Home Security Tips While Traveling

Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

Traveling should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or a month, your home needs to stay safe while you’re gone. A little preparation before you leave can go a long way toward protecting your home, your valuables, and your peace of mind.

In this guide, you’ll find practical steps you can take to boost your home security while on vacation, from choosing the right security system to smart habits that make your house less of a target.

Why Home Security Matters When You’re Away

When you’re not home, your property becomes more vulnerable to break-ins, weather damage, and other unexpected problems. Even a few days away without preparation can lead to risks like:

• Burglaries or attempted break-ins
• Frozen pipes during cold weather
• Power outages affecting appliances
• Newspapers piling up and alerting thieves
• Missed package deliveries left in plain sight

Taking steps to protect your home doesn’t just save money; it also saves stress.

Choose a Home Security System That Works for You

Investing in a home security system is one of the best things you can do to protect your home during a trip. These systems come in many forms, including:

• DIY kits with door and window sensors
• Professionally installed systems with 24/7 professional monitoring
• Smart systems that you control from your phone

Look for features like entryway sensors, motion detectors, and smart locks. A system that notifies you instantly when something unusual happens is a strong defense against theft.

Add Cameras to Keep an Eye on Things

A modern security camera setup can give you live access to what’s happening around your property. Many homeowners choose security camera systems that include:

• Outdoor cameras to monitor doors, driveways, and yards
• Indoor cameras for checking pets or packages
• Video doorbells to see who’s at your front door

Some systems connect with your phone, letting you check live video from anywhere. Motion alerts can also help you know when something or someone is detected.

If you’re looking for an advanced option, consider a smart doorbell camera that records every time someone approaches. These are especially helpful if you expect deliveries while you’re away.

Secure All Points of Entry

Before heading out, walk around your home and check all the ways someone could get in. Pay close attention to:

• Garage doors: Unplug automatic openers or use a smart lock
• Door locks: Reinforce strike plates and use deadbolts
• Windows: Lock them and consider window sensors
• Spare keys: Avoid hiding keys under mats or rocks; this is the first place thieves look

If you use contact sensors, check that they’re working properly. These sensors notify you when a door or window opens, so they’re especially helpful while traveling.

Install Smart Devices for Remote Control

Smart homes aren’t just for convenience. Devices like smart thermostats, smart lights, and smart plugs can help keep your home safe when you’re not around. For example:

• Smart plugs can turn lights on and off on a schedule
• Smart thermostats help regulate temperature to avoid frozen pipes
• Smart lights can make your home appear occupied

These tools help avoid obvious signs that no one is home. That can reduce the risk of burglary.

If you’re already using a system like Google Nest, take time to review the settings before your trip. Ensure cameras and sensors are active, and set up notifications so you’re alerted to activity in real time.

Don’t Forget About Outdoor Safety

Many burglars check for homes with poor exterior lighting or overgrown shrubs that hide their movements. To boost home security, try the following:

• Install outside lights with motion detection
• Trim bushes and trees near doors and windows
• Lock gates, garages, and sheds
• Store ladders and tools where they can’t be used to gain access

A clean and well-lit yard tells criminals that you care about safety.

Alert a Trusted Neighbor

If you have a trusted neighbor, ask them to keep an eye on your property while you’re gone. Give them:

• Your travel dates
• A way to reach you
• Instructions for checking mail or packages
• A backup key, if you trust them fully

Having someone you know and trust look in occasionally can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. If something does happen, you’ll have someone nearby to respond quickly.

Pause Deliveries or Ask for Help

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers can attract the wrong kind of attention. Before you leave:

• Pause mail delivery at USPS.com
• Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up packages
• Cancel or delay newspaper delivery
• Sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager and UPS My Choice

Some homeowners also install a package drop box or use smart delivery lockers. These keep deliveries out of sight even when you’re away.

Use Smart Lighting and Timers

Leaving a light on the whole time you’re gone might seem like a good idea, but it’s not very convincing. Instead, use timers or smart devices to vary when lights turn on and off.

• Choose lights in visible areas like living rooms and porches
• Set them to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime
• Vary the schedule if you’re gone for more than a few days

This gives the impression someone is still home and active.

Check Your Home Insurance Before You Leave

A vacation is a perfect time to review your home insurance policy. Make sure you know:

• What’s covered while you’re away
• How to file a claim if damage or theft occurs
• Whether your current coverage includes smart devices or remote monitoring

Some insurance providers may even offer discounts for using a security system or smart technology. If you’re not sure, contact your agent before your trip.

Learn more from our article on the Basics of Insurance.

Protecting Your House from Natural Hazards

Theft isn’t the only concern while traveling. Natural disasters can damage a home if you’re not there to respond. Common threats include:

• Heavy storms that cause leaks or flooding
• Wildfires in dry regions
• Cold weather that leads to frozen pipes or cracked windows

If your area is prone to these risks, take extra precautions before your trip. Clean gutters, check sump pumps, and insulate pipes if needed. If you’re leaving during summer months, check that air conditioning works well to avoid heat damage to electronics or stored items.

Credit.org offers disaster recovery services for those affected by natural disasters.

Make Your Vacation Home Safer Too

If you’re heading to a vacation home, make sure that property is also protected. You may not live there full-time, but that doesn’t mean it should be less secure. Consider:

• Installing vacation home security systems with mobile alerts
• Adding smart devices like door sensors and lighting
• Securing valuables out of sight when the home is empty

Vacation homes often sit empty for long periods, making them targets. A small investment in security now could prevent large losses later.

Stay in Control with Monitoring Services

Some homeowners feel more comfortable knowing that professionals are keeping an eye on their house. A monitoring service provides:

• 24/7 alert response
• Emergency dispatch if alarms are triggered
• Insurance benefits in some cases

If you choose professional monitoring, make sure the provider is certified and experienced. Be sure to test your system before leaving to make sure everything is functioning properly.

hat to Look for in the Best Security Systems

Not all alarm systems are created equal. When choosing the best security systems for your needs, think about the following features:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Integration with smart devices and mobile apps
• Compatibility with existing home automation (such as Google Nest)
• Backup power and cellular communication in case of outages
• Easy setup and user-friendly interfaces

Systems with strong mobile apps allow you to arm and disarm your alarm, watch live video, and receive notifications, all from your phone.

Compare brands and read reviews, especially if you’re investing in your first system. Whether it’s a basic kit or a full-service plan with remote control, you want something reliable and easy to use.

Set Your Alarm System Before You Leave

Before heading out, double-check that your alarm system is armed and ready. This may seem obvious, but many homeowners forget this final step in the rush of travel prep.

Things to verify:

• All doors and windows are shut and locked
• Entryway sensors and motion detectors are active
• Notification settings are turned on
• Backup power sources are charged or plugged in

If you have a mobile app, test it while you’re still nearby. You should be able to trigger the alarm and receive alerts to make sure everything is working.

Vacation Home Security and What You Need to Know

Leaving your main residence is one thing, but owning a second property adds another layer of responsibility. Vacation home security should never be an afterthought.

Most problems in vacation homes go unnoticed for too long because no one is there to respond. For this reason, it’s smart to install:

• Surveillance cameras, indoors and out
• Environmental sensors (for water leaks, smoke, or frozen pipes)
• Smart thermostats and lighting systems
• Remote access through apps or control panels

You may also want to hire a local caretaker or professional monitoring service to check on the home regularly.

Protect Other Valuables Before You Leave

Traveling means you’re not just leaving your house behind; you’re leaving your possessions too. Some items may need extra attention:

• Jewelry, cash, and small electronics should be hidden or locked up
• Firearms, medications, and sensitive paperwork should be secured in a safe
• Garage contents should be covered, organized, and locked

If you keep valuable tools, bikes, or recreational gear in a visible area, move them out of sight or store them temporarily elsewhere.

Take special care to secure any documents that could be used to steal your identity. We offer a free course on Identity Theft Prevention through our FIT Academy. This online course will help you protect your identity while you’re protecting your personal property.

Reduce Visibility of Your Travel Plans

You might be excited to share your vacation photos, but wait until you’re home. Broadcasting your absence on social media tells potential burglars that no one is around.

To protect your privacy:

• Avoid posting live updates about being away
• Share pictures and stories after you return
• Turn off geotags or location-sharing features on your apps

Even casual mentions of travel, like “We’ll be gone all week,” can be risky. Be selective about who knows your plans.

Secure Your Car and Garage Door

If you leave a car in the driveway, be sure it’s locked and free of valuables. If possible, park it in the garage and use a garage door lock or disable the remote.

Other car-related safety tips:

• Remove garage door openers from any cars left outside
• Don’t leave documents in the glove box that show your home address
• If using long-term parking, choose secure lots with surveillance

A garage door is one of the most overlooked points of entry. Even when closed, older models can be pried open. A simple bar lock or smart opener adds another layer of protection.

Use Your First Paycheck or Bonus Pay Wisely

If your trip falls during a 3 paycheck month or you’re expecting a bonus paycheck, consider using that extra income to upgrade your security system. A new security camera, stronger door locks, or a better home insurance policy can all be smart uses of an unexpected windfall.

Big-ticket items like smart home hubs or professional monitoring packages become easier to afford with this kind of bonus. It’s a practical way to turn short-term gains into long-term safety.

Keep an Eye on Temperature and Utilities

Depending on the season, your home’s internal temperature could create problems while you’re away. To prevent damage:

• Set your thermostat to a reasonable level (not too hot or too cold)
• Use temperature sensors to monitor changes
• Leave faucets dripping in winter to prevent frozen pipes
• Turn off water at the main valve if you’ll be gone for a long time

Smart thermostats can notify you if indoor temps drop too low or climb too high. This feature helps you avoid returning to burst pipes or moldy basements.

Maintain the Appearance of an Occupied Home

One of the most effective ways to prevent break-ins is to make your home look lived-in. That means:

• Mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs before you leave
• Asking someone to park in your driveway
• Leaving some curtains open, some closed
• Setting a radio or TV to turn on at random times

You can also use camera options with two-way audio. If someone approaches your front door, you can speak to them through the app, making it clear that the home is monitored.

Use Your Best Vacation as a Test Run

Have you taken your best vacation yet? If not, treat this one as a dry run for your home security plans. Each trip gives you the chance to refine your approach.

Ask yourself:

• What worked well while you were away?
• What problems came up that could have been avoided?
• Which tools or features gave you the most peace of mind?

Keeping notes after each trip can help you build a stronger, more personalized security setup over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even homeowners with good intentions sometimes make risky choices. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Leaving a spare key under a flowerpot or doormat
• Forgetting to arm the alarm
• Turning off your phone and missing alerts
• Posting your exact location on social media
• Failing to test the system before leaving

Double-checking these areas can help avoid accidents, miscommunications, or security gaps.

A Checklist Before You Go

Use this quick checklist before locking the door:

• Arm your alarm system and test the app
• Lock all windows, doors, and garages
• Turn on smart lights or timers
• Check security camera systems and adjust angles if needed
• Tell a trusted neighbor about your travel dates
• Unplug appliances or electronics to avoid fire hazards
• Secure valuables in a safe or hidden area
• Pause deliveries or assign someone to collect mail
• Review your home insurance policy

This short list ensures you’ve taken care of the most important steps to protect your home while traveling.

Consider Remote Protection Tools

Remote protection gives you real-time control over your home from anywhere in the world. This includes:

• Live streaming from security cameras
• Adjusting lighting or thermostat remotely
• Receiving instant alerts about break-ins or smoke
• Contacting emergency services directly from the app

If you travel often, this kind of setup may offer the most flexibility and control. It’s especially helpful if you manage multiple properties or rent out a vacation home.

How Smart Technology Supports Home Security

Smart home technology is one of the easiest ways to protect your house while you’re away. Many devices now work together as part of an integrated system. You can check in remotely, receive alerts, and control your home’s environment from a single app.

Popular smart tools include:

• Video doorbells with motion alerts
• Smart locks that let you lock or unlock doors remotely
• Motion-triggered outdoor lighting
• Indoor and outdoor security cameras with cloud storage
• Smart thermostats that help you avoid temperature damage

Systems like Google Nest make it easy to combine cameras, sensors, and other devices under one platform. This improves both convenience and peace of mind.

Make a Plan for Pets

If you have pets staying at home, extra planning is required. While some animals stay in kennels, others may remain at home with a sitter. In either case, make sure the person caring for your pets understands your home security setup.

Leave clear instructions for:

• Arming and disarming the alarm system
• Using smart door locks or codes
• Accessing emergency contacts
• Responding to alerts or system messages

Some camera systems even let you check on your pets directly. If you have an indoor camera with sound, you may be able to calm a barking dog with your voice.

Keep Your Travel Plans Off Your Voicemail

An often-overlooked security tip is updating your voicemail or home answering machine. Avoid messages like:

• “We’re out of town this week, please leave a message.”
• “Nobody’s home right now, we’re on vacation.”

These messages confirm your absence. Instead, keep voicemail greetings simple and general. There’s no need to share personal plans with strangers.

Be Careful What You Share on Social Media

Posting live updates about your vacation might seem harmless, but it can invite trouble. Sharing your location or travel photos while you’re still away lets others know your home is empty.

To stay safer:

• Wait until you’re back to post vacation highlights
• Avoid checking in at airports, hotels, or tourist spots
• Make sure your social apps don’t have location access while you’re gone

Double-check your privacy settings before you leave. Don't let Facebook automatically share your location. It’s best if only your phone’s map app knows your location during the trip. The less you share in real time, the more secure your home will be.

Don’t Overshare with Delivery Services

When using food delivery, grocery drop-offs, or online retailers, be careful about delivery instructions. If you’re leaving town:

• Don’t note “We’ll be gone, leave package behind gate.”
• Avoid instructing drivers to leave items in unusual places
• Turn off recurring deliveries if you’ll be gone for a while

Any detail that hints you’re not home could be seen or overheard by the wrong person. Keep communication simple, and cancel unneeded orders while you’re away.

Ask Local Law Enforcement for a Patrol

In many communities, you can request extra patrols while you’re away. Check if your local police or sheriff’s department offers:

• A vacation watch form
• Drive-by inspections
• Contact in case of suspicious activity

Having law enforcement drive by occasionally can discourage would-be thieves. It also gives you added support in case of emergencies.

Review Your Home Insurance Details

Before a big trip, check the fine print in your home insurance policy. Some policies may have rules or exclusions based on how long your home is vacant.

Questions to consider:

• Are there special conditions after 30 days of vacancy?
• Does your insurance cover vandalism or theft while you’re gone?
• Will your insurance cover damage caused by frozen pipes or power outages?

You may want to contact your provider and review the policy line by line. It’s also smart to take photos of valuables before you leave, in case a claim is needed later.

Automate What You Can

The more you automate, the fewer things you have to worry about. Even if you’re only away for a short time, automation can handle key tasks like:

• Turning lights on and off
• Adjusting thermostats
• Activating security cameras
• Locking or unlocking doors

Many systems let you program routines for weekdays and weekends. Some tools even simulate a daily routine by mimicking random activity throughout the house.

Automation adds convenience, but it also reduces the chance of human error. Just make sure to test your setup before leaving.

Communicate with Household Members

If you’re traveling with family, make sure everyone understands how the home will be protected. Talk about:

• Who will receive alerts from the security system
• What to do if a sensor goes off
• How to contact a neighbor or emergency service
• What to check when you return

Sharing the plan helps everyone stay calm and informed. It also creates backup in case your phone dies or you lose internet access while traveling.

After You Return: Inspect and Reboot

Once you’re home again, take time to walk through the property. Check that:

• All doors and windows are still secure
• Nothing appears out of place or tampered with
• Your system recorded any alerts or activity logs
• Smart devices are back to normal schedules

This is also a good time to refresh batteries, restart devices, and update any software or firmware. A quick reboot after your trip keeps your system reliable going forward.

Make Home Security Part of Your Financial Plan

Strong home security isn’t just about safety; it’s also part of smart financial planning. A single break-in can cost thousands of dollars in lost property and home repairs.

If you need to save up for a vacation or to improve your home's security, set a savings goal. Start with our article on financial goals: examples and tips. You’ll find useful guidance on how to prioritize saving for what's most important.

You may also want to consider setting funds aside for system upgrades. These could include:

• Adding new security cameras
• Upgrading to a full home security system
• Switching to a service with professional monitoring
• Investing in a fireproof safe or smart lock system

These upgrades may offer long-term savings through reduced risk and lower insurance costs.

Consider the Benefits of a Staycation

Not all travel has to involve leaving your home. If you’re concerned about safety, finances, or timing, consider planning a staycation instead. Our article on ideas for staycations includes helpful ways to relax and enjoy your time off without the risks that come with leaving home unattended.

Staycations also let you make use of your existing smart tech, enjoy home comforts, and save on gas, flights, or hotels.

Planning Safe Travel in a Post-COVID World

Health and safety remain top priorities, even as travel continues to bounce back. For ideas on safe, affordable travel, check out our tips in 11 travel tips for a post-COVID world. You’ll find useful advice for staying healthy, budgeting your trip, and making smart choices during your time away.

Safe travel starts with a safe home. By following the steps in this article, you’ll be better prepared to relax and enjoy your journey, whether it’s across the country or just across town.

Wrapping Up: Smart Protection for Every Type of Home

Securing your home while traveling takes more than just locking the door. Whether you’re guarding a full-time residence, a vacant home, or a seasonal getaway like a beach house or rental property, smart tools and habits make a big difference.

Even small upgrades can help: adding contact sensors to windows, setting instant notifications, or choosing a system with monthly fee transparency. If you’re researching providers, compare companies like Vivint System and look for services that include traditional monitoring or total control options.

If you’re trying to reduce risk from home burglars, break-ins, or natural disasters, be sure to address vulnerable spots. Install motion sensors, replace weak door locks, and make sure camera options provide a clear view of entry points.

For families who spend time at a vacation home or split time between locations, it’s smart to build a system that includes vacation home protection and full remote control access. When paired with a remote protection plan, this gives homeowners peace of mind across multiple properties.

And remember: the best protection includes your surroundings. Whether it’s a car parked in the driveway, a garage door left unlocked, or a pile of newspapers by the door, small signals can attract trouble. Keeping up with more tips, like those found in our full guides, will help you stay safe year-round.

Take the Next Step Toward Financial Confidence

Home security is part of a bigger picture: protecting your future. At Credit.org, we help people across the country strengthen their finances and gain peace of mind.

If your travel plans are part of a bigger goal—like building savings, paying down debt, or protecting your home—we’re here to help. Our nonprofit team offers:

• Free credit counseling
• Debt management plans
• Housing counseling for renters and homeowners
• Help understanding your credit report

You don’t have to do it alone. Visit Credit.org's counseling services to get started. Together, we can help you feel more confident about your home, your money, and your future.