Q: I'm going on an extended vacation next month and am purchasing items to make my travels safer. Any suggestions? - Thomas Trip
A: Dear Mr. Trip: Indeed I do. While literally hundreds of gadgets are available, Bottom Line Personal advises a few specifics to ensure safer, simpler and more pleasurable travel.
- Humidifier. With so many of us suffering from allergies, sinus problems and the like, Boneco's portable Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier 7146 helps moisten parched throats and nasal cavities, the latter making us more vulnerable to viruses which are sure to ruin the vacation. Attach the piece to a disposable plastic water bottle - a 16.9-ounce bottle is perfect for nighttime sleep. The device fits snugly into any piece of luggage and, while using, switches off automatically when it runs out of water. Thanks to the 110-240V AC/DC adapter and interchangeable power plugs, the appliance can be used anywhere in the world and is a bargain at only $49.99 (Boneco.us).
- Carbon monoxide detector. From good air to bad, the travel carbon monoxide detector, American Red Cross Blackout Buddy - CO from Eton could save our lives. Even though all hotels have fire alarms, most in America and around the world aren't required to install carbon monoxide detectors. This lightweight sensor is multi-purposed; not only does its UL2034-certified "sniffer" detect too-high levels, it also blasts an alarm and flashes its light. Just plug it into a low wall socket and, when the power goes off, the Buddy automatically comes on and gives us an hour of emergency light and seven days of CO alarm time. And even better, this little lifesaver costs only $49.99. (Etoncorp.com).
- C-PAP/Bi-PAP. Folks like my husband who experience severe sleep apnea know it's imperative to travel with a C-PAP/Bi-PAP. We experienced a disaster when we traveled overseas a few years ago and the airlines lost his machine. (Lesson learned: Along with medications and other important items such as passports, always transport a C-PAP in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise, a life-or-death situation could occur.) Luckily, travelers now can purchase the Transcend miniCPAP machine, an ultra-portable sleep apnea machine. Small enough to take anywhere at 6.1 inches by 3.5 inches by 2.8 inches, it's only 29 decibels loud and compatible to any C-PAP mask. Approved by the FAA for use on commercial aircraft, this little guardian - while not low-cost at $449 - may be covered by insurance. (MyTranscend.com)
- Blood pressure monitor. Also bulky to pack for those of us who need to regularly check our blood pressure, blood pressure machines have evolved into a lightweight monitor: the $79.95 iHealth Wireless Blood Pressure Wrist Monitor. While it doesn't include a display unit, it pairs wirelessly to an iOS or Android via Bluetooth. Its app also tracks blood pressure readings over time and even shares the info with a doctor, family member or whoever you designate from all over the world if a cellular or Wi-Fi connection exists. (iHealthLabs.com)
- Water purifier. When traveling, sometimes water isn't sanitary. That's when the SteriPEN UV Ultra Water Purifier enters the picture. A teeny, battery-operated water purifier, this device uses ultraviolet light to quickly obliterate bacteria, viruses and protozoa that make us sick. Its ability to sterilize 32 ounces of water in just 90 seconds is amazing. A single battery that can sterilize up to 50 liters of water and up to 8,000 liters of water during the unit's lifespan is cheap at $99.95, when considering expensive hospital visits because of dysentery or worse. (SteriPen.com)
- Charger. And, finally, because travelers often need a USB charger port in order to use these great gadgets, an excellent purchase is the $34.99 Ventev Global ChargingHub 300. This adapter is different from others on the market because it offers so many different prong configurations, making it work in 150 countries. The package includes a pair of USB charging ports to power up electronics, such as phones and digital cameras. (MobileAccessories.Ventev.com)
(To be continued)
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com