Prime offers: Top portable carbon monoxide detectors to take on your next adventure

Ideally, travel should be enjoyable, secure, and free of stress — but we know that’s not always true. Flight delays, inclement weather, and overbooked hotels can quickly spoil a getaway, so it's wise to be prepared for any issues to help avoid potential travel mishaps.

A practical gadget that is affordable and compact enough for travel, yet often overlooked, is a portable carbon monoxide detector. Having one can ensure that your lodgings are safe and suitable for your stay.

For some, this may seem excessive, but recent years have seen several cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotels and other accommodations in popular tourist areas — including an incident last year at a luxury Hyatt resort in Mexico that tragically claimed two lives. To us, this is ample reason to include this compact device in your travel essentials.

Carbon monoxide is nearly impossible to detect without a proper detector. At home, we rest easy knowing that carbon monoxide detectors are actively safeguarding us. However, in certain international destinations, hotels may not be required to install these detectors in guest rooms, making it wise to bring your own — just in case.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal. It is produced by various appliances such as furnaces, grills, stoves, and engines. While it can affect anyone, certain groups—like infants, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart issues—are at higher risk.

Watch for signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if you or someone nearby is feeling unusually tired or intoxicated; these states make individuals less aware of symptoms. The CDC highlights that common indicators include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest discomfort
• Disorientation

Travel expert Andrea Rotondo, who is also TPG's director of content operations, shared her reasons for carrying a carbon monoxide detector while traveling:

Building codes and safety regulations vary greatly around the world. I make it a point to stay alert to my surroundings and any potential hazards. After hearing about multiple incidents of carbon monoxide fatalities in hotels and vacation rentals in the Caribbean and Mexico, I realized I needed a strategy to protect my family. Now, I always bring a lightweight, portable carbon monoxide detector on my trips. It fits easily in my carry-on, ensuring peace of mind wherever I go.

Keeping all this in mind, you can ensure your safety on your next adventure by purchasing one of the top-rated carbon monoxide detectors.

Top portable carbon monoxide detectors

Kidde portable carbon monoxide detector

Powered by two AA batteries and compact enough to fit into your favorite suitcase, this affordable Kidde carbon monoxide detector weighs just half a pound. It can easily rest on any tabletop in a hotel or Airbnb. With thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, this device emits an 85-decibel alarm and a red LED light if it detects carbon monoxide, providing both audible and visual alerts to ensure your safety.

"It’s incredibly lightweight," remarked Nick Ewen, TPG's content director. "With the batteries being removable, you don’t have to worry about it activating in your suitcase if the test button gets accidentally pressed."

Available for purchase: Kidde portable carbon monoxide detector, $19.88 (regularly $27.99)

First Alert CO710 carbon monoxide detector

This First Alert carbon monoxide detector comes with a built-in battery lasting 10 years, making it a convenient choice to keep in your suitcase for extended use. It has an LED display that shows both the temperature and carbon monoxide levels. If CO levels reach a dangerous threshold, it emits an 85-decibel alarm. Plus, when the battery life is nearing its end, a chirping sound will notify you it's time to replace the unit.

Available for purchase: First Alert CO710 carbon monoxide detector, $29.75 (regularly $40.41)

Gzair travel carbon monoxide detector

A great way to ensure you never forget your portable carbon monoxide detector is to get one that easily clips onto your bag, similar to a keychain. The Gzair model features a convenient lanyard and comes with a preinstalled battery that lasts for two years. It also includes a backlit display that shows real-time carbon monoxide levels. To warn travelers of hazardous conditions, it emits a 90-decibel alarm, vibrates, and flashes a red light.

Available for purchase: Gzair travel carbon monoxide detector, $92.80 (regularly $116)

Cekkiena 3-in-1 portable carbon monoxide detector

This Cekkiena orange carbon monoxide detector is another excellent portable choice with a lanyard. It measures carbon monoxide levels in real time while also monitoring temperature and humidity. You won’t have to worry about replacing batteries, as it can be charged using a USB-C cord and offers a 50-hour battery life—just remember to charge it before your trip. If carbon monoxide levels reach a dangerous point, the device will sound audible alerts.

Available for purchase: Cekkiena 3-in-1 portable carbon monoxide detector, $28.79 (normally $35.99)