10 Best Insect Repellant For Travel 2025 in the United States

The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent E-Series Rechargeable Repeller offers a hands-free way to keep mosquitoes away in a 20-foot radius, making it a great choice for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to avoid sprays or lotions. Instead of using traditional chemicals, it creates a protective zone using a repellent refill that is scent-free and flame-free, which is ideal for people sensitive to strong smells or open flames.

The rechargeable battery lasts about 6.5 hours per charge, so it’s handy for daytime or evening use but may require recharging for extended outings. Its electric nature means there’s no sticky residue or need to reapply like with sprays, and it’s proven to work against tough mosquitoes that carry diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus. However, since it’s designed for outdoor use, it’s not suitable for indoor protection.

While it is water-resistant enough to be used outside, heavy rain might affect its performance. This product is well-suited for those who want safe, easy, and odorless mosquito protection without the mess or strong chemical scents common in sprays, especially during travel or outdoor activities.

The Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller Refills offer a convenient and effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes while traveling or enjoying outdoor activities. These refills work with Thermacell’s rechargeable devices and create a 20-foot zone of protection without the need for sprays, DEET, or open flames, which is especially appealing if you want to avoid sticky or smelly repellents. The active ingredient is part of a proprietary formula that is EPA registered, meaning it has been tested for safety and effectiveness against mosquitoes that can carry diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus.

The repellent is scent-free and produces no smoke, making it comfortable for extended use around people and pets. You simply insert the cartridge, turn the device on, and it begins working within 15 minutes, providing up to 12 hours of protection per cartridge—ideal for a day of outdoor activities. Because it is a heating-based system, it doesn’t rely on skin application, so there’s no concern about skin sensitivity or irritation. However, it is designed for outdoor use only and doesn’t offer water resistance, so it may not be the best choice in heavy rain or wet environments.

The refill size is small and easy to carry, but you will need to have the compatible Thermacell repeller device to use it, which is an additional purchase. This product is suitable for travelers or outdoor enthusiasts looking for a fuss-free, chemical-free mosquito shield that avoids sprays and sticky lotions, though it may not be ideal if you need protection in wet conditions or prefer a wearable repellent.

Ben's 100 Tick & Insect Repellent is a strong option for travelers needing long-lasting protection against biting insects. It contains a maximum concentration of 100% DEET, known for its effectiveness, and offers up to 10 hours of protection, which is great for day-long outdoor activities like hiking or camping. The spray is alcohol-free and fragrance-free, making it less irritating for sensitive skin and avoiding strong smells that some repellents have. Its compact size (1.25 fl oz per bottle, sold in a 2-pack) is travel-friendly and easy to carry, fitting well into backpacks or travel kits. The pump spray format allows for quick and even application, which is useful on the go.

The very high DEET concentration might be more than necessary for casual travelers or those with highly sensitive skin, and users should follow safety guidelines carefully. Also, while it is water-resistant to some degree, heavy sweating or swimming would likely require reapplication. This repellent is especially suitable for travelers needing reliable, long-duration insect protection in challenging environments, particularly where ticks are a concern.