The best security for your home during your vacation abroad

Finally it's allowed again; on vacation! Wherever you go, your house will just stay put. And that's where most of your possessions will be left as well. At least, that's the idea. Because if burglars come while you are away, there is a chance that your valuables will be gone when you get home. This fear plays into the minds of many vacationers, making a relaxing vacation more likely to be stressful. By securing the home better you not only secure your home and hearth, you can enjoy trips across the border more from now on. What is the best way to secure your home during your vacation abroad?

Locks on doors and windows

Most burglars drop out within minutes. A lock is not there to keep people out permanently, but mainly to discourage burglars. Approved locks and anti-intrusion strips on the window frames are already very effective, also do not forget to secure windows that can be opened. With smart locks you don't even need a key anymore, this is extra secure. There are completely replacement smart door locks, or extensions to an existing lock. There are smart locks that neatly register when the door is opened, you will then automatically receive a notification. This is also very handy to check if your children have come home from school safely, for example when you are not at home yourself. So you benefit from this all year round.

Alarm System

It actually goes without saying that you install a wireless alarm system. You can buy these with and without a camera, some systems are expandable with sensors that detect motion and/or sound. In combination with a bridge you can link other smart home solutions, you can read more about that below.

IP camera

There are all-in-one alarm systems including a camera; you can also purchase stand-alone IP cameras that you can in turn link to a central home automation system. Although wireless IP cameras very flexible in terms of placement, it does matter that a good Wi-Fi signal is present. Sometimes you will need to place signal boosters to improve the connection. If you are afraid of power outages and/or failure of your internet connection, you can choose an IP camera with a backup battery. There are even options like a camera from Somfy that can send a notification via SMS in case of an outage. This works even with power outages and a wifi network down. You can then take action from the vacation address.

Let 'ghosts' haunt home

When the first automatic sliding doors were introduced, it seemed like magic. How could a door open automatically, and how does that door actually know I'm standing in front of it? Now we know (sort of) how this works, you can also turn on these invisible "spirits" at home to make your home seem lived in. For example, you can have lights turned on and off on a timer or by a light sensor. You can use automatic window coverings to shut out potholes while the curtains just open during the day. This "business as usual" look works tremendously well as burglary prevention. Just be sure to mow the lawn properly before you go out, or leave this chore to a robotic mower.

Provide internet abroad

Since some of the above solutions work over the Internet, you will also need to have an Internet connection at your travel destination. While you can of course secure the property locally, and notify people nearby, it's nice when you can keep an eye on things yourself. In addition to free wifi spots and wireless Internet in a hotel room, it can be smart to provide mobile Internet as well. After all, open wifi networks are not always well secured, and you don't know in advance where you will have coverage. In many countries today, wireless Internet is very well covered. Within the EU, no roaming charges apply, so you can use your existing internet bundle at no extra cost. Outside Europe you can often buy a tourist SIM, which you can buy in many places where tourists visit. You do not always have to leave a video connection open, the ability to receive notifications is often sufficient. When notified, you can immediately take further action.

Where there is smoke, there can also be fire

Also, don't forget smart smoke detectors to be installed, on every floor of the home. After all, danger does not only come from outside, dangerous situations can also arise in the home. Also in this case, you will receive notifications from anywhere in the world, in addition, you can immediately notify neighbors or family in the area.