There’s always that one thing you pack before every trip. Some folks won’t fly without their lucky hoodie. Others swear by packing cubes or a silk pillowcase. For me, it’s something a little less glamorous—but a whole lot more important: a smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
I know. It doesn’t exactly scream “adventure,” but it’s the quiet kind of essential. The kind you don’t think about—until you really, really need it.
I started packing my own detector after staying in a few too many Airbnbs that felt a little too casual when it came to safety. Some didn’t have a CO2 alarm at all. And some had smoke alarms that… maybe worked? Who knows. I’d lie there wondering if the thing would go off if there was actually a problem—or just quietly fail while we all slept through it.
And that’s the thing—on platforms like Airbnb, hosts aren’t required to install smoke or CO detectors unless the place has fuel-burning appliances. Even then, it’s more of a suggestion than a rule. Airbnb will offer detectors for free to hosts, which is great in theory, but not every host bothers. You have to scroll deep into the listing to check, and even then, there’s no guarantee it’s tested or functional.
Hotels are usually better, but again—how often do you test the alarm in your room? It’s just not something most people think to do.
The good news is that these little detectors are cheap, lightweight, and take up less space than a paperback. I usually bring one for hotel rooms, and two for rental homes—especially if the rooms are spread out or we’re traveling with the baby. It’s a simple way to give yourself some peace of mind, and in the worst-case scenario, it could save a life.
Tips for Traveling with a Smoke and CO Detector
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over time:
- Bring fresh batteries, and throw in an extra pair just in case.
- Test the detector at home before you leave, and again when you set it up in your room.
- Place it thoughtfully. Smoke rises, so your smoke detector should be mounted high—on a shelf, a curtain rod, or high on a wall if you’re staying awhile. Carbon monoxide hangs lower, so place that detector near the floor, close to where you sleep.
- Combo units are super convenient, but they’re a bit of a compromise. If you can, bring separate detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide to get better coverage.
Gear I Trust (and Travel With)
Here are a few tried-and-true options I’ve personally used and trust:
First Alert Battery-Operated Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Compact, affordable, and simple to use. A great all-in-one option.
Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector
Loud and easy to test, this one’s solid if you want a separate CO monitor.
Kidde Natural Gas/CO2/Methane Detector
Worth bringing if you’re staying somewhere older or with questionable gas appliances.
Nest Protect
A splurge, but I love it for longer stays (connecting to WiFi does take a few mins). It’s smart, sleek, and syncs to your phone so you can check in even when you’re out exploring (or leave your pup at the vacation rental).
It’s not the flashiest item in my carry-on, but it’s the one thing I never leave home without. A tiny piece of gear that brings a huge sense of relief—and in the rare, terrible moment you’d need it, there’s no substitute.
What’s the One Thing You Never Travel Without?
Safety is one thing I won’t compromise on. Bringing a smoke and CO detector might not be the most exciting thing in your suitcase, but it’s easily one of the smartest. It’s small, it’s inexpensive, and it gives you peace of mind no hotel welcome chocolate or boutique soap ever could. Especially if you’re traveling with kids—or just want to sleep a little easier—this is one of those no-brainer additions that can make a huge difference.
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