Going on Holidays? Smart Home Security Essentials for Peace of Mind in 2026
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Time to read - 4 min
Whether you're heading abroad for two weeks or enjoying a long weekend away, staying connected to your home while you're on holiday has never been easier. Modern smart home security technology allows you to monitor your property, receive instant alerts, and even speak to visitors at your front door from anywhere in the world. With the right setup, you can relax on the beach knowing your home is secure. Whether you invest in a video doorbell, interior or exterior security cameras, there is an affordable way for everyone to upgrade their smart home security.
In this guide, we'll cover the essential smart home security products available from DID Electrical that can help safeguard your home in 2026.
Why Smart Home Security Matters When You're Away
In the past, people have often relied on neighbours or relatives to check on their home while they are on holiday. With today's smart home security options, you can stay connected to your home while you are away to give you full peace of mind.
So, what can you do with a smart home security system?
Get real-time alerts to your phone
Live video monitoring from anywhere in the world
Two way communication with visitors or delivery drivers - so you never miss a caller
Night vision and 24/7 surveillance
Motion detection with adjustable area coverage
Playback on recorded events
Facial recognition
Pan and tilt coverage with weatherproof protection
Our Recommendations for setting up your Smart Home Security System
Install a Smart Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is often the first smart home security device that is added to a home. It provides security and allows for two-way communication with visitors and delivery drivers. No more missed deliveries and parcel depot trips. It gives you evidence if you have a delivery which doesn't arrive or is stolen. There are a range of premium and budget options. You can also choose to wire your device or use a battery. Both options can be installed without requiring an electrician. The battery option is a very simple plug and play DIY installation. The wired option is also a simple enough job, but may require a more seasoned DIY enthusiast!
Always refer to the manufacturer's manual before installing your device.
Add Outdoor Security Cameras
The second piece of smart home security that you should consider is an outdoor camera. It is the perfect companion to your doorbell. The outdoor camera will give you a wider field of view compared to the doorbell, which you can adjust to monitor specific areas. We recommend opting for a multipack, so you can cover the front, back and sides of your home.
Add Indoor Camera for extra coverage
The indoor camera is a useful and inexpensive way of montioring inside your home. We love it for keeping an eye on your pets, especially if you are at work for the day. An indoor camera can also be useful for mounting inside your shed, especially if you are storing expensive tools or a motorbike. These items are often targeted by thieves, having a camera can help to act as a deterrant for opportunists.
Strengthen your wi-fi network
Your home security system relies on your Wi-Fi network. Depending on your setup, your camera may not record if you do not have a stable connection. If you decide to configure your smart home security setup to record to cloud storage, than you need to have a stable consistant wi-fi connection.
You can be covered during a power outage if your device is battery powered and is storing video locally. However, you likely won't have access to the live view or smartphone notifcations. For a seamless experience, we recommend adding a wi-fi extender to your home set-up. This will make sure you can always access all your smart home security devices. This is especially important if you have a camera in your garden or shed, where the wi-fi connection may not be as strong as inside your home. We also recommend opting for cloud storage or cloud backups to protect your footage.
Smart Home Security Checklist: Before You Travel
The last bag has been packed. The immersion is off, the fridge has been trusted to keep running. Before you lock up the house, make sure to do a quick run thorugh of the checklist below:
✅ Test all cameras and doorbells
✅ Check batteries are fully charged, if required
✅ Enable motion alerts
✅ Verify cloud or local storage settings
✅ Update device firmware
✅ Confirm your Wi-Fi network is stable
✅ Share access with trusted family members, if required
Smart Home Security 2026 FAQs
What is the best smart home security device for holidays?
A video doorbelland outdoor security camera are usually the best place to start, as they provide visibility of visitors, deliveries and activity around your home.
Do smart home security cameras work abroad?
Yes. Most modern cameras and video doorbells can be monitored through smartphone apps from anywhere with an internet connection. Before you leave, make sure your devices have a secure and stable wi-fi connection. The devices need to be connected to wi-fi if you want to access live view options while you are abroad.
Are wireless security cameras reliable?
Modern wireless smart home security cameras offer high-quality video, motion alerts, night vision, and secure connectivity, making them a practical smart home security option for many homes. At DID Electrical, we offer reliable popular brands such as Eufy, RingandTapo.
Can I install a smart home security system myself?
Many smart home security products available from DID Electrical are designed for simple DIY installation. In particular, battery-powered and wire-free models. For many smart home security products, you should not require an electrician and should be able to install the device at home yourself. Always refer to the manual and manufacturer's guidelines, these can vary by product and brand. Electrical and wiring work should be undertaken by a trained professional.
Do I need a subscription for smart home security?
No, you are not required to have a subscription for smart home security products. You can opt for a device with local storage options. Just note that some features may only be available with subscription accounts. You will need a subscription if you want to store your footage in the cloud.
