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You’ve heard stories about people suffering the ill effects of carbon monoxide poisoning while on vacation. The only way to stay safe is to be prepared. Our readers share the best portable carbon monoxide detector to take with you so you can relax and enjoy your trip without worry!
Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector
Written By: Michelle Nati
Table Of Contents
You may not have thought of bringing a travel carbon monoxide detector with you on a trip, but if you’ve seen the news, it may be something you’re now considering taking with you. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is created through burning wood, charcoal, propane, or any other fuel. It can accumulate to dangerous and often fatal levels when a home or car is improperly ventilated.
Not everywhere you stay will have their own carbon monoxide or smoke detector, but you can carry one with you. A portable unit is fairly inexpensive, easy to pack, and can save your life. When it comes to carbon monoxide, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our readers offer a helping hand by sharing reliable brands that can give you peace of mind.
Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector Reviews by Readers
Best Travel Gas Detector: First Alert CO605
When powered, the First Alert CO605 monitor’s red light consistently glows but blinks when your battery gets low. It can be placed just about anywhere and will beep when it senses unacceptable levels of CO. One reader says, “We took one on our last trip to Ireland. It fits perfectly in the bottom of my suitcase between the handles.”
Find out which reading device is best for you!
X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm: X-Sense
This battery-operated detector by X-Sense will set off a loud, repeated beep when the room begins to fill with high levels of gas or smoke. With a built-in lithium battery; provides continuous monitoring of smoke and CO levels, even if there’s a power failure; an end-of-life signal will let you know when it’s time to replace the unit for safety. The unit has an easy to read LCD display that tells you the level of CO in the air. One reader who swears by this product says simply, “I travel with this one.”
Check out more great travel gadgets for your next trip!
Best Portable Mini Carbon Monoxide Detector: Kidde
Pros who fix gas furnaces often suggest the Kidde as their go-to carbon monoxide detector because they say it’s the most accurate on the market and has a reputation for being reliable. It’s easy to set up, has a loud (but not annoying) alarm, and a bright LED display. One reader tells us she’s sold, saying, “I am buying this one for my next trip to Italy.”
Stay connected with these travel electronics!
Alert Pro Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector
Best Personal Carbon Monoxide Detector: Alert Pro
This Alert Pro detector has a light on its face that blinks every so often to let you know that it’s powered and doing the job it’s supposed to do. It also has a large, easy to read LCD display that lets you know levels of carbon monoxide wherever you are.
One reader rates this detector among her favorite travel accessories. She says, “It’s small and lightweight, and gives me peace of mind. I’m glad I’m not the only one who is afraid of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Bring one of these mirrorless cameras to capture memorable moments!
Lunarlipes Portable CO Detector
Best Handheld CO Detector: Lunarlipes
This handheld carbon monoxide monitoring device by Lunarlipes offers great comfort in a small package. Handheld and packing a powerful alarm to warn you of dangerous carbon levels, it’s battery operated, and is compact enough to pack in your carry-on!
Use this electronic trip checklist for your next trip!
Best Travel CO2 Detector: Forensics
“Small and handy” is how one reader describes this carbon monoxide detector by Forensics, which looks more like a computer accessory than it does a monitor. It’s higher priced but has multiple alarms for various exposure levels, a one-year warranty, and is very packable, It gets the job done for the traveler who enters unknown, indoor spaces with questionable ventilation.
Take a look at this post on how to block out snoring noise!
Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
First Alert CO605 Alarm |
“We took one on our last trip to Ireland. It fit perfectly in the bottom of my suitcase between the handles.” | Check Price |
|
X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector |
This battery-operated detector by X-Sense will set off a loud, repeated beep when the room begins to fill with high levels of gas or smoke. | Check Price |
|
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm |
It’s easy to set up, has a loud (but not annoying) alarm, and a bright LED display. | Check Price |
|
Alert Pro Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector |
“It’s small and lightweight, and gives me peace of mind. I’m glad I’m not the only one who is afraid of carbon monoxide poisoning.” | Check Price |
|
Lunarlipes Portable CO Detector |
This carbon monoxide monitoring device by Lunarlipes offers great comfort in a small package. | Check Price |
|
Forensics Travel CO DETECTOR |
“Small and handy” is how one reader describes this carbon monoxide detector by Forensics, which looks more like a computer accessory than it does a monitor. | Check Price |
Should Carbon Monoxide Detectors Be Placed High or Low?
Carbon monoxide is lighter than oxygen, so greater concentrations of it will be higher. Therefore, detectors are most effective when they are placed higher in a room. The best thing to do with your detector while on vacation is to place high, like next to your bed.
Does Carbon Monoxide Make You Sleepy?
It can. As a matter of fact, sleepiness is one of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue are also symptoms and sometimes can be mistaken for flu-like illnesses. Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so if there is too much of the gas circulating, you may not know it without the assistance of a detector.
Overexposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause brain damage or even death. If you believe you’ve been exposed, move to a source of fresh air immediately.
NEWVANGA International Universal Travel Adapter
How to Power a Small Carbon Monoxide Detector
Most travel carbon monoxide detectors will be battery operated, but you might choose one that plugs into an outlet. For a trip overseas, you’ll need to bring a travel adapter, and in some cases a converter to account for different voltages, dependant on all the electronics you end up packing.
Determine whether you need a travel adapter or a converter in this video!
In order to understand the difference between an adaptor and converter, watch the video above to learn more. A simple way to remember it is, an adapter fits the outlets and a converter changes the electrical current so your electronics don’t blow a fuse!
Packing a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Who says packing cubes are limited to clothing? Many of our readers use them to pack much of what they bring on their trips, as they allow you to organize by number and color, so you know what’s in each bag.
Not only do these handy cubes allow you to keep your things organized and compact, but they can also be used to store electronics and other necessary accessories such as travel carbon monoxide detectors and batteries! Padding such items with clothing and slipping them into a packing cube ensures nothing gets rattled during your journey.
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
What’s your favorite portable carbon monoxide detector? Share and comment below!
For more ideas on travel gadgets, please read:
- What are the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for travel?
- Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel
- Stop Tangled Electronic Cables with these Travel Cord Organizer Options
- Best Travel Kettle Will Help You Start Your Day Right
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This was an eye-opener for me. I had not considered it…but I will look into one of these devises.. Especially when we’re traveling in the winter. Or is less developed countries – though I knew a couple here in our town who died of it. so it’s not limited to what I would consider high-risk areas.
One of the things that I looked for was removable batteries. The last thing I wanted was an alarm going off mid air due to a faulty battery. I purchased the Kidde brand
Never thought about this, but have been seeing this topic come up quite a bit in recent years.
Thanks for the breakdown. It’s really helpful.
I would assume the X-Sense detector or any other with an integrated battery shouldn’t go in checked luggage, but should be in your personal carry on.
I believe this is very important and I have ordered one.