is to try to make the whole process as comfortable and relaxing as possible. That's where we come in. We rounded up the best travel pillows that will make your next trip cozy and pleasant without taking up valuable luggage space.

Whether you are a heavy or light sleeper, we have a travel pillow that will suit you and might make you enjoy flying for long periods of time. Meanwhile, we picked products that won't break the bank either, so you can rest assured that you got the most bang for your buck while also feeling relaxed and in the right frame of mind to start exploring and enjoying your final destination.

Here are the best 9 travel pillows for your next trip:

Tired of a stiff and awkward neck when traveling? This travel pillow from JUNING(opens in a new tab) uses a unique soft microfiber pillowcase that maximizes the high quality and extra-dense memory foam inside, which is perfect for better and customizable neck support. 

Just relax your head and neck inside of its U-shape and this travel pillow will do the rest, so you can just relax to your final destination. If you ever wanted to feel the ultimate comfort, then this travel pillow is for you. It's even good for lounging around your home while watching TV or taking a nap.

Neck Support Plane Pillow by JUNING(opens in a new tab) retails for $9.99 on Amazon.

Travelling can be tedious, especially if you’re trying to cram a lot in a small space. With valuable storage decreasing on airplanes, you need a travel pillow that’s compact and out of the way. 

Enter Travelrest(opens in a new tab) , an inflatable travel pillow that's rollable and small enough to fit in a pocket. Just inflate the pillow once you’re onboard and you can sleep with it in various positions for the best travel experience ever. This travel pillow also offers lateral support across your shoulders, chest, and waist.

The Travelrest(opens in a new tab) goes for $23.95 on Amazon.

Are other inflatable travel pillows leaving you breathless? The Daydreamer from AirComfy(opens in a new tab) is an inflatable neck pillow that you don't have to blow up to inflate. Instead, the pillow features a built-in hand pump, so you don't have to worry about placing your lips on it. It even comes with a satin-laced pillowcase for additional support and style. 

The Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) retails for $18.95 on Amazon.

Sitting in a cramped seat can lead to neck strain and discomfort. However, PACK4TRACK’s travel pillow(opens in a new tab) can give you the support you need, no matter the size of your neck. 

While most travel pillows have a one-size-fits-all approach to support, PACK4TRACK uses an adjustable system that gives you customizable comfort while traveling. It’s easy to carry around with its included case, while it also comes with ear plugs and a sleeping mask for additional relaxation.

The PACK4TRACK Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) goes for $14.95 on Amazon.

While most travel pillows only come in one size, the chin-supporting Travel Neck Pillow from BCOZZY(opens in a new tab) comes in various sizes for adults and children with the same support and comfort for whomever is wearing it. The travel pillow wraps around your chin's natural rest position for better support while sitting. 

The pillow is lightweight with an easy to carry strap attached, while it’s also great for resting or sleeping in awkward positions while traveling on a bus, car, train, or airplane. It’s even great for watching TV at home. 

The BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow(opens in a new tab) retails for $54.97.

Most travel pillows are big and bulky when placed around the neck. However, Scottish company Trtl created a travel pillow that’s mechanically engineered to offer the best neck and head support while sitting in a cramped space. 

Trtl Pillow(opens in a new tab) is also scientifically proven for the best sleep results while traveling. It also has an eye for style and looks like a scarf draped around the neck instead of a traditional travel pillow.

The Trtl Pillow(opens in a new tab) goes for $29.99 on Amazon.

Z9’s travel pillow(opens in a new tab) is made from 100% natural latex particles for the best comfort and support while in a sitting position. Its U-shape is pretty common among travel pillows, but what makes it unique is its built-in hoodie to block out light from your resting eyes. 

Just flip this baby up and the other passengers might think you're wearing a hoodie, but when they look closer, they’ll notice it’s a Z9 travel pillow instead.

The Z9 Natural Latex Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) goes for $27.99 on Amazon.

The AERIS Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) is made from conforming visco-elastic memory foam that’s designed to relieve neck pressure and tightness, so you can sleep easier and better. The pillow also promotes and stimulates blood circulation and reduces muscle tension and stress that you might experience from traveling. 

AERIS is so confident that you’ll love their travel pillow that they’re offering a lifetime free replacement guarantee. You won’t lose sleep, so what do you have to lose?

The AERIS Travel Pillow for Restful Sleep(opens in a new tab) retails for $24.90 on Amazon.

This is a strange one, but it certainly stands out more than the rest. The Ostrich Pillow(opens in a new tab) is a unique travel pillow that’s designed for a complete immersive sleep experience. 

Once you place your entire head inside the Ostrich Pillow, you won’t care about looking silly because you’re drifting off to dreamland, as you are cocooned into a comfortable and isolated hub of viscose and elastomer with coated micro-beads for the best sleep ever.

The Ostrich Pillow Original Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) is available on the company's website for $99.00.

If even the plushest pillow doesn't bring you comfort because you're too busy trying not to overheat, the Cabeau Evolution Cool Travel Pillow(opens in a new tab) is the one is for you. 

While its 360-degree support and memory foam that molds to your neck/chin will help you sleep in any position, it's the cooling vent technology that'll really make the difference. The breathable mesh vents allow airflow to continue so that the weight of the pillow doesn't cause you to sweat. 

It comes with a travel bag that compresses the pillow down to half its size, which is nice. This, along with the secure plastic clip that can attach to your luggage, will save you valuable space while traveling. 

When you're done, throw the removable cover in the wash to have a fresh feel for your next trip.