There’s nothing worse for people who love to travel than home responsibilities that hold them back. Every passionate traveler likes to feel that kind of freedom that allows them to leave any time and enjoy adventures like exploring Texas wineries, weekend lake getaways, or even some longer travels like month-long escapes to Europe. 

If there are some barriers at home, they need to be removed first in order to travel without thinking about anything other than that amazing new experience. 

So in this article, we’ll dive deep; well, not THAT deep, but deep enough so that you can Fort Knox your home, get it properly camera’d, and fully buttoned up – good ol’ Texas-style security. Well, to get proper security over here, you’d also need a dog, but we won’t cover that one, since, if you do go and travel, who’ll feed the dog and make sure there’s enough water in the summer heat? 

So yeah, number one would be to get yourself a Shep, a Mal, or a Rottie, you know, any of them fierce, dangerous, and loyal breeds.

But yeah, let’s get on with the real number one.

1. Get a Smart Security System

You can’t go far away, let alone enjoy a beach day in Port Aransas while worrying about your front door. That’s where a smart security system is a game changer. It protects your home and sends you real-time notifications on your phone. When you see with your own eyes that everything is safe and sound at home, you can enjoy your day away with no pressure.

Put these home security features at the top of your list:

• Motion-detecting cameras that let you view all your entry points live
• Smart door locks that can be opened remotely, so you can let someone in without a spare key
• Glass-break detectors to signal a possible break-in 
• Voice activation by Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for hands-free control

You’ll feel protected knowing your house is secure even when you’re in another part of town or another county.

2. Implement a Lock-and-Leave Entry System

For guests, pet sitters, or weekend tenants, a secure and easy entry system saves time and reduces risk.

Smart entry innovations to consider:

• Video doorbells that send live visitor notifications and cloud storage
• Keyless entry solutions with programmable codes for different users
• Secure package drop systems that prevent theft on lengthy journeys
• Automatic porch lighting to provide a human presence

Creating an entry that operates in your absence allows for control of access with ease of mind. If you’re out for a brief weekend getaway (or for longer), with this setup, you don’t have to bother neighbors or friends/family for keys or unexpected check-ins in case of an emergency.

3. Create a Passive Income Space

Your house can pay for your travel budget instead of draining it through bills and other expenses. One smart option is to convert a basement, garage studio, or spare bedroom into a short-term rental. In Austin and other tourist-clogged cities, there’s a year-round demand for private rooms.

You don’t need to construct a suite of luxury. Simple, functional, and well-lit rooms with private entry and access to a half-bath are all you need to list on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

4 steps to get started:

1. Check local regulations to see if short-term renting is allowed in your area.
2. Add solid, easy-to-clean furniture and neutral tones.
3. Create a keypad lock for contactless entry and remotely manage access.
4. Rent out a local cleaning service to prepare the space between reservations.

Homeowners often use home equity to finance the installation. The Wall Street Journal reported a sharp home appreciation in the Austin real estate market in recent years (especially 2020-2022), making Austin refinance options a practical way for the city’s residents to fund home improvements without dipping into their savings (too much).

Each city and each state has its own quirks/market trends when it comes to real estate, and getting all the help you can get is always the better choice.

For people who already have built significant home value, refinancing can free your funds with minimal payments and decent interest rates. It is especially useful if you plan on traveling a lot and want the home to help finance it.

4. Automate Utilities and Maintenance

The worst scenario of a ruined vacation is the one when you get a call and hear there is a burst pipe in your home, or return and see a sky-high electric bill. Automation tools are able to make your home run smoothly, even when you’re miles away.

Equipment recommended:

• Smart thermostats allow you to regulate heating and cooling remotely and save energy
• Leak detectors placed near appliances and pipes give an early warning of water damage
• Smart irrigation systems adjust watering schedules automatically based on weather
• Energy monitors track and monitor power consumption when you’re away

Automation doesn’t just protect your house from damage; it also assists with managing long-term utility bills. 

5. Create a Travel-Friendly Utility Space

A home that supports regular travel isn’t just about what happens when you’re gone. It’s more about how easily you can prep to leave and adjust when you return.

Intelligent utility space features:

• A packing station with a countertop area for bags and built-in storage
• Visible shelving for travel items like adapters, power banks, and toiletry kits
• A dedicated charging station for devices that go with you
• A few laundry hampers or baskets to sort trip-ready, dirty, and clean clothes

The purpose is to avoid last-minute packing pressure and make readjustment to daily life easier.

Conclusion

Your home should be made in a way that supports your way of life, and at the same time, this means that it should never limit it. Whatever trip you are planning, and whatever destination you choose, smart home upgrades will make it easier for you to leave home and return smoothly. 

Basically, think security, think maintenance and fixing, and prevention, and think automation. If you also want to earn extra to cover those traveling costs, then also go a step further and do something about those ‘passive’ earnings.

By doing that, you’re free to travel without a worry in the world.