11 Summer Travel Safety Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation

Summer vacation is a time to relax, explore, and make lasting memories—whether you're embarking on a scenic summer road trip, flying overseas for international travel, or just enjoying some sightseeing a few hours from home. But before you pack your sunscreen and load the kids up in the back seat, it’s essential to think about how you’ll keep your home safe while you're away.

These 11 summer travel safety tips will give you the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your time away.

Before you leave: Preparing to go out of town

When it comes to making sure your home is safe while you’re away on summer vacation, a little bit of preparation can play a key role in giving you peace of mind. These safety tips touch on things you can do at home before taking off on your travels.

1. Pause mail and deliveries

A pile of packages or an overflowing mailbox are clear signs no one’s home. Before you leave for vacation, pause your mail and ask a neighbor to pick up any packages that might show up on your front porch. Pausing your mail is as easy as filling out a form with the post office, and it’s a simple step that keeps your home from looking empty.

2. Keep travel plans off social media

Have a conversation with your family about waiting until you return home from your vacation to share photos and videos online. As tempting as it is to share about an upcoming trip and post your beach photos or hiking adventures in real time, broadcasting your absence on social media sends a clear message that your home is empty.

3. Ask a trusted neighbor to check in

Leave a spare key and your contact information with a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member. They can check on your home, water plants, pick up anything that gets left on your front porch, and alert you if anything seems off.

While you’re away: Let Vivint keep watch while you relax

When you're miles away on a trip, it's comforting to know your home is still protected. Vivint smart home technology gives homeowners the tools they need to stay connected, safe, and stress-free while traveling, all from one easy-to-use app.

4. Mimic your daily routine with smart lighting

Burglars often look for homes that appear unoccupied. Use smart lighting to set lights to turn on and off at random intervals or times, mimicking home occupancy at night. Whether you're gone for a weekend getaway or a long international trip, automated lighting can give you peace of mind by making it seem like someone is always home.

5. Lock up with confidence using smart locks

There’s nothing worse than leaving home and suddenly wondering, Did I lock the front door? With Vivint Smart Locks from Quickset, you can lock or unlock your doors remotely using the Vivint app—no need to turn back to check or bother a neighbor to try your front door. And, since Smart Locks allow you to add up to 50 unique access codes, you can give temporary access to a trusted family member or house sitter while you’re away without handing out a physical key.

6. Know you closed the garage with Garage Door Control

Leaving your garage door open can expose valuables and create easy access to your home. Vivint Garage Door Control lets you close (or open) your garage from your cell phone, no matter where you are. You’ll receive alerts if the door is left open too long, and you can shut it with a simple tap in the Vivint app.

7. Monitor everything with security cameras

Whether it’s a delivery at your front door or movement in your backyard, the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro and Doorbell Camera Pro have you covered while you’re away. You can check in on camera feeds at any time via the Vivint app.

8. Stay connected with the Vivint app

No matter where summer travel takes you, the Vivint app keeps you informed in real time. Check in on security camera feeds, adjust the thermostat, and more—from anywhere.

Bonus: Safety tips for the road and abroad

Making sure your home is secure is just one aspect of summer travel. Here are a few tips to keep your vacation fun, safe, and smooth—whether you're road-tripping with young children or catching a flight overseas.

9. Prepare a first aid kit

Every summer road trip should include a stocked first aid kit. Include bandages, pain relievers, allergy medications, and anything specific to your family’s needs.

10. Protect your skin

Long days in the sun mean higher risk of sunburn and dehydration. Keep sunscreen handy, and make sure everyone in your group stays hydrated.

11. Safeguard your finances

Before your trip, notify your bank and credit card companies so purchases made in a new location don’t raise red flags. Carry more than one form of payment and keep them in different places in case one is lost or stolen.

Ready to protect your home while you travel?

A Vivint smart home system offers more than just security—it offers peace of mind. With smart cameras, locks, app control, and more, you can travel with confidence, knowing your home is protected while you’re away. And, with 24/7 monitoring, if something does go wrong, you can rest easy knowing that a team of Vivint professionals are ready whenever you need them.

Explore Vivint smart home solutions for a safe summer—wherever your travels take you. Learn more or speak with a Vivint Smart Home Pro at 855.822.1220 today.