8 Connected Home Gadgets for a Stress-Free Vacation

Smart home devices aren’t just for when you’re actually at home. They can be just as useful when you’re away, and are a sure-fire way to contribute to a stress-free vacation.

Here are eight gadgets for your connected home that will help you check in and run things even when you’re away.

[1] Ring Video Doorbell 2

With the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can see who’s at your door anytime. This device will let you know when someone rings your doorbell, includes a motion sensor, and lets you check in on the video feed whenever you want.

It features two-way audio so you can talk to important visitors or let delivery people know what to do with packages. This is important since around 30 percent of Americans who live in a house or townhome have dealt with package theft.

Looking for other Ring home security products? See our take on the Ring Stick Up Cam.

[2] August Smart Lock Pro

August Smart Lock Pro. Image: August Home.

Have you ever left the house and wondered if you remembered to lock the door? That’ll never happen again if you install the August Smart Lock Pro. The gadget locks your door automatically when you leave the house and lets you check if your door is closed and locked from your smartphone. If you’re having someone check up on your home while you’re on vacation, you can grant them temporary access or let them in remotely.

Read more about the technology behind August here.

[3] Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit

Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit. Image: Lutron.

You can make all of your lightbulbs smart with a Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit from Lutron. When you’re away on vacation, you can use the kit’s Smart Away function, which randomly turns lights on and off in the evening, to make it look like you’re at home. You can schedule the lights to come on and turn off at specific times or control them with your phone.

Looking for more info on smart lighting? See our in-depth review of the Lutron Caséta Wireless system.

[4] GogoGate2 Smart Garage Opener

You may want to pay special attention to your garage when preparing to leave on a trip since around 70 percent of home intruders get access to the home through the garage door. The GogoGate2 Smart Garage Opener is the perfect way to do that. It lets you open, close and monitor your garage door from anywhere. The device will send you an alert anytime your garage door opens or closes, and you can integrate it with a smart camera so you can check in on your garage from anywhere.

Read more about GogoGate and other smart garage door openers in our product round-up.

[5] Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

GogoGate2 Smart Garage Opener system. Image: GogoGate. — Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller. Image: Rachio.

If you’re an avid gardener, leaving your plants behind can be the hardest part of going on vacation. With the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, though, you can manage and monitor your watering remotely.

Just connect it to your sprinkler system, and you can turn your sprinklers on and off from your smartphone. You can also set a watering schedule, which the device will automatically adjust based on local weather. If it rains, for instance, Rachio will cancel that day’s watering so your plants don’t get too much moisture.

Read more about Rachio and how it works with Apple HomeKit here.

[6] Netgear Arlo Q HD Security Camera

Netgear Arlo Q HD Security Camera. Image: Netgear.

The Netgear Arlo Q HD Security Camera is a robust smart camera that’s packed with features yet easy to use. The camera offers 1080p HD-quality video, integrated infrared lights that enable night vision, and two-way audio. It can also send you an alert if it detects motion or noise. The camera can either record continuously or only when it detects motion or sound. You can also connect up to 15 cameras to one account.

Before you start installing your camera, check out our tips for placing security cameras around your home.

[7] Furbo Dog Camera

If you’re going on a short trip and can’t bring your pet, leaving them home alone is hard, even if you know a trusted friend or family member is stopping by to check on them. Smart home tech for dog owners, like the Furbo Dog Camera, can help give you peace of mind.

Furbo features a 1080p HD camera and high-quality two-way audio. It will also send you an alert if it detects barking and lets you set the sensitivity of bark detection based on your dog’s typical noise level. You can also load up the device with up to 100 treats, activate a snack call, and launch treats using your smartphone.

[8] Nest Protect Smoke and CO Alarm

Nest Protect Smoke and CO Alarm. Image: Nest.

A smoke detector won’t do much good if no one’s home—unless it’s the Nest Protect. This smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector will send an alert to your phone if something triggers it. From your phone, you can see why the alarm went off and where inside the home it detected the problem. You can also hush the alarm from your phone and get alerts about your alarms’ battery levels.

Bon Voyage!

Vacation should be relaxing, but worrying about what’s going on at home can make it hard to unwind. These smart home devices can help give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your time away more fully.

Guide to the Connected Home