Yes—within limits. A self-watering urban planter box can be genuinely useful if you travel often, because it stores water in a reservoir and lets the soil draw moisture through a wick or capillary system. Instead of needing water every day, plants can often go several days or even a week or two between refills, depending on the box size, weather, and plant type. For frequent travelers, this reduces the stress of leaving plants behind and makes short trips much easier.
However, it is not a complete substitute for care during long absences. Small reservoir planters dry out quickly in heat, windy conditions, or full sun, and thirsty plants such as tomatoes or leafy greens may still need frequent refills. If you are away for only a long weekend or one to two weeks, a large-capacity self-watering planter combined with mulch and drought-tolerant herbs or ornamental plants can work well. If you travel for a month or more, you should still arrange a backup plan, such as a neighbor, a drip irrigation timer, or a larger water storage system.
To get the most benefit, choose a planter with a generous reservoir, test it before your trip, and group plants with similar water needs. Keep the reservoir full before you leave, shade the planter from the hottest afternoon sun if possible, and avoid overfilling the soil, which can cause root problems. A self-watering urban planter box is therefore a helpful travel tool, but it works best as part of a thoughtful watering strategy rather than as a magic solution.