Keys and house key: bring, pack, check or organize for travel and backpack abroad

What are house keys (when traveling)?

• Simple: keys to your own house, your parents' house, your temporary residence, or to the mailbox where all your mail piles up while you're lying on a beach bed.
• When traveling, an ordinary house key suddenly turns into a VIP pass for returning home - and a potential headache if you lose it.

What can you use house keys for when traveling or backpacking?

• To get back into your own house after months of backpacking without first forcing open the windows (or waking your mother up at 3:00 in the morning).
• To let a friend or housemate check your mail or water the plants.
• For access to storage spaces or mailboxes that you don't want to lock during your trip.
• But of course you'd rather not take them with you.

When do you take house keys with you when traveling or backpacking?

• Whenever you plan to return to your home or room and can’t leave them behind.
• When you’re making a stopover in your home country.
• When you have a safe place for them during your trip.

What can you do to prevent losing your house key?

• Don’t take your entire set of keys with you when you travel. Leave car keys, work keys or bicycle keys at home.
• Create a separate bag or compartment in your backpack or daypack for important items such as keys and passports.
• Give a spare key to someone you trust, in case you or someone else needs access.
• Make a label with your email address (not your full address!) so that honest finders can contact you.
• Consider a smart lock or combination lock for your home if you travel often.

Where can you keep keys safe when traveling?

• In your hand luggage, and never loose in your trouser pocket.
• In an inside pocket of your backpack (and possibly labeled as “not important” to mislead curious fingers).
• In a safe at your accommodation if you are staying somewhere for a longer period of time and do not want to take any risks during day trips.
• Ultimately, you run the least risk if you do not take them with you.

How can you insure your keys through your travel insurance?

• Keys themselves are usually not covered by travel insurance, but the consequential costs in the event of loss (such as replacement locks or extra hotel nights) can sometimes be covered.
• Check with your insurance whether your personal belongings and associated costs (such as loss of luggage containing keys) are reimbursed.

What are modern or digital alternatives to house keys while traveling?

• Your old-fashioned key is no longer the only way to open a door these days.
• Smartlocks (such as Nuki, Yale, Tedee, Linus, Bold): open your door with your phone, a PIN code, or even remotely via an app.
  • Handy if you want to give someone access while you are meditating on a mountain top in Peru.
  • You can often also create temporary codes for pet sitters or Airbnb guests.
• Digital key boxes: hang them by your door and only share the code with those you trust.
  • Especially useful if you need to give access to multiple people during your trip, or if you regularly forget your key (you know who you are).
• Apps and home automation: some smart locks integrate with this, so that your door obeys you with your voice.