Best Travel Blankets

By Amanda Lasater

Jun 8th, 2022

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It’s no surprise that the average American experiences fatigue while traveling. Whether you’re driving long hours to make it to your destination or you’re squished between two other people on a plane ride, your sleep is what takes the hit.

A travel blanket won’t be the cure-all to your sleep loss travel, but it can help some. You can’t control if you get seated next to a newborn baby, but you can control if you remembered all the sleep travel essentials to get you through. 

Here are our top picks for the four best travel blankets and why you need one for yourself.


Our Picks for the Best Travel Blankets

original vellux blanket

Best Overall

The Original Vellux Blanket

Known as “America’s Most Trusted Blanket,” the Vellux Original looks like an average blanket but it’s comfort is second to none.

This blanket is made of 100-percent super soft flocked Nylon with an insulated foam base. Available in Twin, Queen, and King sizes, you can decide which size is best for you when it comes to your travel space.

The Vellux Original is extremely warm and comforting, yet remains breathable. After all your travels, you can simply throw this blanket in the wash and it’s said to come out even softer than it was before you put it in. 

travelrest travel blanket

Best Multifunction

Travelrest Travel Blanket 4-in-1 with Poncho

The Travelrest Travel Blanket has four essential features that can make your traveling experience relaxing and comfortable while only carrying one additional item.

The 4-in-1 travel blanket serves as a blanket, pillow, lumbar support, and carry case. This poncho-style blanket can cover your full body without slipping down off your shoulders. It folds up to 10 inches by 13 inches when zipped in the included carry case.

Designed with plush coral fleece, this multifunctional blanket is sure to keep you warm and comfortable throughout all your travels. 

blue hills travel pillow

Best Budget

BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket Pillow

You may not always get cold on a plane ride, but your head could always use the extra support. The BlueHills premium Travel Blanket serves as a travel pillow, too!

The blanket comes in a plush outer case that works as a soft and comforting pillow when necessary. The case is also designed with a hand luggage belt and carabiner backpack clip so you can easily transport it with you wherever you go.

This travel blanket pillow is made up of premium soft microplush material that offers extreme warmth. Lastly, you can purchase this travel blanket in a variety of different colors. 

portable travel blanket

Also Consider

Portable Travel Blanket Airplane Office 4 in 1 Micro Mink Fleece Poncho Blanket Foldable with Pocket and Built-in Bag

Similar to Travelrest’s Travel Blanket, the Tirrinia Travel Blanket is a multifunctional option that works great for all trips as well!

This blanket can serve as a pillow, lumbar support, and carry case when it’s not being used as a full-covering blanket. It’s designed with a polyester construction and micro mink fleece lining that feels super soft and comforting when away from home.

The carry case is designed onto the blanket and easily zips back up when not in use. The blanket has a huge neck opening and a big pocket with a zipper to keep your belongings nearby and safe. This 4-in-1 blanket is available in three different colors. 


Why you need a travel blanket

Blankets are widely accepted as an additional item that you can bring onto a plane but that’s not the only reason you need one. Whether you’re traveling by plane, car, train, or boat- a travel blanket can give you that sense of home that you need in order to get comfortable and sleep better throughout your entire trip. Yes, a travel blanket could potentially help you sleep better even once you make it to your destination. 

It’s normal to lose sleep while traveling, but if you aren’t comfortable or relaxed during long hours of travel, it can lead to restless sleep once you have arrived at your room. 

We’re not saying a travel blanket will magically put you to sleep on a plane or during a long car ride, but it can keep your muscles in a relaxed, comforting state which can help you sleep better once it is time to hit the hay.

It’s common for your muscles and joints to become tense during travel. Not to mention, long plane rides and car rides lead to stiffness throughout the body. The more comfortable you can make your travel experience, the better off you’ll feel long after the route. That’s what matters. 

How to choose the best travel blanket

Here’s what you should consider before choosing the best travel blanket for you. 

  • Size: Make sure the size of your blanket is going to cover your full body, without leaving lots of excess blanket. You don’t want to bring your King-size throw blanket on a plane. Think about your height and choose a size that matches it.
  • Space: Don’t let your travel blanket take us the majority of your carry on. There are travel blanket options that come in a compact carry case or attach easily to your backpack. As with anything, pack smart!
  • Materials: You want something that will keep you warm yet remains breathable. Make sure your chosen blanket doesn’t retain heat completely and the materials are of high-quality so you don’t overheat. 
  • Functionality: Not only should your travel blanket pack nice and tight, it should also offer a simple washing process. After traveling, you’ll need to clean your blanket from all the close germs it inevitably picked up along the way. You’ll want to make sure your blanket can be machine-washed and dries fast. 

Conclusion

All class travelers know a travel blanket is a must-have. Not only will a travel blanket keeps you warm while in route, but it’ll promote a better sleep experience throughout your entire trip away from home.