I Had Over 20 Layovers Last Year, and These Genius Travel Essentials Never Left My Carry-on-From $15 at Amazon

"I endured over 20 of them-some short and uneventful, others long enough to feel like a full shift at the airport-and I quickly learned which travel essentials are actually worth carrying around. When you're bouncing between gates, killing time in food courts, or posted up in an uncomfortable chair for hours, the right travel gear matters. The difference between counting down the minutes and barely noticing the time often comes down to what's in your carry-on."

"That's why I rounded up these Amazon travel finds that are perfect for passing the time during layovers. From comfortable sneakers that make wandering the terminal feel effortless to a supportive travel pillow that upgrades even the most unforgiving airport seat, each item is something I recommend for smoother travel days. Everything ahead is available on Amazon and chosen with long waits in mind. Because with the right setup, even the longest layovers can feel a lot more enjoyable."

More than 20 layovers revealed which carry-on items actually improve airport waits. Comfortable sneakers, a supportive travel pillow, and over-ear noise-canceling headphones ease physical discomfort and sensory overload. A portable charger with built-in cables prevents device anxiety when outlets are scarce and can power multiple devices simultaneously. Thoughtfully chosen gear makes wandering terminals, sitting through long waits, and navigating crowded food courts much more manageable. Selecting compact, versatile, and dependable travel essentials turns long layovers into tolerable or even pleasant parts of a journey.

Read at Travel + Leisure