Tech tips to help keep your vacation stress free

By: Atsi Shah

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Whether you’re planning to go on vacation, or leaving your vacation home unoccupied, I’m sure there have been moments where you’ve felt you’re leaving your home vulnerable. Fortunately, installing smart technology in your home will relieve the stress of wondering if you really did switch off the lights or lock the back door. By deploying a few smart tech solutions, you will be able to protect your home, belongings and even the kids, right from your smartphone, all while enjoying some much needed downtime.

Protect your home

If you are looking for a home security system that has a lot of key components, the Canary all-in-one smart device will be the right fit for you. This device will be your eyes and ears as it specializes in adapting to your home and making sure nothing suspicious happens. However, if it does detect unusual activity, Canary will send you notifications with HD video and audio directly to your smartphone. So, if you’re a parent with a teenager, this is the best home security system to have – now you’ll know if there really was a party or if the vase broke on its own.

If you’re forgetful like me, the Wemo Mini Smart Plug is your best bet. This system will control all of your lights and appliances right from any smart device. So imagine this – even if you leave the straightener, lights or oven on, you can switch it all off without anyone ever knowing.

Now, if you’re concerned about your electric bill while you’re away and the appliances are off, ThermostatE will keep your home temperature regulated as well as your bill. In fact, not only will it adapt to your preferred temperature, you also have the ability to program it from your smartphone.

Safeguard your belongings

Now that your home is covered using smart home options, you can focus on your trip. While it’s important to keep your home safe, it’s just as imperative to stay safe while you’re away.

While you may not dress like a tourist, a pickpocket has a keen way to tell you apart from the locals. The Tile helps has Bluetooth tracking technology that will help you keep track of your belongs. Just attach a Tile to your bag, inside your wallet or tablet case. If something goes missing, you can use Tile’s app to track down your item.

Keep track of the kids

Many of us may be guilty of losing track of our keys and wallets, but no one wants to lose track of their kids. The GizmoPal 2 can help ease some parental anxiety. This device is specifically designed for children who aren’t quite ready for a cell phone of their own, allowing them to call up to four people, which you designate, in case of an emergency. The GizmoPal2 also allows you to set GPS boundaries that will alert you if your child leaves a defined perimeter. Let’s face it, kids will be kids, and traveling to an overcrowded amusement park, a big city or to a sprawling resort can sometimes be overwhelming for parents of young and active children. The GizmoPal allows your entire family to explore and have fun, while giving you some added piece of mind.

With these helpful gadgets, you don’t need to worry about your home, your belongings and most importantly your family. So relax, and enjoy your vacation, because you deserve it.

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About the author:

Atsi is an intern for Verizon's external communications team. When she's not at Rutgers, she likes to travel, read and ski in her free time. 

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