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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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.