Prepare before traveling abroad
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. 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 switches off automatically when it runs out of water. Thanks to a 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 lives. Even though hotels have fire alarms, most aren’t required to install carbon monoxide detectors. This lightweight sensor 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 for an hour of emergency light and seven days of CO alarm time. It 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. When we traveled overseas a few years ago, 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.) Luckily, travelers now can purchase the Transcend miniCPAP machine, an ultra-portable sleep apnea machine. 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 guardian — while not low-cost at $449 — may be covered by insurance. (MyTranscend.com)
› Blood pressure monitor. Bulky to pack for those who need to regularly check 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 tracks blood pressure readings over time and shares the info with a doctor, family member or whomever you designate anywhere in the world that 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. This teeny, battery-operated device uses ultraviolet light to obliterate bacteria, viruses and protozoa that make us sick. It can sterilize 32 ounces of water in just 90 seconds. A single battery that can sterilize 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. ABecause 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. (Mobile Accessories. Vent ev. com)
(To be continued) Contact Ellen Phillips at consumer watch@ times free press.com