A travel pillow can significantly enhance comfort on long flights, train rides, or road trips. With options ranging from memory foam to inflatable designs, finding one that meets both comfort and budget needs is essential. Here’s how to score great deals on quality travel pillows for your next adventure.
1. Shop During Sales Events
Major sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school promotions often bring big discounts on travel essentials. These events are prime times to find deals on travel pillows, helping you save while gearing up for a restful journey.
Key Sales Events:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November): Some of the steepest discounts on top travel gear occur here, with markdowns up to 50% or more on quality pillows.
- Prime Day (July): Amazon’s exclusive event often includes deals on popular pillow brands.
- Back-to-School Sales (July – September): Retailers offer discounts on travel essentials, often aimed at students and families preparing for travel.
Shopping during these peak sales events can help you secure a quality travel pillow at a reduced price.
2. Explore Online Marketplaces and Deal Websites
Online marketplaces and deal websites frequently feature a wide selection of travel pillows at competitive prices. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer diverse pillow options, from memory foam to inflatable models, with varying prices to suit all budgets.
Top Online Marketplaces:
- Amazon: Carries an extensive range of travel pillow brands, complete with customer reviews for easy selection.
- Walmart: Known for budget-friendly options and occasional rollbacks on popular models.
- Deal Websites (Slickdeals, RetailMeNot): These sites regularly post time-limited discounts, coupon codes, and special offers on travel essentials.
Browsing these marketplaces can help you compare options and maximize savings through coupons or cashback offers.
3. Look into Multipurpose Pillow Sets
Certain brands offer pillow sets that include accessories like eye masks, earplugs, and carrying cases. These bundles are often more affordable than buying items separately and ensure a complete travel comfort kit.
Why Consider a Multipurpose Set?:
- Lower Cost Per Item: Sets offer greater value compared to purchasing items individually.
- All-in-One Comfort: Commonly includes everything you need for a peaceful journey.
- Compact Storage: Comes with a bag for easy storage of all items in one place.
For convenience and value, a travel pillow set is a smart option for covering multiple travel needs on a budget.
4. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Cashback programs and credit card rewards provide savings on travel pillow purchases. Partnering retailers, cashback apps, and credit card rewards programs can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Cashback and Rewards Opportunities:
- Rakuten and Honey: These platforms partner with popular retailers, offering a percentage back on travel essentials.
- Credit Card Rewards: Certain cards reward purchases for travel accessories.
- Loyalty Programs: Retailer programs offer perks like points and early access to discounts.
Earning cashback or rewards can reduce the overall cost of a travel pillow, making a quality option more affordable.
5. Seek Budget-Friendly Brands with Positive Reviews
On a tight budget? Consider lesser-known or private-label brands that deliver comfort and support at a lower price point, often with positive customer reviews.
Recommended Affordable Brands:
- Everlasting Comfort: Offers contoured memory foam pillows that deliver support without a premium price.
- Amazon Basics: Amazon’s brand includes simple yet effective options for travelers on a budget.
- BCOZZY: A popular choice for its unique wrap-around design, praised for its comfort.
These brands provide reliable alternatives at a fraction of the cost, perfect for securing a comfortable travel pillow without overspending.
6. Leverage Promo Codes and Brand Newsletters
Many retailers offer discounts through promo codes or exclusive deals for newsletter subscribers. Signing up for newsletters or searching for codes before purchase can unlock extra savings.
Finding Promo Codes:
- RetailMeNot & Honey: Both platforms host promo codes for retailers selling travel items.
- Newsletter Sign-Ups: Many brands reward new subscribers with a discount code.
- Loyalty Programs: Retailers frequently send exclusive discounts to loyalty members.
Applying promo codes or utilizing brand-specific discounts can save even more on top of existing sale prices.
7. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Options
For budget-conscious shoppers, open-box or refurbished items offer high-quality travel pillows at reduced prices. These items are inspected to ensure functionality and quality, providing a practical, wallet-friendly option.
Where to Find Open-Box Deals:
- Amazon Warehouse: Features “Like New” items with minor defects, such as travel pillows.
- eBay: Offers gently used travel pillows at budget-friendly prices.
- Retailer Clearance Sections: Some stores, including Target and Walmart, list open-box items at a discount.
Refurbished and open-box options allow access to premium items without the premium price.
8. Buy During Off-Peak Travel Seasons
Travel accessories are often discounted during off-peak seasons, like late winter or early spring, when demand is lower. Shopping during these times can reveal significant deals on pillows and other travel essentials.
Best Off-Peak Shopping Times:
- Late Winter (January – February): Post-holiday sales often extend to travel accessories.
- End of Summer (August – September): Discounts make way for back-to-school inventory.
- Early Spring (March – April): Pre-summer discounts appear before peak travel season.
Purchasing during off-peak seasons can make finding a high-quality travel pillow more affordable.
9. Choose a Durable Pillow for Long-Term Savings
Spending a bit more on a durable, well-made travel pillow saves money in the long run. High-quality materials and features like washable covers improve comfort and extend the pillow’s lifespan, reducing the need for replacements.
Features That Ensure Durability:
- Memory Foam or Contoured Designs: Provide lasting support and comfort.
- Washable Cover: A removable cover keeps the pillow clean and fresh.
- Compact Design: Space-saving and easy to pack, ideal for frequent travelers.
Investing in a durable travel pillow ensures comfort for future trips and cuts down on replacement costs.
10. Browse Airport Duty-Free Shops or In-Flight Sales
If you’re already on the go, airport duty-free shops and in-flight catalogs are convenient places to find travel pillows. Some airlines and airports offer discounted travel essentials, especially if they’re clearing out stock.
Airport and Airline Options:
- Duty-Free Discounts: Tax-free prices sometimes extend to travel pillows.
- In-Flight Bundles: Airlines often sell travel kits with pillows, sometimes at a discount.
- Last-Minute Deals: When clearing stock, some airlines offer branded travel pillows at a discount.
These options may be pricier than pre-purchase, but they offer convenience if you’re traveling without a pillow.
Strategic shopping for a travel pillow can save you money and elevate comfort on your trips. By taking advantage of sales, cashback offers, and lesser-known brands, you can find an ideal travel pillow that suits both your budget and travel needs.
