We live in a world where you no longer have to wonder “Did I lock the door?” or “What if a package gets stolen?” while you’re sipping coffee in a hotel lobby or hiking through a national park. Thanks to smart home technology, you can manage and monitor your home with a tap of your smartphone, even from thousands of miles away.
This post isn’t just about fancy gadgets—it’s about real solutions that enhance your lifestyle, save you money, and reduce anxiety when you’re away from home. Whether you’re a solo traveler, RV road tripper, digital nomad, or weekend warrior, these 10 smart home products are investments you’ll actually use—before, during, and after your trip.
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1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Category: Home Security / Remote Access
Control From: Anywhere via smartphone
If you’ve ever left home and panicked, wondering if you locked the front door, this device is for you. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock lets you lock and unlock your door remotely, check its current status, and even generate secure digital keys for friends, pet sitters, or house cleaners—all without replacing your original lock.
What makes it especially valuable while traveling is its activity history, so you can see who enters or exits your home and when. The lock also integrates with smart home assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for voice control.
Pro Travel Tip: Use auto-lock when leaving for the airport and temporary guest access for trusted neighbors or dog walkers.
2. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Category: Surveillance / Package Protection
Control From: Ring app with two-way talk
This doorbell is a must-have for Amazon shoppers or anyone who gets packages delivered while traveling. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 lets you see and speak to visitors using your phone—even if you’re 2,000 miles away.
It features motion detection with radar technology, delivering more accurate alerts and coverage. Combined with two-way audio, you can communicate with delivery drivers or deter suspicious visitors in real-time.
Pro Travel Tip: Set up motion zones to get alerted only when people walk up to your door—not every time a car drives by.
3. Kasa Smart Plug (TP-Link)
Category: Energy Management / Remote Appliance Control
Control From: Kasa app, Alexa, or Google Home
The Kasa Smart Plug gives you full control over lamps, fans, slow cookers, or electronics with just your phone. It’s perfect for setting custom on/off schedules to simulate activity at home and helps avoid electrical risks by turning off devices accidentally left on.
It’s also an ideal travel companion for hotels or vacation rentals—just plug it in and pair it with your device for an instant smart upgrade.
Pro Travel Tip: Use “Away Mode” to randomly power lamps or radios for a lived-in look while you’re away.
4. Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs
Category: Lighting / Security Illusion
Control From: Hue app, voice assistants
These energy-efficient bulbs do more than save power—they allow you to customize your lighting remotely, from dimming to color-changing effects. With scheduling, automation, and motion detection features, they’re perfect for making your home look occupied while you’re away.
Philips Hue bulbs also support geo-fencing, meaning your lights can turn off when you leave the house and turn on when you arrive—automatically.
Pro Travel Tip: Pair with motion sensors or Alexa routines for the most realistic home automation while you’re gone.
5. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Category: Climate Control / Energy Efficiency
Control From: Google Home or Nest app
This isn’t just a thermostat—it’s a self-learning smart device that studies your habits and adjusts the temperature accordingly. When you’re away, it knows to conserve energy, and when you’re on your way back, you can warm or cool your house before you walk in the door.
It also sends alerts for extreme temps, system failures, or maintenance issues—huge if you’re out of town during a storm or heat wave.
Pro Travel Tip: Activate Eco Mode while you’re away to save energy and reduce your utility bills.
6. Blink Mini Indoor Camera
Category: Security / Monitoring
Control From: Blink app with cloud storage
The Blink Mini is compact, reliable, and budget-friendly. Set it up in your living room, bedroom, or entryway to monitor activity while you’re gone. It features live streaming, two-way talk, night vision, and optional cloud or local storage.
Whether you want to check in on your pets, plants, or home, the Blink Mini makes it simple to get a clear view—anytime, anywhere.
Pro Travel Tip: Place one near the pet’s favorite napping spot so you can check in and talk to them while you’re away!
7. myQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Hub
Category: Access Control / Security
Control From: myQ app
The myQ Garage Hub allows you to open and close your garage door remotely. It’s a great tool if someone needs to access your garage while you’re away—or if you leave in a rush and forget to shut the door.
It’s also compatible with Amazon Key, so your packages can be safely delivered inside your garage instead of left on your porch.
Pro Travel Tip: Use notifications to verify when your garage door opens/closes for added peace of mind.
8. Apple AirTag / Tile Pro
Category: Luggage Tracking / Asset Protection
Control From: Find My app (Apple) or Tile app (Android)
If your luggage has ever been delayed, lost, or stolen, you know how frustrating it is. These trackers let you pinpoint the exact location of your suitcase, backpack, keys, or even pet collar from your phone.
AirTags work with Apple’s vast Find My network, while Tile Pro is a great alternative for Android users with loud ring tones and last-seen mapping.
Pro Travel Tip: Add one to your checked bag so you can track it before the airline can.
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9. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G Hotspot
Category: Connectivity / Portable Wi-Fi
Control From: Nighthawk app
This powerful portable hotspot supports fast 5G internet with the ability to connect up to 32 devices. It’s the perfect companion for travelers who work on the go, stream content, or manage smart home devices remotely.
It also features a long battery life, touchscreen control, and secure encryption, unlike public Wi-Fi at cafes or hotels.
Pro Travel Tip: Bring it for road trips, RV adventures, or international work trips where reliable internet is a must.
10. Google Nest Protect (Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector)
Category: Safety / Emergency Alerts
Control From: Nest app
While you’re away, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should still be doing their job. The Google Nest Protect takes it further by sending real-time alerts to your phone if something is wrong.
It’s equipped with a split-spectrum smoke sensor, voice alerts before the alarm goes off, and easy app controls. You’ll never miss a potentially dangerous situation again—no matter where you are.
Pro Travel Tip: Install one near your HVAC system and kitchen for maximum peace of mind while you’re traveling.
Modern travel is all about flexibility and freedom—but it’s hard to fully relax when you’re worried about what’s happening back home. With these smart home tools, you can leave for your trip knowing your house is safe, your belongings are secure, and you’re just a tap away from checking in.
From remote door locks to video feeds, thermostat control to Wi-Fi hotspots—these tech upgrades not only support your lifestyle, they help power it. Investing in smart home technology pays off in convenience, peace of mind, and long-term energy savings.
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