I always booked my flights the second I picked a destination to lock in prices. Then a project ran late and I had to push my vacation back by a month. Out of curiosity, I looked at fares for the new dates just two days before they jumped, and they were way cheaper. That extra wait time put a couple hundred bucks back in my pocket for fun stuff. Now I see that a little patience with timing can be a real money saver.
That was my cheap fix for neck pain years ago. These days, I just pack a light scarf that doubles as padding.
Started using them last trip. They keep creams and pills dry and take up no room. Saves buying those tiny travel bottles.