For the most part, traveling is a wonderful thing. You get the chance to relax, explore the world, and do things you normally wouldn’t have the time or freedom to enjoy. However, the one downside of traveling is that many of us feel anxious about leaving our home unattended for the duration of our time away. We may organize for a neighbor to keep an eye on the place, or even arrange a house-sitter if we’ve got the cash to spare, but these options are far from ideal. There is always an element of risk when you leave your home unattended… or there used to be, until now.

The Digital Age has meant that leaving your home unattended while you travel is safer than it has ever been before. Here are a few ideas you might want to consider before your next trip…

Monitored security systems

The term “security systems” can be confusing, as these systems do tend to monitor security, but they also provide notifications for issues such as fire.

The major benefit of these systems is that you are not 100% relying on the technology alone. The “monitored” aspect is the real benefit; you don’t just have to wait to be alerted to an issue– you can check in with the house yourself via video feed. Companies like Suddenlink Communications have put together packages that can allow you to monitor your house while abroad with the same thoroughness you’d apply at home, ensuring you complete peace of mind no matter where you are in the world.

Virtual doorbells

If you’re fed up of returning home from your travels only to find that you’ve missed important deliveries, then a virtual doorbell could be the answer you have been waiting for.

These doorbells will notify you, via a phone app, when someone rings your doorbell. You will then be able to connect to your doorbell and communicate with the person at the door– you can give information about where to leave a delivery, or quickly reassure a surprise-visiting friend that you’re not intentionally ignoring them. Some doorbells even allow you to issue access to the house if you see fit, though this is best reserved for genuine emergencies or people you know you can absolutely trust.

Smart lighting

Smart lighting is one of the most efficient ways to make yourself appear as if you are at home when you’re not. Rather than relying on old-fashioned timers (which are restricted to turning lights on and off at certain times), you are able to control the lights remotely at any point during your vacation.

Smart speakers

For an extra layer of authenticity to accompany the above, consider installing a smart speaker that you can remotely control. Use this to play music at random points of the day, so if anyone is casing your home, they will presume that you’re in residence– even if you’re thousands of miles away.

The ideas above should help you to travel with complete confidence that your home is safe, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time away.