In a dream world, travel should be fun, safe and hassle-free, but we know that’s not always the case. Although flight delays, bad weather, and overcrowded hotels can always hinder a vacation, it’s best to Be prepared for the worst and to know how to reduce any potential risks associated with travel.
One way to do that is to travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector to ensure your accommodation is safe and habitable. To some, that may sound extreme, but in recent years there have been a number of incidents at hotels and shared homes in popular holiday destinations involving carbon poisoning. monoxide — including one earlier this year at the luxury Hyatt resort in Mexico that left two people dead. dead. That alone is reason enough for you to put one of these handy, compact devices in your suitcase.
Related: Top 7 things to pack for your next Airbnb stay
At home, we sleep safely knowing the carbon monoxide detector is working in the background to keep us safe. Why not have the same reassurance of being in a place where you can’t be guaranteed to be safe? Especially considering that carbon monoxide is almost undetectable without the help of a detector.
According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “carbon monoxide, or ‘CO,’ is a colorless, odorless gas” that can kill people and is found in smoke from furnaces, gas ranges, ovens, stoves, fireplaces, lamps, and stoves. cages, engines and fuels in vehicles. It affects people of all ages, but certain groups — including infants, the elderly, people with breathing problems, and people with heart disease — are more at risk.
Considering the invisible nature of carbon monoxide, the best form of protection against CO poisoning is a carbon monoxide detector. You can also look for symptoms related to poisoning. The CDC says that common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Weak
- stomach-ache
- vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
The CDC also notes that “people who are asleep or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.”
Andrea RotondoTPG’s travel expert and content executive, explained why she carries a CO detector when she travels:
Not all destinations have the same strong building codes or safety measures that we enjoy here in the United States. I try to be super aware of my surroundings and potential safety issues. When I heard about some of the tragedies involving carbon monoxide deaths in hotels and motels in the Caribbean and Mexico, I knew I needed to have my own plan to keep my family safe. Now, on every trip I take with me a portable, lightweight carbon monoxide detector. It’s small enough to always have room for it in my carry-on, so there’s no reason not to take it with you for peace of mind.
With all that in mind, you can feel comfortable and safe by ordering one of the best carbon monoxide detectors for travel to pack for your next trip.
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The best portable carbon monoxide detector
Kidde . Handheld Carbon Monoxide Detector
Powered by two AA batteries and small enough to slip into your favorite suitcase, this simple Kidde carbon monoxide detector is affordable, weighing just half a pound, and can be easily placed on any countertop. at a hotel or Airbnb and have thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. If the unit detects carbon monoxide, an 85-decibel alarm will sound and the red indicator LED will light up, providing both an audible and visual signal that something is amiss.
“It’s super lightweight,” says TPG . content director Nick Ewen speak. “Since the battery can be removed and reinserted, you don’t need to worry about the battery falling out of your suitcase if you accidentally push the check button.”
Price: $32, Amazon.com
Carbon monoxide detector CO710 First Alert
With a built-in 10-year battery, this First Alert carbon monoxide detector is an easy option that can sit in your suitcase for years without the fear of recharging or changing batteries. It has an LED display that shows both temperature and CO levels, as well as peak CO levels. If carbon monoxide levels are dangerously high, the machine will alert people with an 85-decibel alarm. And when that 10-year battery starts to die, a high-pitched squeal will indicate it’s time to replace the system.
Price: $37, Amazon.com
Gzair . travel carbon monoxide detector
An easy way to make sure you never forget a portable carbon monoxide detector is to purchase one that can easily clip into your pocket like a keychain. Luckily, this one made by Gzair has a lanyard attached. This handy device comes with a built-in battery that doesn’t need to be replaced for two years and a backlit display that shows CO levels in real time. To warn travelers of unsafe conditions, it sounds a 90-decibel alarm, flashing and vibrating red warning signals.
Price: $116, Amazon.com
Cekkiena 3 in 1 Handheld Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another rugged option with a lanyard for maximum portability, this orange carbon monoxide detector from Cekkiena measures CO levels in real time, as well as temperature and humidity levels. Instead of having to replace this device’s battery, the 50-hour battery can be recharged with the included USB-C cord — don’t forget to make sure it’s full before you move. In the event that carbon monoxide levels are dangerously high, the device will issue an audible warning to notify the user of the potential hazard.
Price: $40, Amazon.com
