Why You Should Travel with a Portable CO Detector

Three Americans were killed in 2022 at a Bahamas resort. carbon monoxide poisoning. In March of 2025 three American women They were found dead in a resort in Belize, after succumbing to carbon monoxide. This is an alarming scenario, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Buy a portable carbon monoxide detector. What you should know 

How common is carbon dioxide poisoning in hotel rooms?

A study published in Preventive Medicine ReportsIn the United States between Jan. 1 2005 and Dec. 31 2018, “905 people were poisoned by 115 reported incidents, 22 of which resulted in death.” This included guests in hotels, motels and resorts in all states, some of them categorized as luxury accommodations. Children make up 16% of the poisoned, and 27% of all deaths. According to the study, “most of these poisonings are caused by gas-fueled appliances that could have been prevented with a carbon monoxide detector in each room.” 

Why don’t hotels install more detectors in their rooms?

It’s simply because they’re not required in many states or destinations outside the U.S. Hotels don’t include them. 

According to Electrical Contractor MagazineAs of 2023, only 18 states will require that hotels and motels install carbon monoxide alarms. The magazine noted that only 38 states required them for home dwellings. This could be a problem in the case of home rentals such as those on VRBO and Airbnb. Even in those states that require them, there are major loopholes. According to the Preventative Medicine study’s authors, some states do not require them. For example, they may only be required in “newly constructed or repaired hotels”, or for rooms that are adjacent to a carbon monoxide source.

The authors stated that “it represents failure on the part of the government as well as the lodging industry” to protect travellers. The authors noted that many injuries and deaths due to carbon monoxide could have been prevented by a carbon dioxide alarm. They work similar to smoke detectors, and alert people of the danger in order for them escape. 

For the cost to install the alarms, they explained that in the U.S. a carbon-monoxide alarm can be purchased at $40, which is equivalent to one cent per room, per day. As you will see, they are available for even less money, which makes them a more affordable option for hotels.

What are the best portable detectors that I can purchase? 

You can easily take your safety in your own hands if you purchase a portable CO detector. Travel + Leisure Review several types of and name the First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector our overall best pick.

Sarah Kester wrote in her review that “First Alert did not miss a beat” with the CO605 Plug In Carbon Monoxide Sensor with Battery Backup. This portable device is easy to install in almost any room. It plugs into any standard socket. The battery backup will protect you if a power failure disrupts your vacation plans. 

What are the symptoms? 

Carbon monoxide, also known as “the silent killer”, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. However, there are warning signs. According to Johns HopkinsYou should keep an eye on “headache” and other symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and nausea, rapid heartbeats, shortness in breath, seizures and chest pain. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Browse more travel-friendly carbon monoxide detectors

X-Sense XC01-R Carbon Monoxide Detector

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector

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