Traveling can be a blast, but it can also take a toll on your body. Between dry airplane and hotel air or road trips through desert climates, it’s easy to feel like your skin has been sucked of all moisture, and you can’t breathe through your nose. But thankfully there are easy, inexpensive solutions that will fit in your luggage or cup holder to combat dry air.
We have a list of the best travel humidifiers that will soon be a must-pack item for all your trips. These lightweight, small humidifiers pack a punch of hydration, so you can say goodbye to dry skin, throat, and nasal passages in the car or hotel.
This post may contain affiliate links to products we love and recommend. These come at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business!
Our Picks for the Best Travel Humidifiers
Homemedic TotalComfort® Portable Ultrasonic Humidifier
The Homedics portable humidifier is an ideal choice for travel. It’s small enough to fit in your car cup holder in the car or perfect for your nightstand or desk when traveling. A huge plus is that this travel humidifier is rechargeable. It can run up to 3.5 hours on its battery power bank. When plugged in with the included USB cord it can run up to ten hours. This makes it ideal for use in the car if you need to use your USB port to charge other devices.
This humidifier has two mist output settings- continuous and intermittent spray mode. It also has color-changing lights that provide ambiance when turned on or can be turned off if you prefer the dark. Its slim, smooth design and neutral colors provide a nice aesthetic that doesn’t draw attention to it. It’s quiet, as well, and is ideal for use when sleeping, as the cool mist will help with allergies and sinus issues due to the dry air.
The Homemedic humidifier also has what they call Clean Tank Technology, which helps prevent mildew and mold growth inside the tank. Included are 3 cotton wicks that help to prevent hard water build-up. They help to prevent that white dusty look that hard water leaves. It’s recommended that you replace the wicks every 2-3 months. At the time we wrote this article, you can order a replacement pack of 6 for about $6 on the Homedics site.
Advantages
- 30-day money-back guarantee if purchased directly from Homedics
- rechargeable battery- runs up to 3.5 hours on battery or up to 10 hours plugged in
- auto shut-off feature after 12 hours
- very quiet, small, and lightweight
- two mist modes
- has a color-changing accent light that can be turned on or off
Disadvantages
- will require additional wicks to be purchased over time to maintain the humidifier
- battery life isn’t long and seems to decrease over time
GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifiers 250ML
This ultrasonic, cool mist Geniani humidifier is lightweight and small- it will fit in your cup holder and is powered with a USB cord, making it perfect for a road trip through a dry climate. There 2 different mist modes: continuous spray and intermittent spray. It will last approximately 8 hours and then has an auto-shutoff feature. It is also super quiet with a 38dB noise level. I personally love a little white noise when I’m staying in a hotel, so if you do, too, then you’ll love the soft hum of the humidifier.
Another neat feature is the optional night light, which my younger two kids really appreciate. I also love the clean, simple look of this humidifier in both the white and black versions.
And to top it off Geniani offers a one-year warranty and claims ” RISK-FREE PURCHASE & HASSLE-FREE REPLACEMENT.” We haven’t put this to the test yet, but several other reviewers said that they were sent free replacements when theirs stopped working. So yay!
The product description isn’t clear about a filter, but it does indeed require cotton filter bars (2 are included). Replacement filters, such as these are inexpensive and will help keep your humidifier clean if changed the recommended every 30 days.
Advantages
- lasts 8 hours and has an auto shut-off feature
- very quiet, small, and lightweight
- two mist settings
- sleek, attractive design
- free replacement for one year
Disadvantages
- not rechargeable- has to stay plugged in
- will require additional wicks to be purchased over time to maintain the humidifier
Cool Mist Portable Mini USB Humidifier (Black-320ML)
This fun-looking humidifier is sure to be a hit if you have kids or teens. The 320 ML version is available in white, black, or pink and features colorful lights, which can be adjusted or turned off for sleeping. Paired with the sleek design, it’s one of the best-looking humidifiers on the market.
This travel humidifier is the size of a small thermos and will fit in your cup holder for use in the car. It is powered by a USB port, which is convenient for your car or hotel room. It has 2 spray modes, as well as auto shut-off. In continuous spray, it will work for 6 hours, while in intermittent spray it will run for 12 hours. And if you accidentally knock it over, it’s leak-proof and won’t make a wet mess.
It uses cotton-wicking filters, like the Homemedic version. This humidifier has two filters included, and the instructions say to completely submerge it in water for several minutes before turning the unit on. You can purchase additional filters in a 40 count for less than $10. They come in different lengths, or you can always buy the longer ones and trim them to fit.
It’s a super quiet, compact humidifier and the low price point makes this an ideal choice for travel.
Advantages
- lasts up to 12 hours and has an auto shut-off feature
- very quiet, small, and lightweight
- two mist modes
- has fun lights that also be turned off
- very inexpensive
Disadvantages
- not rechargeable- USB powered
- not suitable for larger rooms
Pure Enrichment MistAire Travel – Ultrasonic Cool Mist Water Bottle Humidifier
Put those leftover plastic bottles to good use with this ingenious water bottle humidifier. The MistAire uses standard-sized drinking water bottles as a water tank for its portable humidifiers to produce a cool mist and increase humidity levels while you’re traveling.
This small humidifier weighs less than a pound and takes up very little space. It can be tucked in a purse, backpack, or carry-on bag for on-the-go. I love that you don’t have the water tank taking up precious space in your luggage. Just grab a water bottle from your hotel or convenience store and reuse it while at your destination. Each water bottle provided up to six hours of cold mist.
The MistAire has a knob to control the amount of mist being released into the air. It is powered with an AC adapter and includes a cleaning brush and a travel bag to keep the accessories together when not in use. Like the other travel humidifiers, this model has a night light, but unfortunately, the light on this model can not be turned off without turning off the humidifier. If you’re sensitive to light, the blue glow might bother you when you’re trying to sleep.
What really blew me away about this humidifier is the five-year replacement warranty. This is unheard of, so I had to double-check that it was real. Pure Enrichment says that they offer hassle-free, 100% guaranteed warranty.
This super lightweight and quiet humidifier is such a space-saver and puts to good use leftover water bottles that would otherwise be thrown away.
Advantages
- reuses regular water bottles as a water tank
- auto shut off feature when the water bottle is empty
- lightweight, small, and easily packable
- knob easily adjusts mist settings to your liking
- includes a cleaning brush and travel bag
- 5-year replacement warranty
Disadvantages
- blue light can not be turned off
- requires an AC adapter for power
Boneco Mini Humidifier
The Boneco Travel Humidifier is a compact device designed to improve air quality in hotel rooms. Using ultrasonic technology, it vaporizes water to refresh stale air, offering two output levels and various color settings controlled by a single button.
The humidifier is small enough to fit in luggage, operates with a standard PET (17oz or .5L) water bottle as a reservoir, and is suitable for rooms up to 215 square feet. With features like automatic shut-off and a refill indicator, this gadget aims to create a more comfortable atmosphere for better sleep while traveling.
Advantages
- can run on battery power for up to 8 hours or serve as a power bank for electronic devices
- auto shut off feature when the water bottle is empty
- empty indicator light
- lightweight, small, and easily packable
- variable output modes
- includes a bag
Disadvantages
- must be plugged into power
- pricier than other models
How do I keep my humidifier clean?
To keep your humidifier free of mold and mildew, it’s super important that you clean it weekly with regular use. Depending upon your model, there will be different instructions, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning your humidifier. Here are some general guidelines for keeping your travel humidifier clean:
- Change your filter regularly: most recommend changing the filter every one to two months, depending upon the level of use
- Clean the tank: Wash the tank with a mixture of water and mild detergent or white vinegar. Use the included brush or a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse the tank thoroughly and dry it completely. Use can also use these humidifier drops to keep the tank clean.
- Clean the nozzle and other parts: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the nozzle and any other parts of the humidifier that have come in contact with water.
- Dry completely: Make sure to dry all parts completely before reassembling the humidifier and using it again.
What factors should I consider when choosing a travel humidifier?
- Size and portability: Make sure the humidifier is small enough to fit in your handbag luggage and is really lightweight if you’ll be toting it around.
- Power source: Do you want a rechargeable battery-powered humidifier? Or do you prefer one that can be powered by a USB cord or AC adapter?
- Water tank: Most travel-sized humidifiers have a small water tank capacity, but there are some differences in run-time There are also different water tank options. Do you prefer a humidifier with its own tank or prefer using your own water bottle or glass as a tank?
- Noise level: If you plan on using the humidifier in a shared space like a car or hotel room, check the noise level, so it doesn’t bother others.
- Ease of cleaning: Check for corners, lips, and crevices that might be problem spots for mold and mildew. Also, make sure you know the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement and cleaning solutions.
- Mist levels- Most humidifiers have at least two mist modes, while others have more control with an adjustable knob.
- Lights- If you are sensitive to light, make sure the lights on your humidifier can be turned off. Otherwise, there are some really neat and unique lights on some humidifiers so choose one that provides the best aesthetic for you.
- Auto shut-off feature- It’s important to choose a humidifier with an auto shut-off feature, for safety when the water tank is empty.
- Price: Travel humidifiers range in price, so choose one that fits your budget and has the features you need.
What are the health benefits of a travel humidifier?
When you’re traveling, a different climate can really wreak havoc on your sinuses and skin. A trip through the desert can result in terribly chapped lips and unwanted nose bleeds. But thankfully, you can help fend these dry weather issues off with a travel humidifier.
Travel humidifiers have some really great health benefits:
- Moisturizing the air: Dry air, especially in airplanes and hotel rooms, can cause dry skin and chapped lips. A humidifier can help add moisture to the air and help soothe your dry, cracked skin.
- Relieving cold and flu symptoms: If you’re fighting a cold or sickness on your travels, a humidifier can help relieve symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, and coughing. Moist air can also help stop the spread of viruses, so keep it running in your hotel if others are around.
- Improving sleep: A humidifier can help you get a better night’s sleep by reducing dryness in the throat and nasal passages. This will help with snoring, congestion, and cough.
- Relieving allergy symptoms: You never know how your allergies will react to a different climate. And dry air can worsen symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Moist air can make a huge difference in these symptoms.
Wrapping Up
The next time you’re headed out of town, make sure you’re prepared by bringing along a travel humidifier. It’s inexpensive, won’t take up much space and will you reap some great benefits for your health. Your skin and sinuses will absolutely be thanking you for running your travel humidifier each day. You can breathe easy with one of our picks for the best travel humidifier.
