You don’t need to miss out on your perfectly humidified air when you are away from home.
A small portable humidifier for travel will allow you to take this home comfort with you on vacation.
Trying to pack up your bedroom humidifier is not an option when you already have a bulging suitcase filled with designer swimsuits or Alpine ski gear.
Many manufacturers offer small humidifiers that are ideal for travelers. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
You may be traveling to colder climates or desert regions.
Air-conditioned hotel rooms, camper vans, mobile homes, and RVs can feel uncomfortable and dry when you are used to living in an environment with controlled air.
Dry air can lead to unwanted health problems. Your family may get sniffles, inflamed sinuses, sore throats, allergies, itchy dry skin, or cracked lips.
Seeking medical attention on vacation is not something you want to do when new and exciting destinations are waiting to be explored. Our article about 8 symptoms that may be relieved by a personal humidifier covers this is more detail.
What does a portable humidifier do?
A portable humidifier does the same job as a larger home-installed humidifier – it increases the moisture content in the air to a level that you desire.
The moisture content in the air is known as humidity. It can be measured as a percentage by using a hygrometer.
The recommended level of humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Portable humidifiers expel water vapor into the air, making it warmer and moister.
Read more in our article about how humidifiers work and their uses.
What are the benefits of a small portable humidifier?
When you travel your normal everyday routines and lifestyle will change.
Holiday accommodation is not always as welcoming as home. Smaller spaces can be uncomfortable, especially when traveling with many people.
Dryer climates may not always agree with everyone.
Humidifiers can certainly help to alleviate some of these discomforts and get you back on track to enjoying your dream get-away.
Enhances the air in smaller spaces
The air in small caravans, RVs, hotel rooms, or mobile homes can get stuffy and unpleasant. A smaller humidifier will help to freshen up the air and remove odors.
Recovery from airline travel
A humidifier in your hotel room or accommodation after flying may help to combat the effects of dry cabin Air.
To find out how airplane air can affect you see this article from Cleveland Clinic.
Designed for the car
Long road trips can lead to travel sickness, headaches, and nausea. A humidifier that is specifically designed for use in the car can help to alleviate these conditions.
Many people get stressed after long hours in a car. Humidifiers that dispense luxurious aromatherapy oils can calm and soothe frazzled nerves.
You will find models that plug into the USB port that you simply place into the cup holder.
Restful sleep
Sleeping in a new environment can be difficult, especially for children. Humidifiers make the air warmer and more comfortable, leading to better sleep.
Reduces irritating health issues
New environments and different climates can trigger unwanted niggly health issues. Sore throats, inflamed sinuses, sinus headaches, cracked lips, and dry skin may be alleviated by using a humidifier.
Reduces snoring
You don’t want the whole family to be kept awake by a sleeper who snores. One of the major benefits of humid air is that it increases moisture in the throat and nasal passages. This can help to reduce snoring.
What to look for when choosing a travel humidifier
Size and weight
Size is important when it comes to traveling and you want a device that is small. It must not take up the valuable space in your luggage that you need for all the souvenirs you want to bring home.
Weight is also a factor to consider, especially when traveling by plane.
No noise
A holiday means rest, not being kept awake by a humidifier that hums and buzzes through the night. Because ultrasonic humidifiers don’t have a fan, they make far less noise than evaporative humidifiers.
Water tank or water bottle?
Some small portable
humidifiers for travel have built-in tanks that you fill with water. Others are designed to hold a standard water bottle. There are pros and cons to both.
The models with water tanks are usually bigger. They can be filled from a tap if you have one nearby. Explorers of the Great Outdoors probably do not have this luxury.
Water bottle devices are flatter and smaller. You do, however, need to have the correct size water bottles available, filled with water.
Safety features
Safety features are always a plus. You don’t want accidents far from home. Look for machines that shut off automatically when the water level is low to prevent them from overheating.
Running time
Models that run for 8 to 12 hours are ideal as they will get you through the night. Longer running times usually mean bigger machines that may not be ideal for traveling.
Power source
If you are staying in a hotel, B&B, resort, or holiday apartment, you will have access to power and you can plug in your humidifier. Many models can charge via USB which could be your laptop, car, or portable power bank.
For roughing it in the wild, a battery-powered device is what you need. Don’t get caught in a remote spot in a tent, needing a powerpoint.
Adding fragrances
This is a great feature for travelers. Hotel accommodation, camper vans, and cars can get stuffy and unpleasant. Fragrant oils are great for relaxing, calming, and soothing the mind and body.
Cost
Portable models are generally cheaper than the larger models that you would set up permanently in your home. Check the price and features carefully before making a decision.
Summary
Traveling often means stepping out of your comfort zone. One thing you don’t need to miss out on is your perfectly humidified air.
A small portable humidifier for travel will give you the same benefits as a larger one installed in your home.
These devices are designed to be compact, lightweight, easy to use, and can fit into a travel bag or suitcase.
They are ideal for camper vans, RVs, and holiday accommodation. Some models are designed specifically for use in the car.
By adding moisture to the air, a portable humidifier can alleviate a host of health issues like sore throats, sinus headaches, dry skin, and cracked lips.
Like most devices, there are many models on the market, making it a challenge to know which one to buy. Don’t stress!
