It’s all about discovery, relaxation, and… comfort, right? But let’s face it, resting your head against a plastic window shade while you’re 35,000 feet in the air is as comfy as it sounds. That’s where your trusty travel pillow comes in – but only if it arrives in tip-top shape. So, how do you ensure your travel pillow’s coziness isn’t compromised? With the perfect travel pillow bag, of course! This guide will give you the ins and outs of selecting a pillow travel bag, squeezing in those pro tips and tricks for cozy, carefree adventures. Let’s dive in!
Factors When Selecting a Travel Pillow Bag
Ever tried squeezing your favorite pillow into a suitcase and later finding it looking like it battled a vacuum cleaner – and lost? Heartbreaking, isn’t it? The key to avoiding such tragedies lies in choosing the right travel pillow bag. It’s like picking the right sidekick for your pillow, so it emerges from your luggage as plush and eager for adventure as ever.
When we talk about material, you’ve got a whole buffet of options. Nylon and vinyl say ‘bring it on’ to water and grime, keeping your pillow clean and bone dry. Microfiber is like that gentle friend who’d never let your pillow’s softness fade away. Meanwhile, canvas bags are the tanks of pillow armor, but they do love a good workout due to their weight. Think about where you’ll be headed. A city break? Easy-peasy, nylon’s your buddy. Backpacking in the wilds? Canvas might be worth the extra bicep curls.
Regarding size, it’s not just about playing Tetris in your luggage; it’s also about giving your pillow some breathing space. Measure your pillow and then look for a bag that’s at least a couple of inches roomier. You don’t want a wrestling match every time you need to tuck it in.
Now let’s chat about shape. We live in a world of square and rectangular bags, but hey, that’s for good reason – they stack neatly and give you that satisfying dose of order. But, got a body pillow? This is where things get personal, and you may need to scout around for a bag that’s more, well, body-shaped.
Traveling with a pillow should be a hands-free breeze. Lightweight bags with a handy strap slinging over your shoulder or clipping to your luggage keep your hands free for coffee or impromptu souvenirs.
Compression is another gem – it’s like a magic spell for your pillow. Zip, Velcro, drawstring, or snap, find a bag that lets you squeeze that pillow down to a travel-friendly puff. Just nix those open-top invitations for mishaps.
And for the grand finale, the special features! Because who doesn’t love extras? Pockets for squeezing in that eye mask, padded sides for the rough and tumble, and windows to spare that frantic ‘where’s my pillow?’ search. Your travel style will say which bells and whistles you really need.
Packing Your Pillow Properly
Properly packing your pillow is like prepping it for an elite, undercover mission – you want it to emerge unscathed on the other side. Here’s how you pack it like a pro.
Take your beloved pillow – freshly washed and smelling of your favorite detergent. Let it dry till it’s crisp – dampness is the archenemy of freshness here. Then, commando roll it, squeezing the air out as you go like you’re saving it from an inflatable fate. Secure it not with a medal, but with practical ribbons or Velcro straps.
Nestle it into the bag like a nestling. It should feel at home but not like it’s in a can of sardines. If you can gently compress it with your hands, you’ve got it right. Seal that bag like it’s Fort Knox against dirt.
Now, where does that lonely pillow cover go? A separate, sealed bag will do nicely – cleanliness is next to travel-happiness, remember? If you’re the ‘everything in its place’ sort, tuck those pillowcases right within the pillow for a sweet surprise later.
Hard or soft luggage? Well, think of your pillow’s travel bag as a knight – the suitcase is its armor. Hard-sided luggage is the king’s guard, protecting against the bumps and knocks of journeying. If you’re more of a duffel bag trooper, get creative with your packing. Surround the pillow with soft defenders: clothes, towels, or even a faithful packing cube.
Once you’ve arrived, let that pillow bag claim its own space – laying down flat and undisturbed by the surrounding luggage chaos. Keep it plump and even on both sides; leaning luggage can be oppressively persuasive.
Using Your Pillow During Travel
It’s showtime! Rip that bag open and watch your loyal pillow resurrect to its full glory. Give it a moment to spring back to life before throwing yourself into a much-deserved nap. You don’t want your pillow feeling unprepared for your reunion.
Hotel pillows can be dicey, but slip on a fresh cover or bring along your own – it’s the equivalent of having a familiar face in a foreign land. And if your bag is itself a cozy fabric haven, it might just double up as a temporary pillowcase.
When you’re in the thick of traveling, it’s tempting to liberate your pillow from its confines. But keep it tucked away unless it’s a travel emergency, like an uncomfortably epic layover. Keeping it bagged up keeps it away from the perils of airline coffee spills and such.
Now, as you prepare for the return leg, flip the script and repeat the packing ritual. But, allow your pillow some time off for a quick fluff-up before stuff-up. Coming home, treat that pillow cover to a wash to cleanse away the travel dust before cozying it up in storage again.
