My dad is a doctor who loves to dole out helpful medical advice to our family. He’s far from an alarmist, though, and only makes product recommendations sparingly, when he thinks a small investment can have a big payoff for our health and well-being. When I started traveling frequently again after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, he recommended I invest in a pint-sized pulse oximeter to bring along with me, and I added it to my cart straight away.

This Zacurate pulse oximeter costs less than the price of an airport burrito—and takes up a tiny fraction of that space in a carry-on bag, measuring just over 2 inches long. About the size of a Tic Tac box, it’s a powerful medical device that clips onto your fingertip and reads your blood oxygen level and heart rate in seconds, helping you rule out potential life-threatening emergencies. 

Zacurate Pulse Oximeter

According to my dad, pulse oximeters offer more clarity of your health status than relying on symptoms alone, like coughing, congestion, or just feeling “off.” You might feel lousy, while still oxygenating your blood normally (which is a good sign that you probably just need rest and fluids). But if your blood’s oxygen saturation dips below the typical 95 to 100 percent range—or if your heart rate is unusually high or low—it may be worth checking in with a doctor, as these symptoms can be a sign of hypoxemia, asthma, or even a heart attack. 

So, when you’re traveling and feeling under the weather, it can help you find out if you’re dealing with a common bug or something more serious. I keep this version with my basic first-aid supplies in my carry-on at all times. It’s less than $15, and it comes with a lanyard and two AAA batteries, so it’s ready to use right out of the box; plus, it’s highly rated by Amazon shoppers, with nearly 100,000 five-star reviews. 

Zacurate Pulse Oximeter

It features a bright LED display that’s easy to read in dim conditions. It’s a cinch to set up, and quickly reads your oxygen saturation as well as pulse rate and strength after your finger is inserted—no medical or technical expertise required. It also comes with a 12-month warranty and U.S.-based tech support if you need help by phone.

The Zacurate Pulse Oximeter might not be something you’ll use on every trip, but when you’re sick, especially with something respiratory like a cold, flu, or COVID-19, it can help you figure out if you’re dealing with something mild or something more serious that might need medical attention.

Zacurate Pulse Oximeter

While this pulse oximeter can’t replace medical care, it’s an affordable, lightweight way to monitor your health while traveling, especially if you’re unsure whether to push through your plans or seek medical attention ASAP. It’s one of those tiny, smart additions that makes me feel more prepared when I’m far from home—and for the price and compact size, it’s a no-brainer.

Curious to know what else my doctor dad tells me to pack on trips? Keep scrolling for more of his recommendations, starting at just $4.

More Doctor-approved Travel Accessories at Amazon:

Bleedstop First Aid Powder

Touchland Hand Sanitizer 3-pack

Curad Assorted Bandages Variety Pack

CareTouch Alcohol Wipes

Amazon Basics Hydrocortisone Cream

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.