Prime deals: Best portable carbon monoxide detectors to pack for your next trip
In an ideal world, travel should be fun, safe and hassle-free — but we know that's not always the case. Flight delays, bad weather and overbooked hotels can always put a damper on a vacation, and it's best to be prepared for the worst so you can mitigate any potential travel snafus.
One gadget — which is cheap and compact enough to easily travel with, but often overlooked — is a portable carbon monoxide detector. Having one can help ensure that your accommodations are safe and habitable.
For some, that might sound extreme, but in recent years, there have been a number of incidents at hotels and other accommodations in popular vacation destinations related to carbon monoxide poisoning — including one last year at a luxury Hyatt resort in Mexico that resulted in two fatalities. To us, that is reason enough to pack one of these handy, compact devices in your suitcase.
Related: Travel gear and packing tips to help you avoid rising checked bag fees
Carbon monoxide is nearly impossible to detect without assistance from a detector. At home, we sleep safely, knowing carbon monoxide detectors are working in the background to keep us safe. In some destinations abroad, hotels are not required to install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms, so it's a good idea to have your own — just in case.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas" that can kill and is produced by furnaces, gas ranges, grills, stoves, fireplaces, lanterns and engines. It affects people of all ages, but certain groups — including infants, elderly people, those with breathing problems and those with heart disease — are more at risk of getting sick.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if you (or someone in your party) is especially tired, drunk or intoxicated — this is when people are most vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, since they will likely be unaware of the symptoms they're experiencing. The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Andrea Rotondo, travel expert and TPG's director of content operations, explained why she brings a carbon monoxide detector when she travels:
Not all destinations have the same robust building codes or safety measures that we enjoy here in the U.S. I try to be hyperaware of my surroundings and potential safety issues. When I heard about several tragedies involving carbon monoxide deaths in hotels and vacation rentals in the Caribbean and Mexico, I knew I needed my own plan to keep my family safe. Now, on every trip, I carry a lightweight, portable carbon monoxide detector. It's small enough that there's always room for it in my carry-on, so there's no reason not to bring it along for peace of mind.
With all of that in mind, you can feel comfortable and safe on your next trip by ordering one of the best carbon monoxide detectors.
Best portable carbon monoxide detectors
Kidde portable carbon monoxide detector
Running on two AA batteries and small enough to slide into your favorite suitcase, this simple Kidde carbon monoxide detector is affordable and weighs only half a pound. It can easily sit on any tabletop at a hotel or Airbnb and has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. If the device detects carbon monoxide, an 85-decibel alarm will sound, and a red LED indicator will light up, providing both audible and visual cues that something isn't right.
"It's super lightweight," said Nick Ewen, TPG's director of content. "Since the batteries can be popped out and put back in, there's no need to worry about it going off in a suitcase if the test button is accidentally pushed."
To buy: Kidde portable carbon monoxide detector, $19.88 (normally $27.99)
First Alert CO710 carbon monoxide detector
With a built-in battery that has a 10-year lifespan, this First Alert carbon monoxide detector is a no-hassle option that can live in your suitcase for years. It features an LED screen that indicates both the temperature and carbon monoxide levels. The machine will alert people with an 85-decibel alarm if carbon monoxide levels are dangerously high. And when that 10-year battery starts to die, a chirping noise will indicate that it's time to replace the system.
To buy: First Alert CO710 carbon monoxide detector, $29.75 (normally $40.41)
Gzair travel carbon monoxide detector
One easy way to ensure you never forget a portable carbon monoxide detector is to purchase one that can easily clip onto your bag like a keychain. Luckily, this one made by Gzair has an attached lanyard. This handy device comes with a preinstalled battery that doesn't need to be changed for two years. It also has a backlit screen that shows real-time carbon monoxide levels. To alert travelers of unsafe conditions, it emits a 90-decibel alarm, vibrates and has a flashing red light.
To buy: Gzair travel carbon monoxide detector, $92.80 (normally $116)
Cekkiena 3-in-1 portable carbon monoxide detector
Another solid portable option with a lanyard is this orange carbon monoxide detector by Cekkiena, which measures carbon monoxide levels in real time and also keeps track of temperature and humidity. You don't need to replace the batteries with this device. Instead, this carbon monoxide detector can be charged via a USB-C cord and has a 50-hour battery life — just don't forget to make sure it's juiced up before traveling. In the event that carbon monoxide levels get dangerously high, the device issues audible alerts.
To buy: Cekkiena 3-in-1 portable carbon monoxide detector, $28.79 (normally $35.99)
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