7 Products That’ll Help You Sleep Better While Traveling

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If there’s one thing we know at Esquire, it’s how to travel well. More importantly, we know how to sleep well—even when on the road. I, personally, have touched down on all seven continents, travel-hacked our way across time zones, and navigated everything from plush hotel suites in Paris to safari lodges under the African stars. I’ve done it solo. I’ve done it jet-lagged. I’ve even done it with a toddler in tow.

The truth is that when it comes to travel, no matter how luxurious it is, it’s brutal on your sleep schedule. The Champagne may flow in first class, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a full eight hours. There’s the dry cabin air, the erratic schedules, the hotel pillows that somehow manage to be both too soft and too firm, and the disorienting effect of waking up in a new country, wondering what day it is.

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But over time, I’ve learned that with the right approach, you can actually be rested, polished, and ready to savor the experience instead of just surviving it. This is your guide to mastering the art of sleep on the road, no matter where in the world you’re heading next.

Dream Eye Mask

The Frette Dream Eye Mask isn’t a scratchy freebie you snagged from a business-class amenity kit. It’s pure, indulgent silk with a padded pouch that keeps the mask pristine between uses. It’s the kind of small luxury that makes a big difference, whether you’re settling into a long-haul flight or just trying to block out the morning sun from your hotel suite after a late night.

$200.00 at frette.com

Neck Pillow

The Trtl Travel Pillow, with its patented internal support system, wraps gently around your neck like a cozy fleece scarf. It cradles your head in an ergonomic position that actually works. No more dramatic neck-lurch wake-ups or post-nap crick in your neck.

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It weighs less than an iPhone and folds down to the size of a paperback. You can slip it into your personal bag without it taking up too much space. If you want to arrive looking vaguely human after a long-haul flight and you’re not getting a first-class lay-flat seat, this is the pillow you bring.

$59.99 at trtltravel.com

UltraCool Travel Pillow

While we're speaking ill of those squishy neck donut style pillows, let's talk about the Slumber Cloud. It's a real pillow, just shrunken down for your life at 30,000 feet. It's stuffed with NASA-engineered Outlast fabric for in-flight comfort and temperature regulation, and the machine-washable, zippered cover comes with convenient carry handles. Again, it'll do a much better job than whatever that offer you on a cross-Atlantic redeye.

$59.00 at slumbercloud.com

Quiet 2 Ear Plugs

These ear plugs from Loop are the solution to airplane noise, a budget hotel room that's too close to the elevator bay, or a neighbor’s inexplicable 2 a.m. furniture rearranging.

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Unlike the squishy foam job site plugs, Loop earplugs are thoughtfully designed, discreet, and actually quite stylish. They slip comfortably into your ears, reducing noise without completely muting the world, so you can still hear your boarding call or room service knock (priorities).

$20.95 at amazon.com

White Noise Mini Sound Machine

Think of this portable sound machine fits in your palm but punches way above its weight when it comes to saving your sleep. It measures just under two inches, but it packs an impressive lineup of 15 non-looping sounds. There's white, pink, and brown noise, as well as gentle rain, ocean waves, crackling campfire, and birdsong.

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It’s rechargeable via USB-C, has timer settings (30, 60 minutes, or all night), and comes in multiple colors.

$21.99 at amazon.com

SlumberPod

If we're talking about sleeping while traveling, your kid is probably the most important piece of the puzzle. When they don't sleep, nobody sleeps. The SlumberPod has been my secret weapon. I’ve sworn by it for years and recommend to every parent heading out on the road.

This genius, light-blocking tent transforms any hotel room, guest room, or Airbnb corner into a private, cozy sleep cave for babies and toddlers. It fits right over a Pack ’n Play, mini crib, or toddler air mattress, blocking 95-percent of light. It packs down small enough to fit in a carry-on, and it sets up in minutes. With 4,000+ five-star reviews and a Shark Tank stamp of approval, the SlumberPod is hands-down the MVP of family travel. Trust me: when they sleep, you win—and maybe even get to finish a drink while it’s still cold.

$199.99 at slumberpod.com

ABC Jogger

This might not seem like a sleep product, but a good pair of travel pants fits the bill. Lululemon's ABC joggers make you wonder why you ever tried sleeping in jeans or stiff chinos on a plane. These joggers have four-way stretch, so you can shift, cross your legs, curl up, or sprawl without the awkward pinching or pulling. They’re breathable, so you don’t overheat mid-flight, and the drawstring waistband lets you loosen things up when it’s time to close the laptop and stop pretending you’re “working on the plane.”

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Bonus: they still look polished enough that you won’t feel like you’re rolling through the terminal in your pajamas. In short, they’re the perfect combo of comfort, performance, and style, making them a top pick for anyone who actually wants to sleep while traveling and still look sharp when they land.