9 Smart Devices for Managing Home Security While Traveling

Pulling out of the driveway for a long-awaited trip should bring a sense of excitement, not a lingering worry about what is happening back at the house. Leaving a home unattended for weeks often introduces quiet anxieties about package theft, sudden plumbing leaks, or unexpected visitors. Fortunately, a thoughtfully selected suite of smart home devices can act as a reliable virtual house sitter, giving you total peace of mind from anywhere in the world.

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Designing a Stress-Free Home Security Strategy

A successful travel security strategy is not about turning a home into an impenetrable fortress; it is about creating visibility and control from anywhere in the world. Instead of worrying about worst-case scenarios, focus on building layers of protection that address both human intruders and environmental hazards. This proactive approach ensures you stay informed without being constantly interrupted by false alarms during your trip.

The goal is to make the home look occupied while establishing remote checkpoints you can access in seconds. Reliable smart tech acts as a digital caretaker, handling everything from rotating indoor lights to monitoring plumbing health. Setting up these systems before departure ensures you spend your travels enjoying the destination rather than fretting over what is happening back home.

Video Doorbell – Ring Battery Doorbell Plus

A video doorbell serves as the front line of home defense, managing the entryway where most visitors, expected or otherwise, first arrive. While traveling, this device lets you monitor package deliveries and speak directly to anyone at your door, preventing the telltale signs of an empty house. It acts as a visual deterrent that immediately shows passersby the home is actively monitored.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is a standout choice for travelers due to its head-to-toe 1536p HD video and expanded vertical field of view. This expanded angle allows you to see packages left directly on the doormat, which standard video doorbells often miss. Because it runs on a rechargeable battery, installation requires no complex electrical work, making it highly versatile for any entryway.

• Resolution: 1536p HD Live Video with Head-to-Toe View
• Power Source: Quick-release rechargeable battery pack (hardwire option available)
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• Key Features: Two-Way Talk, Motion Detection, Custom Privacy Zones

Before purchasing, keep in mind that accessing recorded video history and advanced motion alerts requires a monthly Ring Protect subscription. The device also relies on a stable Wi-Fi connection at your front door, so homes with thick exterior walls may require a Wi-Fi extender. Additionally, battery life varies depending on how often motion triggers the camera, meaning a full charge is essential right before you travel.

This device is perfect for homeowners who want clear, direct visibility of their front porch and package drop-off area without dealing with electrical wiring. It is not the right fit for those who prefer local, subscription-free video storage or live in extremely cold climates where battery performance degrades rapidly.

Smart Lock – Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

A smart lock eliminates the stress of hidden spare keys and allows you to grant controlled entry to your home from anywhere in the world. When traveling, you can easily let in a trusted neighbor to water the plants or check on a pet without compromising physical keys. It provides real-time access logs so you know exactly who entered and when.

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt stands out for its exceptional physical security and seamless, hub-free connectivity. It features a built-in alarm that triggers if someone attempts to force entry, backed by the highest residential security rating available. Users can program up to 100 temporary access codes via the smartphone app, ensuring every visitor has a unique, trackable entry method.

• Security Rating: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 (highest residential rating)
• Power Source: 4 AA batteries
• Access Options: Backlit keypad, physical key override, or smartphone app
• Smart Home Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and lock history tracking

A key consideration is that installation requires a properly aligned deadbolt; if your door requires you to pull or push hard to turn the key, the motorized deadbolt may jam. Additionally, because the lock connects directly to Wi-Fi rather than using a bridge, battery life typically averages six months, which is shorter than some Bluetooth-only alternatives. Ensuring fresh batteries are installed before a long trip is highly recommended.

This smart lock is ideal for travelers who need to manage access for pet sitters, cleaners, or guests remotely and securely. It is not suitable for doors with warped frames or severe misalignment that prevents the deadbolt from smoothly sliding into the strike plate.

Outdoor Camera – Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Camera

Outdoor security cameras monitor vulnerable blind spots around your property, such as side yards, alleys, and back patios. By capturing high-definition footage of movement around the perimeter, they allow you to verify whether a triggered alarm is a genuine security threat or simply a neighborhood animal.

The Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Camera is an exceptional choice due to its 2K HDR video resolution and powerful integrated spotlight that illuminates dark corners when motion is detected. Its dual-band Wi-Fi connection ensures stable streaming even at the outer edges of your property. The color night vision feature provides remarkable detail, allowing you to identify clothing colors or vehicle models clearly in pitch-black conditions.

• Resolution: 2K HDR video with 160-degree viewing angle
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Power: Rechargeable battery (compatible with optional solar panel accessory)
• Weather Resistance: Certified to withstand rain, snow, heat, and cold

To access advanced features like cloud storage, smart subject detection (differentiating between people, vehicles, and animals), and custom activity zones, an active Arlo Secure subscription is required. Battery performance is highly dependent on ambient temperatures and motion frequency, though integrating a compatible Arlo Solar Panel can eliminate the need for manual recharging entirely.

This camera is best for property owners wanting premium, high-resolution coverage of dark exterior zones with reliable night visibility. It is not recommended for those looking for a budget-friendly option with free local storage options right out of the box.

Smart Plug – TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim

Smart plugs are incredibly simple yet effective security tools that automate indoor lighting to make an empty house look actively lived in. By plugging standard lamps, radios, or television sets into these adaptors, you can control them remotely or put them on automated schedules. This simple visual cue is one of the most effective ways to deter potential burglars.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (KP125) is favored for its compact design, which allows you to stack two plugs in a single outlet without blocking the second socket. It features a dedicated “Away Mode” that automatically turns connected lamps on and off at randomized intervals during the evening. This random pattern mimics genuine human activity far better than rigid, predictable timers.

• Form Factor: Slim, stackable design that leaves adjacent outlets free
• Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (requires no smart home hub)
• Control Features: Schedule timer, countdown, and randomized Away Mode
• Compatibility: Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit

These plugs are designed strictly for indoor use and are not rated to handle high-draw appliances like space heaters or window air conditioners. Setting up schedules requires the Kasa mobile app, which is straightforward but does require a persistent, active home Wi-Fi connection to execute commands while you are away.

This smart plug is perfect for travelers seeking an affordable, effortless way to automate lighting and music to simulate occupancy. It is not the right choice for outdoor applications or for managing heavy-duty appliances that exceed standard residential electrical limits.

Water Leak Detector – Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor

While physical intruders are a major concern, water damage is actually one of the most common and expensive disasters that can strike an empty home. A minor pipe leak or a ruptured appliance hose can run unchecked for weeks, leading to devastating structural damage. A smart water monitor watches your plumbing system constantly, ready to intervene before a leak turns into a flood.

The Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is a premium solution that installs directly onto your home’s main water line. It continuously monitors water pressure, temperature, and flow rate, running daily micro-leak checks to find drips as tiny as one drop per minute. Most importantly, if it detects a major pressure drop or unusual continuous flow, it can automatically shut off the main water valve instantly.

• Installation Point: Main incoming water line (spliced into the pipe)
• Monitoring Metrics: Water pressure, flow rate, and ambient pipe temperature
• Safety Features: Automatic shutoff valve, daily health tests, and freeze alerts
• App Alerts: Real-time push notifications for suspected leaks and high usage

Because this device must be spliced directly into your main copper or PEX water pipe, it requires professional plumbing installation to ensure safety and maintain warranty coverage. It also needs a nearby outdoor-rated GFCI electrical outlet for power, along with a reliable home Wi-Fi connection to send alerts to your smartphone.

This system is an invaluable investment for homeowners who travel for extended periods and want absolute certainty that their home is protected against catastrophic water damage. It is not suitable for renters, apartment dwellers without private main water line access, or those on strict budgets who cannot accommodate plumbing installation costs.

Smoke Detector – Google Nest Protect Smoke and CO

Standard smoke alarms are effective only if someone is inside the house to hear them. When you are traveling, a traditional alarm can siren for hours to an empty room, leaving your property vulnerable to fire and gas build-ups. A smart alarm connects to your network to alert you immediately on your phone, allowing you to contact emergency services even from another continent.

The Google Nest Protect is a highly advanced safety device that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide using a state-of-the-art Split-Spectrum Sensor. Instead of delivering a jarring screech immediately, it uses a friendly, clear human voice to tell you exactly what the danger is and which room it is located in. It also performs automatic daily self-tests on its internal speakers and sensors, reporting its health directly to your phone.

• Sensors: Split-Spectrum smoke sensor, electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor, and heat sensor
• Power Options: Battery-powered (6 AA lithium batteries) or 120V hardwired version
• Self-Testing: Automatically checks speakers, siren, and sensors daily
• Pathlight Feature: Motion-sensing light illuminates walkways in the dark

If you select the hardwired 120V version, installation requires basic electrical knowledge to connect the wiring safely, whereas the battery-powered model simply screws into the wall or ceiling. Like all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the entire unit must be replaced after 10 years of use due to natural sensor degradation.

This device is excellent for anyone wanting remote fire and carbon monoxide monitoring with clear, localized notifications. It is unnecessary for homes that already have a professionally monitored, whole-home security system equipped with dedicated environmental sensors.

Indoor Camera – Eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24

An indoor camera serves as your eyes inside the home while you are away, allowing you to quickly check on pets, confirm that doors are closed, or investigate if an entry sensor is triggered. Rather than guessing why an alarm went off, you can pull up a live video stream to assess the situation. This immediate visual confirmation prevents unnecessary stress and false emergency calls.

The Eufy Security Solo IndoorCam C24 offers sharp 2K resolution and on-device artificial intelligence that accurately distinguishes between humans and pets. What makes this camera particularly appealing is its support for local storage via a microSD card, allowing you to view recorded footage without paying for a monthly cloud subscription. Its compact, unobtrusive frame makes it easy to position on bookshelves, mantels, or counter spaces.

• Resolution: 2K clarity with infrared night vision
• Storage Options: Local microSD card (up to 128GB, sold separately) or optional cloud backup
• Smart Integration: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
• Audio: Two-way talk with built-in microphone and speaker

Because this camera relies on a continuous power connection, you must place it near a standard wall outlet, which may limit placement options in large rooms. Additionally, positioning the camera to look out a window to monitor a yard is not recommended, as glass reflection will distort the infrared night vision and trigger false motion alerts.

This camera is highly recommended for budget-conscious travelers who want clear, subscription-free indoor surveillance to check on their home or pets. It is not suitable for outdoor use, as it lacks weather protection, nor is it meant for those who want a battery-operated indoor camera.

Garage Door Opener – Chamberlain myQ Smart Control

The garage door is one of the most common entry points for home break-ins and a frequent source of “did I remember to close it?” anxiety. Leaving a garage door open not only exposes valuable tools and vehicles but also provides sheltered access to the interior of your home. A smart controller lets you check the door’s status and close it remotely from the airport or highway.

The Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control is a simple, cost-effective upgrade that turns almost any existing garage door opener into a smart device. It consists of a wireless door sensor and a wall-mounted hub that communicates with your home Wi-Fi. The mobile app sends instant push notifications if the garage door is left open for a specified period and allows you to close it with a single tap.

• Compatibility: Works with most major brands of garage door openers manufactured after 1993
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled, operating via the free myQ mobile app
• Safety Features: Flashing warning lights and audible beeps sound before the door closes remotely
• Delivery Integration: Supports Amazon Key for secure in-garage package delivery

The system requires mounting a sensor to the garage door panel, which runs on a coin-cell battery that will need periodic replacement. It is also critical to verify that your garage has a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal, as metal garage doors can sometimes interfere with wireless connectivity to the main household router.

This device is a perfect, stress-relieving addition for any traveler who frequently worries about whether they closed the garage door after leaving for a trip. It is not compatible with older, one-piece tilt-up garage doors or openers that lack modern safety reversing sensors.

Security System – SimpliSafe 5-Piece Wireless Kit

A comprehensive security system ties your individual doors, windows, and motion sensors together under one central control panel. Rather than managing isolated gadgets, a complete system provides a unified defense network that can alert you—and emergency dispatchers—the moment an intrusion is detected. It is the ultimate layer of protection for an unoccupied home.

The SimpliSafe 5-Piece Wireless Kit is highly favored for its exceptional ease of installation, featuring peel-and-stick sensors that require no tools or drilling. The system includes a central base station with a built-in siren, a keypad, a motion sensor, and entry sensors for doors or windows. In the event of a power outage, the base station contains a backup battery that keeps the system running for up to 24 hours.

• Kit Components: Base Station, Keypad, Entry Sensor, Motion Sensor, Key Fob
• Power Backup: 24-hour backup battery in the base station
• Cellular Backup: Built-in cellular connection (active with monitoring plan) to bypass Wi-Fi outages
• Monitoring Options: Self-monitoring or optional 24/7 professional police dispatch

While the physical installation is incredibly fast, utilizing advanced features like cellular backup, smartphone control, and professional police dispatch requires subscribing to SimpliSafe’s monthly monitoring plan. Additionally, the base station must be positioned in a central, open location in your home to ensure it can communicate reliably with all wireless sensors.

This kit is ideal for renters and homeowners who want an expandable, easy-to-install security system backed by optional professional monitoring. It is not the best choice for those who want a completely free, advanced smart home system with no monthly fees whatsoever.

Simplifying Your Smart Home Security Setup

Integrating multiple smart devices can quickly become overwhelming if you have to juggle dozens of separate mobile apps on your phone. To keep your system streamlined, focus on compatibility with major smart hubs like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Home. By linking your devices to a single dashboard, you can monitor your entire home’s status—from the front door lock to the indoor cameras—at a glance.

Grouping devices into automated routines makes vacation preparation incredibly simple. For instance, you can set a single “Away” command that locks the deadbolt, arms the SimpliSafe system, turns off the water valve, and starts the randomized smart plug schedules. This unified approach eliminates the risk of forgetting to activate individual devices before rushing out the door to catch your flight.

Crucial Tests to Run Before You Lock the Door

Never wait until the morning of your departure to set up or test new smart security devices. Give yourself at least a week of regular use to verify battery life, adjust motion sensitivity zones, and ensure alerts are configured properly on your smartphone. This trial period prevents annoying false alarms from draining your phone’s battery while you are trying to relax on your trip.

Device Type	Pre-Trip Inspection Task	Corrective Action If Needed
Cameras & Doorbells	Check battery levels and clear the lens	Recharge to 100%; wipe away dust or spiderwebs
Smart Locks	Verify door alignment and latch smoothness	Adjust strike plate; install fresh AA batteries
Water Monitors	Run a manual valve shutdown test via the app	Ensure the valve closes fully without binding
Smart Plugs	Test the randomized “Away Mode” schedule	Adjust start and end times to match evening hours
All Devices	Check Wi-Fi signal strength in the device app	Reposition router or add a Wi-Fi range extender

Before locking the door, run a full physical simulation of your system’s performance. Test the backup power systems, manually trip a window sensor to confirm alerts go through, and check that the Wi-Fi signal reaches your furthest outdoor cameras. Finally, clear any overgrown branches or holiday decorations that might trigger motion sensors on windy days, ensuring your smart home remains quiet, secure, and fully operational.

Investing in a few thoughtfully chosen smart home devices turns a vacant house into a highly responsive, self-monitoring home. By selecting tools that communicate with one another and testing them before departure, you can travel with absolute confidence. Enjoy your journey knowing your home is safe, secure, and only a smartphone tap away.