Short answer: You can monitor your home while on vacation using smart home devices that connect to an app on your phone. Cameras and video doorbells let you see and speak to anyone at your door from anywhere, smart locks let you lock or unlock your door remotely, and smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors send alerts straight to your phone. Together they let you check in on your home in real time, no matter where you are in the world.
Remember when a getaway felt like a someday plan? In 2026, it’s back on the calendar. The only thing standing between you and that out-of-office reply is one small worry: what’s happening at home while you’re gone. That’s where a little smart home tech earns its keep, letting you keep an eye on things from anywhere so you can actually relax.
How can I keep an eye on my home while I’m on vacation?
Sophisticated, intuitive smart home products are designed to work together, or with your existing connected devices, to tell you what’s happening at home when you’re not there. As a Google Nest Pro, Reliance® is trained to professionally install and set up your Nest products so everything is connected and working correctly from day one. Here’s what each device does:
| Device | What it does while you’re away |
|---|---|
| Nest Cam (outdoor and indoor) | See a live view of your property in real time and get alerts when there’s activity. |
| Nest Doorbell | See and speak to anyone at your door from your phone, so it looks like you’re home. |
| Nest x Yale Lock | Lock or unlock your door remotely to let in a house sitter, dog walker, or plant waterer. |
| Nest Protect | Sends an alert to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected at home. |
Want the setup done right? Our Smart Home Technicians handle installation and walk you through how everything works.
Where are Canadians travelling in 2026?
According to Contiki Tours, these are some of the top travel destinations for Canadians in 2026.
Italy
Gelato-fuelled afternoons and pasta-fuelled nights. Cruise the Amalfi Coast, grab a panino in Florence, and romanticise your life with a glass of wine in Tuscany. Someone at your door back in Canada? A Nest Cam (Outdoor) or Nest Doorbell lets you see who it is and even talk to them through the Nest app1. P.S. they don’t even have to know you aren’t home.
Japan
From the neon buzz of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto, Japan is topping every 2026 bucket list. Need to let someone in to water the plants? The Nest x Yale Lock2 lets you open the door from your phone, then send them a selfie from the bullet train.
The Nile Cruise
Channel your inner Cleopatra and float down one of the most famous rivers in the world. See the pyramids up close and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Feeling a little homesick? Check in on your Nest Cam (Outdoor)3 to spot the raccoons in your yard who aren’t missing you one single bit.
Costa Rican Adventure
Do you know who has mastered the art of relaxing? Sloths. Do you know where they live? Costa Rica. Learn how to chill from the pros while you zipline through tropical forest, drink excellent coffee, and check in on your home from a gorgeous beach.
Travel more. Worry less. Book a free in-home Smart Home consultation before your next trip.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Smart Home System
To help you get the most out of the Smart Home solutions available, consider professional in-home installation and personalized setup from Reliance — it can optimize your in-home experience. You can rest assured that each in-home installation technician is specially trained. They’ll arrive with all the parts, equipment and tools necessary to get the job done right, not to mention the expertise to ensure a safe and efficient installation process. They’ll also conduct product testing and take the time to demonstrate and fully explain the features and functionality of your new Smart Home products to make sure you’re delighted.
For more Smart Home information, read our Tips for Whole-Home Security, and check out the Home Watch Bundle on our Bundles page!
Visit our Ultimate Home Comfort Trends Guide to learn more about what’s trending this year!
1Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi.
2Some features, including mobile alerts, remote control and custom schedules, require the Nest app, working internet and Wi-Fi, and Nest Connect or Nest Guard.
3Some features, including mobile notifications and remote control, video streaming, and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi.
Google, Nest Doorbell, Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, Nest Protect and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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