The hidden risk most travelers overlook
As travelers pack for vacation, they tend to focus on the essentials: itineraries, clothes, and ideally, having fun. But there’s a critical safety consideration that rarely makes it onto any traveler’s checklist: carbon monoxide exposure.
Recent, high-profile incidents highlight a troubling reality: Carbon monoxide (CO) incidents are on the rise. Firefighters responded to at least 4,000 carbon monoxide emergencies at hotels, motels, and resorts between 1999 and 2020. During this time these incidents have claimed at least two dozen lives and injured over 1,000 people. Despite these headlines, this “silent killer” remains largely absent from most travelers’ safety plans.
UNDERSTAND THE INVISIBLE THREAT
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels don’t burn completely due to poor ventilation or malfunctioning appliances. In hotel and rental property settings, common sources include faulty furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and even nearby pool heaters or mechanical equipment. Carbon monoxide is almost impossible to identify without equipment because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
What makes CO particularly dangerous for travelers is that symptoms can be mistaken for travel fatigue, jet lag, or altitude sickness. Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are often dismissed as normal travel discomfort rather than signs of a serious safety threat.
THE REGULATORY GAP THAT PUTS TRAVELERS AT RISK
Currently, only 14 states require carbon monoxide detectors in hotel rooms, and there’s no federal mandate requiring hotels to install CO alarms in every guest room. This regulatory patchwork leaves all travelers potentially vulnerable to a preventable risk. And that’s just in the U.S.; if your travel plans take you outside the country, CO regulation is likely to be even more lax.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for over 100,000 emergency room visits, 14,000 hospitalizations, and more than 400 deaths annually in the United States. The annual number of carbon monoxide poisonings in the U.S. is likely significantly higher than estimated due to the imperceptible nature of carbon monoxide, the variety of CO poisoning symptoms which often mimic other conditions like flu or food poisoning, and a lack of robust diagnostic tools.
Unlike smoke alarm regulations, which are more consistently implemented and enforced across the hospitality industry, carbon monoxide detection remains hit or miss at best, resulting in a safety gap that many travelers don’t even realize exists.
BUILD A CULTURE OF TRAVEL SAFETY AWARENESS
The solution requires both systemic changes and individual preparedness. Never assume personal safety. While industry advocates continue pushing for stronger regulations across all states, travelers can, and should, take proactive steps to protect themselves.
Savvy travelers are beginning to incorporate safety considerations into their accommodation selection process. This includes researching properties’ safety protocols, asking about detector placement, and understanding emergency procedures. Some are even adding CO alarms to their packing list as standard travel equipment.
The hospitality industry must take the lead on implementing comprehensive safety measures. Forward-thinking hotel chains should consider voluntarily installing CO detectors even in states where they’re not required, understanding that guest safety is both a moral imperative and a potential business necessity or differentiator.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ALL TRAVELERS
Creating a safer travel experience doesn’t require major changes to existing routines but can go a long way towards having more peace of mind on vacation.
Pre-travel preparation:
- Before leaving, test your home safety devices to ensure they are working to reduce the risk of CO build up while you’re gone.
- Research safety protocols for your accommodations.
- Consider the location of your accommodations in relation to potential CO sources like parking garages, mechanical rooms, or pool areas.
- Bring battery-operated CO alarms. Pack them carefully to avoid damaging the device. Remove batteries prior to travel and reinsert them upon arrival. Test the device before use to ensure proper operation. Most alarms are meant for use in conditioned spaces only, not RVs or boats, unless specified, so check the product manual for more information.
Upon arrival:
- Locate emergency exits, identify safety devices in your room, and understand the property’s emergency procedures. If something feels wrong—persistent headaches, unusual fatigue, or nausea—don’t ignore these potential warning signs.
Families traveling with children or elderly relatives should be especially vigilant, as these groups are more vulnerable to CO exposure. When booking accommodations, ask specifically about safety protocols and detector placement.
THE CASE FOR BETTER SAFETY STANDARDS
Investing in comprehensive travel safety makes sense for everyone involved. Travelers—especially families—want peace of mind during their trips, whether for business or leisure. Knowing the accommodations meet high safety standards is a significant step in the right direction.
The hospitality industry also benefits from proactive safety measures. Properties that go above and beyond minimum requirements differentiate themselves in a competitive market and build trust with guests who increasingly value safety alongside comfort and convenience.
Looking ahead, the integration of smart technology into travel safety—similar to what we’ve seen in residential applications—offers promising possibilities for real-time monitoring and faster emergency response.
The goal isn’t to scare travelers, but to make travel genuinely safer through awareness, preparation, and advocacy. When travelers and hosts prioritize comprehensive safety, they help drive industry-wide improvements that benefit everyone.
Isis Wu is president of Residential Fire & Safety at Kidde.
