Update: I thought travel pillows were a scam until a 14 hour bus ride in Peru proved me wrong
I always figured those $30 neck pillows were just airport junk that nobody actually needs. Then I took an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco last spring and borrowed my friend's cheap one from a dollar store, and I actually slept for 6 hours straight instead of bobbing my head against the window all night. Now I keep one clipped to my backpack on every long haul and it has saved me from so many stiff necks. Has anyone found a trick for keeping them from getting gross after a few trips, or do you just toss them and buy a new $5 one each time?