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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 minimize any potential travel problems.

One gadget—cheap and compact for easy travel, but often overlooked—is the portable carbon monoxide detector. Having one can help ensure your home is safe and livable.

To some, that may seem extreme, but in recent years, there have been a number of incidents related to carbon monoxide poisoning at hotels and other accommodations in popular vacation spots—including two incidents last year at the luxury Hyatt Resort in Mexico. Casualty To us, that’s reason enough to pack one of these handy, compact devices in your suitcase.

Related: Travel gear and packing tips to help you avoid exorbitant checked bag fees

It is almost impossible to detect carbon monoxide without the help of a detector. At home, we sleep safe, knowing that carbon monoxide detectors are working in the background to keep us safe. In some places 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 US 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, the elderly, those with breathing problems and heart disease — are at higher risk of becoming ill.

Be sure to watch for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if you (or someone in your party) is particularly tired, drunk or intoxicated – this is when people are most vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning, as they are likely to Unaware of experiencing symptoms. The CDC says the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• bad stomach
• Vomit
• Chest pain
• confusion

Andrea Rotondo, travel expert and director of content operations at TPG, explained why she brings a carbon monoxide detector when she travels:

Not all destinations have the same strong building codes or safety measures that we enjoy here in the US, I try to be very aware 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 this in mind, you can feel comfortable and safe on your next trip by ordering one of the best carbon monoxide detectors.

The best portable carbon monoxide detector

Kidde Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

Powered by two AA batteries and small enough to slip into your favorite suitcase, this simple kiddie 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 an audible and visual indication that something is wrong.

“It’s super lightweight,” said Nick Ewen, Director of Content at TPG. “Since the battery can be popped out and put back in, there’s no need to worry about it getting stuck in the suitcase if the test button is accidentally pushed.”

Purchase: Kidde Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector$19.88 (regularly $27.99)

First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector

With a built-in battery with a 10-year lifespan, this First Alert carbon monoxide detector is a hassle-free option that can last in your suitcase for years. It has an LED screen that indicates both 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 screeching sound indicates it’s time to replace the system.

Purchase: First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector$29.75 (regularly $40.41)

Gzair travel carbon monoxide detector

An easy way to make sure you never forget a portable carbon monoxide detector is to buy one that clips easily onto your bag like a keychain. Luckily, this one made by Gzair has an attached lanyard. This handy device comes with a pre-installed battery that doesn’t need to be replaced for up to two years. It also has a backlit screen that displays real-time carbon monoxide levels. It emits a 90-decibel alarm, vibrates and has a flashing red light to alert passengers of unsafe conditions.

Purchase: 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 Kekina, which measures carbon monoxide levels in real time and also monitors temperature and humidity. You don’t need to replace the battery with this device. Instead, this carbon monoxide detector can be charged via a USB-C cord and has a 50-hour battery life — just be sure to check that before you travel. In the event that carbon monoxide levels rise dangerously high, the device issues audible alerts.

Purchase: Cekkiena 3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector$28.79 (regularly $35.99)

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